Assisted Living Facilities in Texas

Assisted Living Facilities in Texas

Elizabeth Mendez

University of Maryland University College

Abstract

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) may be defined as a living arrangement in which people with special needs mostly older people with disabilities, reside in a facility that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and taking medications. These facilities are an option for many families whose loved ones need help with such activities. No federal standard for ALFs exist, so each state defines an assisted living residence differently. There are some federal laws that exist that impact assisted living communities but most oversight occurs at the state level. Many states are moving towards defining their assisted living facilities as such, but others use different terms such as residential care facilities or personal care. Arden Courts is an assisted living facility in San Antonio, Texas. This paper will explain what services are provided to which population. It will also explain the kind of provider Arden Courts of San Antonio is.

Overview and Definition

Texas defines assisted living facilities (ALFs) as facilities that provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). However, there are several different types of assisted living facilities in Texas: Type A facilities require residents to be capable of self-preservation in case of an emergency, does not require supervision while sleeping, and can follow directions. Type B facilities require that residents not be bed bound, but they may need help in an emergency or evacuation, need assistance transferring to and from a wheelchair and supervision at night or while sleeping. Type C facilities are a four bed foster care program for adults. In a Type D facility, residents are expected to be very independent, as no assistance with ADL’s are permitted beyond medication supervision. Residents must be able to follow directions, evacuate within three minutes in case of an emergency and not need supervision while sleeping.

The type of care provided in an ALF located in Texas varies depending on the type of facility. Typically, residents can get assistance with ADLs, medication assistance, and occasional nursing care according to the staff’s licensing and the ALF’s policies. A Type B ALF which is the preferred facility I will explain in my research serves mostly clients whose residents are not bed bound, but need help in an emergency, need assistance transferring to and from the bed to the wheelchair and supervision during sleep hours. Arden Courts in San Antonio, Texas is one of 54 facilities across the country. Its parent company is