If you have toured more than one assisted living community, you have probably heard “levels of care” explained three different ways. The idea underneath is simple. Everyone pays the same for the room. People who need more hands-on help pay more for care.
How a level gets set
In Minnesota, a registered nurse assesses each person before move-in. The assessment looks at what help is needed with daily activities: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, using the toilet, walking and transferring, and managing medications. It also looks at memory, behavior and safety.
The community converts that assessment into a level, a point score, or a list of priced services. Oakwood uses four levels.
What usually separates one level from the next
- How many daily activities need help. Reminders cost less staff time than hands-on help.
- Medications. Setting up and giving medications is often what moves someone from the first level to the second.
- Transfers. Needing one person to help you stand is different from needing two.
- Nighttime needs. Help during the night takes staffing.
- Health tasks. Diabetes management, catheter or ostomy care and similar nursing tasks.
When levels change
Assessments are repeated on a schedule and after a change in condition, such as a hospital stay. A level can go up. It can also come back down after recovery, and it is fair to ask for a reassessment when someone has improved.
Questions that keep the bill predictable
- Can I see, in writing, what each level includes and costs?
- Who does the assessment, and can family be there?
- How much notice do we get before a level change takes effect?
- What was the most common reason residents moved up a level last year?
Levels at Oakwood
Oakwood has four levels of care priced at $930, $1,560, $2,250 and $2,850 a month, added to a $6,810 base rate. See the full rate sheet.
Add a plain description of what each Oakwood level includes once the community supplies it.
General information only. It is not legal, financial or medical advice, and program rules change. Check details with the Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433), your county, your insurer or a qualified advisor.