Assisted Living is sometimes used to
describe the full spectrum of residential care options. In
Michigan, Assisted Living refers to specific residential
settings which are usually privately owned, for-profit
facilities. There is no specific licensing category for assisted
living facilities in Michigan, although some facilities have
licensed portions of their facilities as AFC or HFA facilities.
While there are no specific licensing requirements, the
definition of Assisted Living most frequently describes a
variation of a Personal Care Home. Also, because there are not
specific licensing categories or regulations, there are great
variations in how services are delivered as well as the types of
services available. Nationally, there are two primary elements
which distinguish assisted living facilities from other
institutional settings. The first element is a individual unit
or apartment with bathroom and kitchen facilities allowing
greater privacy for residents. The second element is that of
greater independence and control for residents in determining
how and when personal care assistance will be received.
Personal care services are usually provided by centralized
staff. Some facilities specialize in providing services to
people with physical impairments while others may target
services specifically for the elderly.
Since there are no specific licensure requirements for
Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan or on a National level,
payment for care in Assisted Living Facilities is almost always
on a private pay basis. Neither Medicare or Medicaid will pay
for services provided in these facilities in Michigan. Private
insurance payments for such services may be available depending
upon the type of policy purchased.
