According to a recent news story, assisted living and other residential care facilities are looking more and more like nursing homes. A large percentage offer skilled nursing services, case management, and physical or occupational therapy.
For consumers, this trend significantly expands their care options beyond moving to a nursing facility or staying at home. But it also means they need to be very careful in their choices: If they move into a residential care facility expecting high levels of assistance, they need to be very sure the operator is equipped to deliver that service.
Likewise, owners of care facilities need to recognize that a new generation of residents needs more assistance with activities of daily living and greater medical support.