Assisted Living in Nevada

Between the bright lights of Las Vegas and the sleepless energy of Reno, the Silver State has much to offer in the form of entertainment. But Nevada is not all shopping, gambling and fine dining. The state also prides itself on large and isolated valleys, towering mountain ranges and the beautiful and tranquil Mojave Desert. Residents and tourists alike enjoy the natural attractions that Nevada has to offer.

Residents in communities of assisted living in Nevada may choose to embark on a timeless ride through the Entertainment Capital of the World or opt for the quiet tranquility of the more natural part of the state. Whichever they choose, they’ll find their home in Nevada.

Assisted Living in Nevada Defined

The state of Nevada defines assisted living as “an establishment that furnishes food, shelter, assistance and limited supervision to a person with mental retardation or with a disability or a person who is aged or infirm.” Communities of assisted living in Nevada, also known as a residential facility for groups, provide seniors 65 years of age and older room, board and assistance with activities of daily living, including:

• Grooming
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Preparation of meals
• Shopping
• Laundry
• Cleaning
• Social services
• Transportation

While seniors who live in assisted living facilities require professional supervision and care services, they are generally free from serious, debilitating illness unlike residents at skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, who receive intensive, round-the-clock medical care from on-site staff.

Cost of Assisted Living in Nevada

Most communities of assisted living in Nevada charge a monthly rental fee for room and board that varies between $1,895 to $3,500 depending on the location and size of the agency. Residents frequently pay out-of-pocket for assisted care, although the state of Nevada has issued a few options for those with low-income.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in a Nevada assisted living facility:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

The Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division Assisted Living Waiver is available for seniors 65 and older who fall within specified income guidelines and meet the requirements for assisted living care. Many facilities also accept Veterans Benefits for former servicemen and women and their spouses.

Regulation of Assisted Living in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services oversees licensing and monitoring of assisted living homes. Their mission, as defined by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance, is to “protect the safety and welfare of the public through the promotion and advocacy of quality health care through licensing, regulation enforcement and education.”

The Nevada State Health Division provides online, up-to-date reports on facility inspections and licensing, using their grading point system. Each facility is issued a grade depending on how well they meet the Nevada Administrative Code. An “A” is the best grade a facility can receive, showing only small administrative issues. A “D” is the worst grade, illustrating that serious harm or even death has occurred. Facilities who receive two consecutive “D” grades will have their license revoked.

Caregivers at Nevada assisted living communities must complete no less than eight hours of training per year depending on the individual needs of the residents. Within 60 days of being hired by a new facility, caregivers must complete an additional four hours of related training to meet the requirements of residents admitted with mental retardation or mental illness, chronic illness, Alzheimer’s disease and other disabilities. Caregivers who work with seniors requiring help with medication disbursement must undergo an additional 16 hours of training.

Find Assisted Living in Nevada

Assisted living may be found in Garderville, Henderson, Las Vegas, Sparks and other parts of Nevada.

Written by senior housing writer Chrysti Harrison.