Alabama Assisted Living

Overview of Alabama Assisted Living

Back to top Alabama is often called “the Heart of Dixie,” a name referring to the state’s geographical location in the center (or heart) of the South. With a mild year-round climate and infusion of Southern charm, it won’t take long for seniors who choose assisted living in Alabama to fall in love with the “Yellowhammer State.” Having such extensive involvement in the Civil War and later the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama is perhaps most famous for its historical past. History buffs will enjoy a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery.

Assisted Living in Alabama Defined

Back to top Assisted living in Alabama is defined by the Alabama Department of Public Health as a facility in which

“an individual, individuals, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or any other entity that provides, or offers to provide, residence and personal care to two or more individuals who are in need of assistance with activities of daily living.”

Alabama assisted living facilities are divided into three types based on size:

• Family Assisted Living cares for 2-3 adult residents.
• Group Assisted Living cares for 4-16 adult residents.
• Congregate Assisted Living cares for 17 or more adult residents.

Assisted living communities are different from nursing homes. Nursing homes are for individuals who require frequent daily medical care, while assisted living is better suited for adults who require assistance with the activities of daily living, but whom are otherwise independent. You can find Family Assisted Living and Group Assisted Living can be found in our Care Homes category and nursing homes in Alabama in our Nursing Homes category.

Regulation of Alabama Assisted Living Facilities

Back to top Assisted living communities in Alabama are regulated by the Alabama Department of Public Health and licensed by the State Board of Health. Before applying for a license, every assisted living home must conduct criminal background checks on its employees and provide proof that its buildings are in compliance with fire safety laws. The State Board of Health is responsible for inspecting assisted living facilities and ensuring that all requirements have been met before issuing a license. Following the application for and granting of the license, an assisted living home must display the license in a public area and is required to renew the license every year. The State Department of Health must also inspect a facility any time it receives a complaint or allegation of abuse from a resident.