Utah Assisted Living Facilities

Cost of Utah Assisted Living Facilities

According to the 2015 Genworth Financial cost of care survey, the average cost of assisted living in Utah is $3,000 per month.

The monthly base rate for Utah assisted living is typically lower when compared to neighboring states. Utah is also less expensive compared to the national average.

This cost is the base cost for a one-bedroom assisted living unit in Utah. Additional fees beyond the base rate may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Monthly Costs Compared to Neighboring States

Utah	$3,000
Nevada	$3,238
Idaho	$3,240
Arizona	$3,420
New Mexico	$3,500
U.S.	$3,600
Colorado	$3,750
Wyoming	$3,900

Assisted Living Regulations

Utah defines an assisted living facility as either a Type 1 facility, which provides assistance with ADL's for two or more people who are capable of evacuating the building in case of emergency without assistance, or a Type 2 facility, which are more homelike and provide24 hours a day of supportive personal care and health services to people who may need no more than one additional person to assist them in evacuating if necessary.

Utah Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

Facilities are not required to, but may choose to provide intermittent nursing care. Facilities must provide these services: - personal care, - food service, - housekeeping, - laundry, - maintenance, - activity programs, - administration, and - assistance with self-administration of medication, and - arrange for necessary medical and dental care.

Utah Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Neither Type 1 or Type 2 facilities may admit any residents that have active TB, are a danger to themselves or others, or require continuous nursing or inpatient hospital care. Type 1 facilities may admit residents who have stable health, are capable of self-preservation in case of an emergency, require limited assistance with ADL's, and receive regular medical care. Residents who enter Type 2 facilities may need significant assistance in two or more ADL's.

Utah Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Using a mandated form, an assessment must be completed at intake and then again every six months. The assessment plans are used to create service plans for each resident.

Utah Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Licensed staff may help with medication administration, and unlicensed staff may help with self-administration. There are four options regarding medication administration. 1) The resident may self-administer; 2) The resident may self-direct with staff assistance; 3) Family members may administer, but must have total responsibility for all medications; and 4) Staff may administer with appropriate delegation from a licensed health care professional

Utah Assisted Living Facility Requirements

In a private residence, there must be a minimum of 120 square feet of livable space and in a double-occupancy residency unit, there must be a minimum of 200 square feet. No more than two residents are permitted per residence unit. Private bathrooms are not required.

Utah Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents and be present in the facility 24 hours a day. Staff must be at least 18 years old, and in the Type 2 facilities, be a certified nurse's assistant. An administrator must be employed to operate the facility; the administrator must be 21 years old at least and complete a criminal background check. Type 1 facilities only require an associate's degree, while Type 2 facilities require at least an associate's degree and significant related training.

Utah Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Five Medicaid home and community-based services waivers are utilized for assisted living facilities, including Aging, Acquired Brain Injury, Community Supports, Physical Disabilities, and the New Choices Waiver. Each waiver has its own level of care requirements and qualifications.

Utah Alzheimer's Unit Requirements

As long as the residents can evacuate the building with the assistance of one person, than a Type 2 facility may open an Alzheimer's unit. One staff member with training in this population is required to be on the unit at all times.

Utah Medicaid Coverage of Assisted Living and Related Services

The State of Utah pays for services in assisted living residences through a Medicaid waiver benefit. It is an Aging Waiver for Individuals Age 65 or Older. At times, it may be referred to as adult foster care and / or the Elderly Waiver.

The formal name is the Utah Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver and it is intended to assist older individuals with high levels of care needs. The services rendered through the plan helps prolong independent living and prevent unnecessary placement in nursing facilities.

The Utah Home and Community Based Services Benefits

The waiver offers case management services in addition to the following benefits:

- Adult Day Health Services - Social and care activities during daytime hours in a group environment

- Chore Services - Light yard work and maintenance around one's home

- Emergency Response Systems - electronic monitoring and call service for emergencies

- Environmental Accessibility Adaptations - modifications to one's home or vehicle

- Home Delivered Meals - hot or prepared meals

- Home Health Aide

- Homemaker Services - laundry, housekeeping, cleaning etc.

- Medication Reminder Systems

- Non-Medical Transportation

- Personal Attendant Program Training

- Personal Attendant Services

- Respite Care Services - for the primary caregiver

- Specialized Medical Equipment - durable medical equipment for the home

How to apply - it is available throughout the state of Utah but there is a maximum number of positions for eligible persons. Learn more by downloading this printable brochure about this program. You may contact the Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services at 1-801-538-3910 or visit their website.

What is the best number to call to get started? 1-801-538-3910

What is the website? http://health.utah.gov/ltc/AG/AGHome.htm

Utah Aging Waiver Contact Information

Division of Aging and Adult Services

195 North 1950 West

SLC, UT 84116

Phone:

(801) 538-3910

Email: daas@utah.gov

Department of Health, Facility Licensing, Certification and Resident Assessment

Phone (801) 538-6158

Contact: Carmen Richins Phone (801) 538-6158