Idaho Assisted Living
Idaho is known for being an economically-friendly state for retirees. The cost of living is lower than the national average, so people on a budget see their dollars go further than in many other parts of the country. Health care costs also trend lower, and those who receive social security will find that those payments are exempt from state tax. If you're considering a move to Idaho, read through the information below to learn about senior housing options, what you can expect to pay for those options, and Idaho regulations that govern senior communities.
The typical resident population in Idaho's assisted living communities is 70% female. Overall, 81% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 40% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 41% ages 85 and older.
Idaho licenses assisted living and residential care facilities through the Department of Health and Welfare. Both types of facilities provide support for individuals who need assistance with daily activities and personal care. The state also licenses adult foster care for certified homes that can provide care to one or two adults who are unable to live independently and require help with personal care, protection, and security.
Assisted Living facilities are not permitted to admit residents who require skilled nursing services. ALFs are not permitted to admit individuals with physical, emotional, or behavioral needs incompatible with other facility residents. Any prospective resident who is violent or a danger to themselves is not permitted. Residents requiring assistance walking or getting around the facility must reside on the first floor.
All assisted living facilities must have the capacity and capability to provide all needed and appropriate services and care to all residents. The basic services that they must provide for include
The ALF must assess each resident and use the assessment to create a service plan for each resident. The assessment will cover the level and frequency of ADL support, the need for health services, the level of medication assistance, any behavioral symptoms with appropriate interventions, and all physician's orders. Service agreements will be negotiated based on the results of this assessment.
There are several options available to residents regarding medications. Residents capable of self-administering their medications may do so; facilities are required to monitor the ability of the resident to maintain their self-medication. The facility may also assist in self-administration or administering medication for the resident. The only staff that is permitted to assist with medication are those who are licensed or trained and have completed a course. Only licensed professional nurses can administer medications.
The facility can only administer medications in medi-sets or blister packs that a pharmacist or a licensed nurse has filled. The first resort to behavioral issues cannot be psychotropic or behavior-modifying medications. The facility must use non-drug care to assist the resident’s behavior, and if psychotropic drugs are required, then the resident must be monitored for potential side effects.
Each day, the ALF must provide residents with three meals and snacks between meals and bedtime. The meals must consider the residents' food habits and preferences. Any resident who requires a therapeutic diet must have an order from a physician or another authorized provider. Before providing these meals, the facility must provide a planned and approved diet menu by a registered dietitian.
Each ALF must have an administrator supervising all staff. An exception may exist if a variance is issued, allowing an administrator to manage multiple facilities. The administrator must be on-site for adequate time to properly manage the staff and provide adequate care for the residents. Licensed staff must include a licensed nurse available to administer medication, review medication services, and delegate trained and qualified staff to assist residents with self-medication.
Trained staff must be available to provide resident services, and at least one direct care staff certified in first-aid and CPR must be on-site and in the facility at all times. Any facility that is licensed for 15 or fewer beds must have qualified and trained staff available during sleep hours. Still, they need to be awake only if there is a resident who is incapable of calling for assistance. In facilities licensed for 16 or more beds, staff must be awake and immediately available during resident sleeping hours. For facilities with multiple or detached buildings, qualified and trained staff must be available and present in each building.
A complete criminal history and background check must be performed on all employees and contractors with direct patient access.
Before staff can provide unsupervised personal assistance to residents, they must have a minimum of 16 hours of job-related orientation and 8 hours of job-related training per year. Licensed administrators must receive 12 hours of continuing education each year, which the Bureau of Occupational Licenses must approve.
In cases where a facility admits and retains any resident that has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, mental illness or traumatic brain injury, staff must be trained to provide for that resident’s special needs. The training could include an overview of the illness or disability, symptoms and behaviors, behavior management, adjustments required for the residents living environment, communication skills, integration with their rehabilitation services, ADLs, and use of adaptive equipment.
Apartment-style housing units are not required in Idaho. Each residential unit is allowed to house at most two residents. Facilities licensed before July 1991 are permitted to house up to four residents. One toilet must be provided for every six residents.
The services provided in assisted living communities generally fall under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities.
Most people move to assisted living communities because they seek convenient access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.
In Idaho, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 82% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 57% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 78% of ALFs have hospice services.
Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Idaho, 86% of communities conduct depression screenings, and 66% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 62% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all the necessary resources.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Idaho, 47% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 49% have high blood pressure, 30% have heart disease, 36% have depression, and 16% have diabetes.
A primary service of assisted living that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglect of household chores.
Residents in Idaho assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Idaho, 29% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (38%), toileting (49%), and walking (54%). Caregivers in ALFs help 49% of residents dress, and 71% need help bathing.
The average cost of assisted living care in Idaho is$3,838. This cost is $662 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Idaho is more than the national average by 2.1%, with health care costs nearly more than the national average by 2.8% and housing costs more than the national average by 10.4%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $3,500 in the Idaho Falls area to a high of $4,675 per month in the Couer d'Alene area of Idaho.
If you live close to one of Idaho’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is another affordable option. The only neighboring states with an average cost similar to Idaho are Nevada ($3,750/month) and Utah ($3,500/month). The cost of assisted living in the remaining border states exceeds the average in Idaho, with Wyoming and Montana averaging between $4,100 and $4,500. The cost in Oregon averages $5,045 per month and in Washington averages $6,000 per month.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Idaho assisted living residents have several resources at their disposal regarding facility compliance. The Bureau of Facility Standards works with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services to promote resident rights and enforce rule and regulation compliance. Idaho's Long-Term Care Ombudsman also advocates for residents, offering information to families and working with the Idaho Commission on Aging. Adult protective services is another branch available to handle abuse complaints, neglect, and exploitation.
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and helping obtain benefits through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, the field has grown to include cases involving elder abuse, elder neglect, and exploitation. Skilled attorneys can help older adults affected by these issues. Idaho offers several resources to help navigate these issues.
The Senior Medicare Patrol division of the Idaho Commission on Aging primarily deals with suspected Medicare fraud. The program also educates older adults and their caregivers about identifying Medicare fraud and other common scams that target this age group.
People needing legal assistance can contact their local Area Agency on Aging or get in touch with Idaho Legal Aid. Legal aid provides free legal advice to older adults and can assist with representation for civil legal issues.
Assisted living facilities require licensing to operate in Idaho. These communities must meet the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s health and safety standards. The local fire department must issue a statement confirming they are within range of fire assistance, and buildings must be evaluated for safety features and structural integrity.
Employees with direct access to residents must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Staff must also complete training covering medication assistance, supervision, intervention procedures for unsafe situations, and behavior management. New hires who will be working with residents must be supervised until they complete at least 16 hours of orientation training within the first 30 days of being hired. Additionally, eight hours of training must be completed each year. Communities that accept individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia are required to undergo targeted training that covers the unique needs of these residents.
The community must retain a licensed registered nurse to develop care plans for residents and conduct regular assessments to evaluate the need for potential changes in care. Assistance with medications can only be offered by staff members who have completed a medication assistance course through one of the local community colleges. This does not count toward the orientation or yearly maintenance training.
The typical resident population in Idaho's assisted living communities is 70% female. Overall, 81% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 40% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 41% ages 85 and older.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Requirements
Idaho licenses assisted living and residential care facilities through the Department of Health and Welfare. Both types of facilities provide support for individuals who need assistance with daily activities and personal care. The state also licenses adult foster care for certified homes that can provide care to one or two adults who are unable to live independently and require help with personal care, protection, and security.
Assisted Living Admission Policies
Assisted Living facilities are not permitted to admit residents who require skilled nursing services. ALFs are not permitted to admit individuals with physical, emotional, or behavioral needs incompatible with other facility residents. Any prospective resident who is violent or a danger to themselves is not permitted. Residents requiring assistance walking or getting around the facility must reside on the first floor.
Assisted Living Service Requirements
All assisted living facilities must have the capacity and capability to provide all needed and appropriate services and care to all residents. The basic services that they must provide for include
- Activities of daily living.
- Supervision.
- First-aid and emergency intervention.
- Assistance with and monitoring of medications.
- Coordination of outside services.
- Routine housekeeping and laundry services.
The ALF must assess each resident and use the assessment to create a service plan for each resident. The assessment will cover the level and frequency of ADL support, the need for health services, the level of medication assistance, any behavioral symptoms with appropriate interventions, and all physician's orders. Service agreements will be negotiated based on the results of this assessment.
Assisted Living Medication Provisions
There are several options available to residents regarding medications. Residents capable of self-administering their medications may do so; facilities are required to monitor the ability of the resident to maintain their self-medication. The facility may also assist in self-administration or administering medication for the resident. The only staff that is permitted to assist with medication are those who are licensed or trained and have completed a course. Only licensed professional nurses can administer medications.
The facility can only administer medications in medi-sets or blister packs that a pharmacist or a licensed nurse has filled. The first resort to behavioral issues cannot be psychotropic or behavior-modifying medications. The facility must use non-drug care to assist the resident’s behavior, and if psychotropic drugs are required, then the resident must be monitored for potential side effects.
Assisted Living Food Requirements
Each day, the ALF must provide residents with three meals and snacks between meals and bedtime. The meals must consider the residents' food habits and preferences. Any resident who requires a therapeutic diet must have an order from a physician or another authorized provider. Before providing these meals, the facility must provide a planned and approved diet menu by a registered dietitian.
Assisted Living Staffing Requirements
Each ALF must have an administrator supervising all staff. An exception may exist if a variance is issued, allowing an administrator to manage multiple facilities. The administrator must be on-site for adequate time to properly manage the staff and provide adequate care for the residents. Licensed staff must include a licensed nurse available to administer medication, review medication services, and delegate trained and qualified staff to assist residents with self-medication.
Trained staff must be available to provide resident services, and at least one direct care staff certified in first-aid and CPR must be on-site and in the facility at all times. Any facility that is licensed for 15 or fewer beds must have qualified and trained staff available during sleep hours. Still, they need to be awake only if there is a resident who is incapable of calling for assistance. In facilities licensed for 16 or more beds, staff must be awake and immediately available during resident sleeping hours. For facilities with multiple or detached buildings, qualified and trained staff must be available and present in each building.
A complete criminal history and background check must be performed on all employees and contractors with direct patient access.
Assisted Living Staff Training Requirements
Before staff can provide unsupervised personal assistance to residents, they must have a minimum of 16 hours of job-related orientation and 8 hours of job-related training per year. Licensed administrators must receive 12 hours of continuing education each year, which the Bureau of Occupational Licenses must approve.
In cases where a facility admits and retains any resident that has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, mental illness or traumatic brain injury, staff must be trained to provide for that resident’s special needs. The training could include an overview of the illness or disability, symptoms and behaviors, behavior management, adjustments required for the residents living environment, communication skills, integration with their rehabilitation services, ADLs, and use of adaptive equipment.
Assisted Living Housing Requirements
Apartment-style housing units are not required in Idaho. Each residential unit is allowed to house at most two residents. Facilities licensed before July 1991 are permitted to house up to four residents. One toilet must be provided for every six residents.
What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Idaho?
The services provided in assisted living communities generally fall under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities.
Most people move to assisted living communities because they seek convenient access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.
Health Care Services
In Idaho, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 82% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 57% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 78% of ALFs have hospice services.
Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Idaho, 86% of communities conduct depression screenings, and 66% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 62% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all the necessary resources.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Idaho, 47% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 49% have high blood pressure, 30% have heart disease, 36% have depression, and 16% have diabetes.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Assistance Services
A primary service of assisted living that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglect of household chores.
Residents in Idaho assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Idaho, 29% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (38%), toileting (49%), and walking (54%). Caregivers in ALFs help 49% of residents dress, and 71% need help bathing.
Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Idaho
The average cost of assisted living care in Idaho is$3,838. This cost is $662 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Idaho is more than the national average by 2.1%, with health care costs nearly more than the national average by 2.8% and housing costs more than the national average by 10.4%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $3,500 in the Idaho Falls area to a high of $4,675 per month in the Couer d'Alene area of Idaho.
How Costs Compare In Nearby States
If you live close to one of Idaho’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is another affordable option. The only neighboring states with an average cost similar to Idaho are Nevada ($3,750/month) and Utah ($3,500/month). The cost of assisted living in the remaining border states exceeds the average in Idaho, with Wyoming and Montana averaging between $4,100 and $4,500. The cost in Oregon averages $5,045 per month and in Washington averages $6,000 per month.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Idaho Assisted Living Oversight
Idaho assisted living residents have several resources at their disposal regarding facility compliance. The Bureau of Facility Standards works with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services to promote resident rights and enforce rule and regulation compliance. Idaho's Long-Term Care Ombudsman also advocates for residents, offering information to families and working with the Idaho Commission on Aging. Adult protective services is another branch available to handle abuse complaints, neglect, and exploitation.
Legal Resources for Seniors in Idaho
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and helping obtain benefits through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, the field has grown to include cases involving elder abuse, elder neglect, and exploitation. Skilled attorneys can help older adults affected by these issues. Idaho offers several resources to help navigate these issues.
The Senior Medicare Patrol division of the Idaho Commission on Aging primarily deals with suspected Medicare fraud. The program also educates older adults and their caregivers about identifying Medicare fraud and other common scams that target this age group.
People needing legal assistance can contact their local Area Agency on Aging or get in touch with Idaho Legal Aid. Legal aid provides free legal advice to older adults and can assist with representation for civil legal issues.
Quality and Safety of Assisted Living Facilities in Idaho
Assisted living facilities require licensing to operate in Idaho. These communities must meet the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s health and safety standards. The local fire department must issue a statement confirming they are within range of fire assistance, and buildings must be evaluated for safety features and structural integrity.
Employees with direct access to residents must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Staff must also complete training covering medication assistance, supervision, intervention procedures for unsafe situations, and behavior management. New hires who will be working with residents must be supervised until they complete at least 16 hours of orientation training within the first 30 days of being hired. Additionally, eight hours of training must be completed each year. Communities that accept individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia are required to undergo targeted training that covers the unique needs of these residents.
The community must retain a licensed registered nurse to develop care plans for residents and conduct regular assessments to evaluate the need for potential changes in care. Assistance with medications can only be offered by staff members who have completed a medication assistance course through one of the local community colleges. This does not count toward the orientation or yearly maintenance training.
