Oregon Senior Care Living Choices  Oregon's seniors and their families are very fortunate to have such varied choices of senior care available to them within reasonable distance. In Oregon the following types of facilities and services are licensed by the State of Oregon. As a licensed facility or service they are entitled to operate within the state according to the rules and regulations established. By clicking on the icon next to each option you will be able to read in detail the established regulations by that particular care option.Adult Foster Care (Adult Family Homes):  Adult foster homes are private residences providing personal and health care to no more than five seniors. Generally they are located within residential neighborhoods and operated by either a live-in manager, or by the owner of the home. This home-like setting may be preferred by some seniors who may appreciate a home environment. Adult foster homes are licensed, inspected and monitored by the Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities and Area Agency on Aging offices. Assisted Living Assisted living communities provide housing and supportive services for six or more seniors. Assisted Living is often chosen by seniors who wish to have as much independence as possible within either their own private apartment, ranging from a studio to one or two bedrooms. Being able to direct one's own care while living in a setting that is not only wheelchair accessible, but offers many social interaction opportunities can indeed help one lead a quality life.Residential Care Residential care facilities provide housing and supportive services for six or more people who don’t need 24 hour nursing care. Although often a Residential Care facility may appear from the outside much like an Assisted Living Community, Residential Care facilities are not required to provide private bathrooms or kitchenettes (although some do). Many residential care facilities specialize in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.Alzheimer's Care Units Some facilities specialize in providing care only to persons with Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia. A facility that specializes in the care for people with memory impairment must receive an endorsement and is governed by additional regulations that are specifically intended to support individuals with dementia. Security features, both indoor and outdoor, as well as visual elements that are helpful to the residents are required in these communities. Special programs geared towards individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia are available in addition to the types of programs found in Assisted Living or Residential Care.Adult Day Care Adult Day Care facilities are not required in Oregon to be licensed, however, some have voluntarily chosen to be certified by the state and agree to comply with the rules established for state certification. Adult day care can provide respite care as well as ongoing services. Services are provided in a variety of centers around the state. Social, recreational and health services are provided in a protective setting to individuals who cannot be left alone because of health care needs, confusion or disability. These programs provide meals and care services in a community setting during the day when a caregiver needs time off or must work. Convalescent Care Centers (Skilled Care/Intermediate Care - Nursing Homes) Nursing facilities are licensed by the Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities and are required to meet both federal and state regulations. Nursing facilities are most appropriate for people who need 24-hour medical oversight and a protective/structured setting. Residents may have medical and behavioral needs that cannot be met in other care settings. Most residents must share their room. Space is limited, but residents are allowed to bring personal items to encourage a more home-like atmosphere.Retirement Communities Retirement Communities in Oregon are not presently required to be licensed by the State. For seniors who do not wish to maintain their own home, but to live within a community of peers while able to manage and maintain their own lifestyle and care, this option provides a healthy alternative.
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