What is a Specialty Care Assisted Living (SCALF)?

Assisted Living for Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Assisted living is not a new concept for senior adult care in the state of Alabama. As a matter of fact, our state has pioneered this fast-growing segment of health care. There is now a new classification within assisted living that recognizes the need for a level of care for those with Alzheimer's or other dementia-related disorders. This new level of care (Specialty Care Assisted Living) provides for the safety and security of those residents whose mental faculties require that they receive extra attention and supervision beyond what is needed for Regular Assisted Living.

FEATURES OF SPECIALTY CARE ASSISTED LIVING

- Mobility
The resident must be ambulatory (i.e. walking, cane, walker, wheelchair).
- Safety
The resident cannot demonstrate harmful behavior to themselves or to other residents.
- Nutrition
The resident must be able to eat (feed themselves) or not resist being fed.
- Long-Term Care
The resident can live in Specialty Care Assisted Living with hospice intervention until death.

When considering the special needs of a loved one, you should seek an assisted living facility that is in full compliance with standards established by the Alabama Department of Health. Specialty Care Assisted Living requirements include the following:

> Medical Director
> Nurses to administrator medications
> Secured perimeter (i.e. fence, key pad door locks)
> Staff/resident ration of at least 1:8
> Certificate of Need to cover each bed.
> Licensed by Alabama Department of Health