APRIL 27, 1998 - Department of Consumer & Industry Services Director Kathy Wilbur today announced that the Assisted Living Task Force facilitated by the department is winding up its four-month series of meetings. A report of task force recommendations is expected in May.

"Clearly, one of the key focuses of the recommendations will be consumer education," said Wilbur. "One of the best services we can provide is to help consumers better understand their care options and to make informed decisions based on good information.

Today, there are more care options than ever before, unfortunately, these choices can sometimes be confusing"

In addition to recommending some specific consumer education efforts, the task force report will also clearly define what facilities require state licensing and develop patient protections/guidelines for those facilities that are not licensed.

The Assisted Living Task Force is comprised of industry representatives, consumer advocates, state and federal officials and others associated with assisted living and long term care.

The Assisted Living Task Force also defined what the terms "assisted living" and "assisted living" communities mean.

"Assisted living is the business of providing or arranging for supports and services freely chosen by an individual or their representative in order to maintain and/or enhance cognitive and functional capacity, physical and mental health, and personal autonomy."

"Assisted Living Community is a housing unit (facility) or group of related housing units (apartment complex) which provides Assisted Living, directly or through agents, in addition to housing."

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