Vermont assisted living facilities and personal care communities

Vermont Assisted Living Communities

According to Vermont law, an assisted living residence or personal care home is defined as a home-like residential home, which provides an independent environment while offering housing services, health services, supportive services, and personal care services.

There are approximately 11 assisted living residences operating in Vermont.

Assisted Living Communities in Vermont – Cost Comparison

City	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum	Monthly Median
Burlington	$1,788	$7,210	$4,375
Rest of State	$1,266	$6,050	$4,020

The average cost of assisted living in Vermont is $4,020 per month. The average cost per month can also depend on the amount of personal care needed. Compared to the remainder of the United States, Vermont falls is one of the most expensive states for long-term senior care. Within the state, there are very few assisted living homes, which are concentrated in the Burlington, Vermont area. The average cost for long-term assisted senior living in Burlington is $4,623 per month.

For more information about assisted living costs in Vermont, check outGenworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Vermont

Although Vermont is known for its small size, Vermont offers a myriad of unique attractions with big appeal. Home to one of the most famous and delicious ice cream brands in the world, Ben & Jerry’s Vermont factory offers a unique experience to every visitor. During a 30 minute guided tour of the factory, visitors are given a peek into the world of ice cream manufacturing.

Another major brand, which calls Vermont home, is the Magic Hat Brewing Company. The brewery also includes a souvenir shop with Magic Hat merchandise for purchase. For the art lovers, Vermont offers the one of a kind Shelburne Museum located in the scenic Lake Champlain Valley area.

Vermont’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Vermont is one of the most progressive states and that attitude permeates through its citizens. The state is somewhat of a trendsetter when it comes to legislation and politics. The residents here are hard working, honest, friendly people.

Nestled in the New England area, Vermont is considered to experience a humid continental climate. Winters are fairly cold with average daytime temperatures dropping down into the 20-degree range. Occasionally temperatures will drop to zero. Vermont accumulates an average of 91 inches of snow annually. As Vermont transitions into spring, temperatures will rise into the 40-50 degree range with very muddy conditions due to the melting snow and spring showers. Summer daytime temperatures are typically very warm averaging in the mid 70 to mid 80-degree range. Vermont accumulates an average of 40 inches of rainfall annually.

Vermont’s Assisted Living Homes Regulations & Laws

Assisted Living residences are regulated by a state-to-state basis. Every state has a publicly accessible legal document outlining the regulations, licensing, operation and other rules for assisted living. The complete legal document outlining the official Vermont regulations for assisted living residences can be obtained online via the Department of Aging and Disabilities website. This document will also outline any differences between personal care communities and assisted living. Public records concerning citations, inspections, violations, and the like pertaining to individual homes operating in Vermont can be obtained via the Division of Licensing and Protection website.

Crime & Safety in Vermont

Vermont is one of the safest states in America, but this does not mean that you should not research safe environments to settle down into. Take a look at some of the safest communities in the state to start your search:

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Waterbury	0.00	3.51
Shelburne	0.39	4.21
Hinesburg	0.44	5.33
Chester	1.62	4.21

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Vermont Assisted Living Centers

Global Commitment to Health Waiver

For those seeking financial assistance, Vermont’s Medicaid offers the Global Commitment to Health Waiver to elderly residents who require nursing home level care but opt to live in a personal home or an alternate care home such as assisted the senior living community. This waiver is designed to provide personal care and supportive services to the participants in a personal home or an alternate care home. To find more information on this program, please visit the official Global Commitment to Health Waiver page online.

Assisted Living Family Loans

Alternate payment options are available. Families can apply for an assisted living family loan. This provides temporary or long-term financial assistance when paying for assisted senior care. The program allows multiple people to contribute to payment.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Personal Care Residences in Vermont

While residing in the home, a resident retains constitutional civil rights, rights of privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The resident also retains the right to personal possessions, autonomy over personal finances, bodily autonomy, and power of attorney. The resident has a right to be informed of the process to file a complaint of unsatisfactory living situations, abuse, neglect and the like. The complete list of resident rights as guaranteed by the state of Vermont can be viewed online via the Vermont Division of Licensing and Protection website.

Vermont Assisted Living Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Vermont assisted living homes are required to provide appropriate health services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. Medical records must include a recent photograph of the resident, and shall be kept for a no shorter than 8 years from death or discharge date.

Residents in Vermont personal care homes have access to their medical records and can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records. They can also request a copy of some or all of the information, and it is to be provided at a cost not to exceed the community standard for photocopies.