Type A vs Type B Assisted Living
Understanding the key differences between Type A and Type B assisted living facilities in Texas
Type A facilities are designed for residents who can evacuate the facility unassisted in an emergency and do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours.
Key Characteristics:
- •Residents can evacuate independently in an emergency
- •No routine attendance required during sleeping hours
- •Residents are generally more independent
- •Can provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- •Medication management available
- •Meal preparation and dining services
- •Social activities and programs
- •24-hour staff availability for emergencies
Requirements:
- ✓Residents must be able to respond to an alarm
- ✓Residents must be able to evacuate without assistance
- ✓Residents should be able to follow directions in an emergency
- ✓No need for routine nighttime checks
Best For:
Seniors who are relatively independent but need some assistance with daily activities and want the security of having staff available.
Type B facilities are designed for residents who may need assistance evacuating the facility in an emergency or require routine attendance during sleeping hours.
Key Characteristics:
- •Residents may need assistance evacuating in emergencies
- •Routine attendance available during sleeping hours
- •More hands-on care and assistance
- •Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- •Medication management and administration
- •Meal preparation and assistance with dining
- •Mobility assistance available
- •24-hour staff availability with routine checks
Requirements:
- ✓Residents may need assistance responding to alarms
- ✓Residents may need help evacuating
- ✓Residents may require routine nighttime checks
- ✓May need assistance with mobility or transfers
Best For:
Seniors who need more assistance with daily activities, may have mobility challenges, or require routine nighttime checks.
| Category | Type A | Type B |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation Ability | Can evacuate independently | May need assistance evacuating |
| Nighttime Care | No routine nighttime checks required | Routine nighttime checks available |
| Level of Independence | More independent residents | Residents needing more assistance |
| Mobility Assistance | Minimal mobility assistance | Mobility assistance available |
| Emergency Response | Can respond to alarms independently | May need assistance responding |
Important Information
Licensing: Both Type A and Type B facilities are licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and must meet specific requirements for safety, staffing, and care standards.
Assessment: Before admission, facilities conduct assessments to determine if a resident qualifies for Type A or Type B care based on their physical and cognitive abilities.
Transition: Residents may transition from Type A to Type B if their needs increase, or from Type B to Type A if they become more independent.
Cost: Type B facilities may have slightly higher costs due to increased staffing and care requirements, but costs vary significantly by facility, location, and services provided.
For detailed information about assisted living facility regulations and requirements, please refer to the official Texas HHSC documentation.