Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if assisted living is the right option?

Assisted living is likely a good option if:
• Your loved one's needs require more care than you can provide.
• Your loved one is no longer able to maintain the home, grocery shop on their own, or has concerns about driving safely.
• Your loved one isn't eating properly, drinking enough water, or getting exercise.
• Your loved one is lonely or fears being alone.

How does assisted living differ from a nursing home?

Assisted living communities offer a unique combination of independent living in conjunction with senior care. Unlike nursing homes and other medical facilities, senior living communities allow seniors to maintain a sense of independence and involvement in a social community while also providing assistance with the tasks of daily life. It's just like home, but with the added peace of mind that 24/7 care availability brings. Plus, residents get to enjoy a full calendar of social events and delicious restaurant-style meals.

When is the right time to make the move to assisted living?

It may be time to consider assisted living if your loved one cannot perform daily living tasks on their own (ie bathing, dressing, and cooking). If your loved one has severe mobility concerns, cannot navigate the home without assistance, is constantly confused or forgetful, and sometimes wanders... these are signs that their safety is at risk. Now is the right time to choose an assisted living community.

Why do I feel guilty moving my loved one into an assisted living community?

Guilt is a feeling that many caregivers experience when moving a loved one into a senior living community. It is important to remember that choosing assisted living is choosing to provide your loved one with the assistive care they need a safe, comfortable environment. Our assisted living community becomes an extension of your family. Caregivers can remain involved in the life of their loved one to whatever degree they feel most comfortable.

What are the top 5 areas to consider when it comes to finding the right senior living community for a loved one?

Services - Senior living includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care. When researching different communities, take note of what levels of care are provided. In some cases, a single community could offer two or three care options and make for an easier transition for your loved one as they age. Things like medication management, housekeeping, laundry, daily activities, and dining services are also important to consider.

Environment - The environment of a senior living community sets the tone for everything. Read reviews, ask fellow residents and family members about their experiences, and scroll social media accounts to get a feel for the atmosphere. It's always recommended to take a tour of the community, and pay careful attention to first impressions.

Staff - A great care team knows their residents on a personal level and feel like an extension of family. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio, emergency procedures, and top concerns that are specific to your loved one's well-being.

Activities - A robust calendar of social activities makes for a vibrant senior living community. Ask to see a copy of the monthly activity schedule. There should be a variety of activity types (ie exercise, crafts, games, etc.) where every resident can participate in something they enjoy.

Payments - Knowing how you will pay for your loved one's senior care is important. Find out how payments are processed (online, via mail, ACH, etc.) and if any additional fees are required outside of the monthly rent.

What can my loved one bring with them?

A resident is welcome to bring anything they like with them, so long as it fits inside the apartment. Furniture, mementos, and home decor items are encouraged to help make the space feel comfortable. This is their new home, and we want it to feel cozy and welcoming.

Can my loved one's pet come with them to assisted living?

Pet policies vary by community. Ask the Family Advisor if pets are welcome and guidelines or restrictions may apply.

How much does assisted living cost?

When it comes to the cost of trusted senior care, prices vary based on the resident's specific needs, apartment size, and whether or not Medicaid/Medicare can be used. Our Family Advisor works with individual families to craft a pricing and care package specific to the needs and services your loved one will receive. To receive an estimate, please give us a call. Make sure to ask about special saving promotions that may apply!

Can a senior be denied admission?

Our staff will evaluate the heath and care needs of your loved one to determine if he or she is a good candidate for joining our assisted living community. If your loved one requires more care than we can provide, the team will most likely refer your loved one to a skilled nursing facility or nursing home.

How are assisted living communities licensed?

According to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), regulations and license requirements vary from state to state. It is important to research your state's licensing requirements and compare those to the assisted living residences you are considering. Also, many states require the administrator of the facility to be licensed or certified. Any care provider should be willing to show credentials upon request.

Why should I ask about a community's philosophy of care?

Experts at the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) suggest that a community's philosophy of care be an integral part of your decision-making process. Be sure that residents are afforded respect, privacy, religious freedom, the right to voice grievances, maintain personal finances, and control healthcare decisions. Make sure personal preferences align on things like pets, alcohol, smoking, and other quality-of-life-issues.

What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?

Assisted living and memory care have similarities such as providing amenities like activities, meals, housekeeping and assistance with daily living (e.g. showers, dressing, medication management, and incontinence care).

However, Memory Care is more specialized care for those with memory loss of varying degrees and causes from Alzheimer's disease to other forms of dementia. There is a difference in how the care is provided. Memory care requires a shorter sequence of steps to follow, paced verbal cuing reminders, and guidance to ensure success and safety throughout the day. Routine in getting ready for the day, enjoying breakfast and getting engaged into a morning activity for instance occurs with personalized guidance, offering just the right amount of support and independence.

How do I know if my loved one is ready for memory care?

We request a physician's report from the primary care doctor, as well as complete our own assessment to recommend the level of care most fitting. In some situations, individuals may participate in day programing in assisted living fully supported by staff, but may need more help in the evening due to sundowning and reside in the memory care.

What type of activities are done in memory care to speak to the cognitive issues of those with memory loss?

We focus on the process not the outcome of say painting or participating in a game, verses being the winner of the game. We cultivate a sense of community and creating meaning and positive emotions around our programing. Activities such as trivia help to jog memories. Our daily morning exercise incorporates music and coordination in a creative and fun way. Activities provide stimulation of the whole person mentally, physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally in a safe environment.

How do care plans differ in memory care vs assisted living?

Memory care plans speak to the need for guidance, cuing, and reminders. Care plans factor in the time that it takes to assist in performing the activities of daily living allowing the individual to be as independent as they are able to be.

How do you protect residents from wandering?

The memory care is completely secure to prevent residents from wandering out. A code is required and the door is alarmed. The memory care is staffed 24/7 with caring, attentive staff.

How do you deal with behaviors such as rummaging or packing?

Each individual is different and so is their journey with memory loss. Some individuals have a tendency to rummage through their belongings or pack-up their things thinking they have to get home or to work. We understand this and for that reason try to redirect those who enjoy folding or sorting to come to our Life Skills Laundry station to assist in folding our beautiful blankets and towels. We also adopt the less is more philosophy when it comes to furnishing your loved one's unit. We want each resident to feel comfortable and at home with familiar items, but not overwhelmed with too many belongings to navigate.

My loved one is very resistant to taking a shower as they memory loss has progressed. Are you able to handle this and how?

Yes, our care staff have years of experience and receive on-going training to include sensitivity training to ensure each resident is understood. During our assessment we ask the preference on the time of day your loved one prefers to shower and how often you prefer they shower. This ensures the schedule matches the preferences. Everyone is different and thus they connect with each care staff differently. If a resident gravitates toward a particular caregiver, we will have that caregiver provide the care.

For many residents in memory care the sensation of the water falling down in the shower can cause avoidance, but bringing that same individual to the in-house salon turns a chore into a relaxing experience. This allows the care staff to wash, dry and even style the individual's hair.

Do you offer special diets for those that have difficulty swallowing or using utensils?

Absolutely! This is an important part of how we seek to evolve our offerings to allow your loved one to age in place within the community. We offer softer foods, chopped, pureed, and finger foods to assist with aphasia that can occur with dementia and or if the individual has suffered a stroke.

How do you handle doctor's appointments?

We offer transportation for medical appointments and have a wheelchair accessible van. We can provide a caregiver to attend the appointment for an extra fee. However, we have a visiting primary care doctor and other medical practitioners who visit to minimize stress and confusion for the individual, as well as ensure efficient communication from practitioner to our wellness staff and directors. We also offer lab services and x-rays in house.

What are the benefits of memory care compared to in-home care?

When care is provided in the home even when outside help is brought in the caregiver is never fully given a break from the equation and often times adequate rest is not possible. Community living provides safe, consistent, reliable care 24-7 with the ability of loved ones to visit anytime. Companionship with one's peers is abundant at senior living communities, and that is something that can be difficult or impossible to recreate in the home.

Is a private or companion room better for someone with dementia?

We offer both private and companion units to offer options for personal preference. However, research shows that many individuals are calmed with the presence of a roommate especially if they wake in the night and see their roommate sleeping. This can reorient them to knowing it is night and time to rest. We see each day how having companionship can bring a sense of purpose.