Family Resources
You: Wait, I have questions.
Us: Glad you asked.
Most people aren’t experts in senior care. If only someone with lots of experience serving seniors and their families had gathered all the helpful resources you need to make the decision that’s right for you and your family. (You’re welcome.)
Mom, can we talk?
-
It’s time to talk with your parent about senior living – but how?
6 ways to start the conversation -
Your parent wants their independence. You just want them to be safe. Here’s help in finding middle ground.
5 Ways to Support Your Parent
How can I pay for senior living?
-
From selling your home, veteran’s benefits and insurance, you have several options to pay for senior living.
Financial resources -
How much will senior living cost vs. staying put? Find out with our cost calculator.
Cost Comparison Calculator -
What about tax advantages? See what expenses you may be able to deduct come April 15.
Tax Deductibility Guide
What am I, A lawyer?
-
Good thing there’s a guide to understanding legal considerations like estate planning, guardianship, and more.
Getting Legal Matters in Order
How do I find the right fit for my family?
-
You’re likely touring several senior living options. Here’s a checklist to help you compare all the pros, cons and details side-by-side.
Comparison Shopper’s Checklist
I’ve decided to move – now what?
-
What should you pack? What should you donate? Who needs to know your new address? Find out everything you need to do to make your move go smoothly – and when you need to do it.
Moving Checklist
What’s with all the different names?
Assisted living, retirement homes and skilled nursing facilities, oh my. Here’s how to tell all the senior care types apart.
Retirement Homes or Independent Living Communities
This a good option for older adults without daily care needs, but cannot or no longer wish to cook, drive and keep up with maintaining a home. The monthly apartment rental rate often includes meals, housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, transportation, events and programs.
Assisted Living or Personal Care Communities
With many of the same convenient services and amenities as retirement homes, these communities offer more skilled staffing and are licensed to offer support with bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, medication administration, and incontinence care. Some have special sections for residents living with dementia.
Home Care
Home Care offers a way for older adults to receive personalized support in their current home, including medication reminders, light housekeeping, hygiene assistance, companionship and other preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care services.
Services are provided by RNs, LPNs, aides or companions, depending on the type of care needed.
Continuing Care Retirement or Life Plan Communities (CCRC)
These communities are similar to assisted living communities in terms of care services, amenities and social opportunities. The difference is that CCRCs require a buy-in fee and a long-term contract from residents, as well as monthly maintenance fees. They often offer access to on-site skilled nursing should a resident’s care needs escalate to that level.
Co-ops
A senior living cooperative – or co-op – is a housing option that offers adults age 55+ independence and social interaction without the maintenance, chores, and expenses of single-home ownership. Residents purchase a share of the community and have a say in how the community operates. Expenses related to the community’s operation and maintenance are also shared by the residents.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
More similar to a hospital setting than an apartment community, these facilities are for older adults with long-term care needs that exceed what other options are licensed to provide, such as tube-feeding, catheterization, and other invasive medical procedures.
Dementia or Memory Care Communities
Memory care communities offer the same convenient services and amenities as assisted living communities – and are sometimes located in the same building or campus. Specially designed for people in various stages of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, these communities offer a comfortable but more secure environment, with staff specially trained to understand and address the unique needs of people living with memory loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics do you cover in your family resource page?
Our online resource page is a place for you to demystify senior living, with help navigating family questions, financial planning, and insights into the daily lives of older adults living in senior communities.
Can I download guides or checklists (e.g. “Questions to Ask During a Tour”)?
Do you offer caregiver support or workshops?
Yes! We’re proud to offer caregiver workshops and webinars with guest speakers to help caregivers and families navigate senior living concerns. View our event calendar here and make plans to join us soon.
How often is your article library updated?
We share at least one informative article per month in our article library. We also share insights, news, and updates on our social media, so make sure to follow us on Facebook.
Do you feature articles from guest writers?
Our article library is thoughtfully developed by experienced communications partners and subject-matter contributors. Each article is designed to provide trusted, research-informed insights on aging, along with helpful resources for seniors, their families, and caregivers. Topics span wellness, lifestyle, and support, ensuring our content remains relevant, reliable, and meaningful for those navigating the senior living journey. See our article library here.
Can I see what's going on at The Atrium at Serenity Pointe this month?
From Zumba to trivia, from singing to shopping, there’s always something exciting to enjoy at The Atrium at Serenity Pointe. See our full events calendar here.
Does The Atrium at Serenity Pointe host guest experts or lecturers?
Yes! We regularly host webinars and virtual meetings with guest experts. Follow us on Facebook for event information and registration.
Do you have downloadable financial, legal, or health planning templates?
We understand that making this transition comes with a lot of questions. That’s why we offer family resources with financial calculators, planning guidance, and more. Click here to visit our family resource page.
Do you offer any support groups or community-building opportunities for families of residents?
Yes, we have lots of opportunities for families of residents to build community! These include weekly journaling sessions, grief support, groups for families facing the challenges of dementia, and more. Contact us for more information, including meeting dates and times.
Contact us
Have More Questions?
We’re always here to help.
