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?
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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 things aging parents need from their children
How can I pay for senior living?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
where to look for the helpers
If you are struggling with the challenges of caregiving, you’re not alone. These organizations are trusted experts in helping older people and their caregivers. Reach out to them for additional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS FAMILIES ASK US THE MOST
How do I know if this community can meet my care needs?
A licensed nurse on our staff will perform an assessment to determine if we can meet your care needs. If the assessment determines that our community is not appropriate for your needs, we will recommend other options. Contact us to learn more.
What kind of programs and events do you offer?
Click on the “Well-Being” tab above and select “Engagement” to learn more about our programs and to see this month’s calendar of events.
Can I bring my own furnishings to my apartment?
Yes. Apartments are unfurnished, so bring what you like and add your personal touches to make your apartment your own. Note that certain items like hot plates are not permitted for safety reasons. If you want to make sure a specific item will fit in in the apartment you choose, contact us for specific room dimensions.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. All required vaccinations and licensing must be current. Contact us for applicable fees, size and temperament requirements.
What if I have a medical emergency?
An emergency call system or wearable device is available to all residents. Employees are on-site 24/7/365 to respond, offer assistance and call emergency services if needed.
Contact us
Have More Questions?
We’re always here to help.