Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living
The goal of this website is simple: Help families make good decisions. As someone exploring senior living, the more you know, the better informed your decision will be. We’re here to guide you through the process. We’ll explain the different options for senior living and care. And we’ll provide tools and resources to help you understand the costs and how to obtain financial assistance.
Ultimately, speaking with one of our senior living advisors is going to be most informative. Our advisors are trained to ask the right questions and, just as importantly, listen to your answers, so they can help you determine what’s right for you.
General Questions About Senior Living
Before diving into the details of different living and care options, you may find that the following questions will help dispel some misconceptions that you might have about senior living.
Is transportation available?
Yes, scheduled transportation is available and included at Americare communities. Schedules and services vary between communities. So it’s always best to explore transportation offerings with your senior living advisor or admission specialist.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Great question! As with any residential community, the staff-to-resident ratio at Americare can vary based on a number of variables, including the level of care, amenities, and local safety and compliance regulations. For example, our memory care and skilled nursing communities employ more staff per resident than you would find in an independent living community. As you proceed further on your journey, be sure to ask at a live meet-and-greet or over the phone so you can get the best, most accurate answer for each community you visit.
When are meals served?
Come hungry and come often! At Americare our residents enjoy an open, cook-to-order breakfast – accommodating both early and late risers. Lunch and dinner are served restaurant style and include a daily special along with an always-available menu. Snacks are available throughout the day. Specific meal times will vary, but the following time ranges are typical:
Breakfast: 7-10 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Can I have a pet?
As long as you are able to care of your fur baby, pets are welcomed and loved just like our residents. Americare is a wonderful place for them to call home.
What is Independent Living?
What is different about Americare’s independent living options and other retirement communities?
Size. Instead of a large multi-unit building or multi-winged campus, our intimate enclaves of 1- or 2-bedroom residences and larger patio homes are nestled next to a sister assisted living community. It’s privacy without isolation.
Can I bring my own furniture?
Absolutely. This is your home. We invite you to make it just that – yours. In fact, our efficient homes are perfect for those looking to downsize, yet at the same time, enjoy their special items they just can’t part with. Your window treatments are included!
What about housekeeping and maintenance?
Leave the chores to us. We provide bi-weekly housekeeping with optional flat linen service. All repairs and maintenance – both inside and out – are taken care of.
Is it possible to have someone check on me from time to time?
You bet! That’s part of Americare’s independent living package. We know that for many seniors, just knowing someone is there when they need them is a valuable enhancement to their independent lifestyle. We provide it with regular check-ins (based on your request) and 24-hour emergency voice response.
Is there an expensive buy-in required to live in independent living?
Absolutely not. Our leases run month to month. That way you stay in control of your money and can use it when and how you want to. Why pay for care now that you may or may not need down the road? At Americare we believe independent living should also mean financial independence.
What is assisted living?
An assisted living residence provides support for the essentials of daily life, such as bathing, dressing, managing medications and meal preparation. These services can be customized to the needs of each resident and available 24 hours a day.
When is assisted living a better option than independent living?
Assisted living becomes an attractive option when “care on demand” is required. Generally speaking this is when an individual living at home can no longer be assisted with “scheduled care.” This may be provided by family or home health agencies and goes beyond their ability.
What do you mean by care on demand? Can you give me an example?
Great question. Care on demand includes assistance that is available 24 hours a day or whenever the resident needs it. Protective oversight, ongoing medication management, nutritional support and personal assistance with dressing and bathing are all examples of care on demand.
If my care needs change would I have to move?
Many residents live their remaining years quite comfortably in the assisted living setting. Since supportive care is provided (assistance with dressing and bathing, medication monitoring, meal preparation, etc.), assisted living can significantly reduce the risk of serious health setbacks that might necessitate a higher level of care. In addition, home health services, rehabilitation and even Hospice can all be accessed in an assisted living community.
Meeting a resident’s needs is the number one priority. Rest easy knowing, that should a higher level of care be required, skilled nursing (both short and long-term) is a viable next step. And we will assist with the transition.
When is rehabilitation and skilled nursing a better option than assisted living?
Rehabilitation and skilled nursing care are reserved for individuals with often complex medical needs requiring the “skill” of licensed nurses and therapists. This may be the right option for seniors recovering from stroke or surgery, which requires intensive, six-day-a-week therapies. In addition, if a resident regularly requires the assistance of another to move from bed to chair, or is confined to bed due to their condition, they are generally more appropriate for the rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing setting.
What is memory care and specialized senior support?
Millions of seniors in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other severe forms of memory loss, which impair their ability to perform many activities of daily life. Many senior living communities are specifically designed and staffed to provide care for those with memory loss.
I thought only skilled nursing centers could provide care for those with Alzheimer’s. Is that true?
That used to be the case. However, more and more states are enabling assisted living communities to offer specialized memory care. More rigorous standards for staffing, training and building security must be met. Today, specialized assisted living communities, including Americare, are an attractive option to those seeking memory care outside the home.
What makes Americare’s memory care services different from their traditional assisted living services?
All the services provided in our memory care communities – from dining, to nursing, to activities – are designed around the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or severe memory loss. By working closely with loved ones, we preserve the life story of every resident, creating a guide to the past and the present to prevent loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Days are quietly structured to provide a sense of order. Residents are engaged more readily in this setting through verbal cues and daily routines.
Is the staffing different?
Yes, expect different staffing because the resident’s needs are different. Not only is the staff-to-resident ratio higher than in a traditional assisted living setting, every team member in our memory care communties undergoes training on the Best Friends™ Approach, as well as the person-centered CARES training, developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. The decision to work in a memory care setting is an important one. We screen prospective team members to ensure they have both the passion and temperament to work with these special individuals.
What about security?
Security is a huge priority. What’s wonderful about Americare communities is the security is there — but not obvious to the residents. All doors are equipped with keypad entry/exits. Our outdoor living areas are also secured and monitored through closed-circuit cameras. Residents who may require additional oversight are given discreet monitoring bracelets.
Why is the size of the Americare communities so important?
The more intimate, the better. Research has shown that residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss thrive best in a calm, intimate setting where they know their caregivers. With no more than 24 units (most with only 16), Americare memory care communities allow for structure with flexibility. So, each person’s daily routine remains, whatever that may be. And our memory care assisted living buildings are all specifically designed (not just retrofitted) for the memory-impaired resident.
What are rehabilitation and skilled nursing services?
Rehabilitation and skilled nursing services may be appropriate for seniors recovering from an injury, surgery or other health-related event such as a stroke. Whether it’s short-term recovery or a long-term condition, this level of care is worth considering if a resident requires assistance to move from bed to chair, or is confined to bed due to their condition.
Are short-term stays available?
Many of our residents only stay with us for a short time. Our goal for many is to help them return to their home or assisted living setting after surgery, accident, illness or injury. We do this through state-of-the-art therapy programs and a comprehensive discharge plan that helps families know what to expect when a loved one returns home.
Americare promotes person-centered care in its rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities. How is that different?
Quite simply, person-centered care means putting the needs and desires of the resident above work routines and clinical protocols that are often driven by regulation. Whether a resident is with us short- or long-term, the same quality care is delivered – but in a way that helps the resident retain their own identity. Meal schedules give way to open breakfasts that accommodate both early and late risers. Assistance with bathing is scheduled at times preferred by the resident. Person-centered care, requires a deeper relationship with our residents, and is changing the rehabilitation and skilled nursing experience.
Does Medicare cover my stay in a rehabilitation and skilled nursing setting?
Medicare covers some care in this setting, but it is limited. Generally, Medicare will pay for care when the resident is recuperating from a stroke, injury, illness or accident. Medicare’s payment criteria are very stringent and once a resident no longer makes progress in their recuperation, payment becomes the responsibility of the individual should an extended stay be necessary. An Americare admission specialist can explain this in greater detail.
What if I don’t have the funds to pay?
When Medicare or long-term care insurance is not available, and a resident lacks the private funds to cover their stay, public funding known as Medicaid can be accessed. Our social service department is adept at identifying funding sources for those in need. We help families with the paperwork and documentation to help ensure residents get the financial assistance for which they are eligible.
Cost and Payment Options for Senior Living
Understanding the costs and financial options is one of the most important aspects of your search for a senior living community. It’s important for costs to be clear and transparent so there are no surprises. And it’s vital to learn about the role of Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans benefits, as well as private insurance.
Are there any upfront fees like entrance fees, administrative fees or community fees?
Americare does charge a one-time community fee upon admission to our assisted living, memory care and independent living settings. No community fee is charged in our skilled nursing communities. We take great care to make sure all costs are transparent and clearly understood. Rest assured that there will be no financial surprises if you choose to live at Americare.
Does Americare accept long-term care insurance?
We do! Americare Senior Living communities generally accept long-term care insurance policies, which can help offset the costs of assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and other forms of long-term care. Our senior living advisors or admission specialists can provide more detailed information.
Does Americare participate in any financial assistance programs, like Medicaid or Veterans benefits?
We accept government-funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and some Veterans benefits programs. We also work with private funding sources including private pay and long-term care insurance. Requirements and eligibility are often complex. It’s best to speak personally with one of Americare’s experienced and helpful senior living advisors or admission specialists regarding your individual situation.
Are there tax implications of paying for senior living?
Yes, there are tax implications of living in a senior living community. These will vary based on each individual situation and the services provided. Remember too, that not every service level, community or resident has the same situation. If you don’t have a personal tax advisor, we can connect you with some expert resources to provide clarity.
Does Americare offer any financial counseling or support to residents and families?
Yes, Americare can help provide financial insights and guidance regarding our more than 100+ communities. The best starting point is connecting directly with one of our senior living advisors or admission specialists who can help you understand the costs and how to pay them.
RESOURCES
Discover the tools and resources that will help you make the senior living decision that’s right for you.
FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Learn more about costs and financial options available to help in your search for senior living.
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With more than 100 senior living communities, Americare can help you find one that’s just right for you.
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