Frequently Asked Questions

There are differences between assisted living and memory care. Memory care is similar to assisted living but provides special care and support for those with progressive memory impairment. Here’s how the two types of care communities compare:

• Overall look and feel: While apartments or rooms in assisted living communities usually feature a kitchen or kitchenette, those in memory care units do not. Memory care units also typically have enhanced security to prevent residents from wandering. These security measures may include secure outside areas, tracking bracelets to alert staff if a resident is too close to an exit and regular safety check. You will often find specially designed architectural elements in memory care units, such as larger windows for more natural light, calming colors and cozy gathering spaces.
• Scheduling: Assisted living communities will often offer a wide range of activities and events to be involved with as residents prefer. But in memory care assisted living units, careful scheduling of these activities provides a comforting routine for seniors with memory problems. Plus, in dedicated memory care units, programs and activities are often tailored to cheer, calm and stimulate residents without contributing to anxiety, which is a common symptom of dementia.
• Meals: Both assisted living and memory care facilities offer three meals a day, often in a restaurant-style setting. Because choice is important, menu options are typically offered in both types of residences.
  Staff training: In assisted living communities, staff are trained to help residents with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing and moving around the community. Staff in memory care units are additionally trained in how dementia causes specific behaviors and how to respond and communicate with people with memory issues..
• Costs: Because memory care includes greater supervision, specialized nursing care and services, the costs are higher than for assisted living. Costs will vary depending upon the location of the memory care facility, type of living space (shared or private) and what services are needed.

• Both assisted living and independent living communities offer housing and some support services. Their most notable differences, however, occur in the types and level of personal care services that they provide.

The design of an assisted living community is to provide long-term care for an individual who may require support with everyday activities, but does not need the level of skilled care that is provided within a nursing home.

The kinds of support that you will find offered in an assisted living community typically includes:

• Access to personal care assistance for both scheduled and unscheduled requests such as toileting and bathing
• 24-Hour emergency call systems with the individual resident’s apartment
• Support with medication management
• Wellness programs and live enrichment activities

In comparison, an independent living community is established for an individual who requires little or no assistance performing their daily routine.

The level of personal care found in assisted living is typically not found in independent living communities. If personal care or nursing staff are required, these services are generally established privately.

Older adults who choose an independent living community are typically looking for security, freedom from household chores and maintenance, and opportunities for socialization and life enrichment.

Our residents’ health and safety is our primary concern – we have an emergency call system in every apartment in every community we manage with 24-hour awake personal care staff and trained healthcare professionals on-call 24 hours a day.

Yes. Many of our communities accept Medicaid. For more specific information regarding government assistance programs please contact the community administrator.

Assisted Living is supportive community living.

Assisted Living is a supportive senior living option promoting independence and personal dignity in a safe, home-like environment. Help with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, evening care and medication monitoring, is personally tailored to each individual’s personal needs and preferences.

In Assisted Living, a resident makes their home in an apartment with the convenience of maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services, and has full access to the community’s full array of amenities featuring an active lifestyle that includes ample access to entertainment, recreation, dining and transportation.

Assisted Living is a wonderful option for seniors who no longer wish to live alone or may need some help, but who don’t need or want institutionalized care in a nursing home. It is best suited for seniors who do not require complex medical care, but may require additional support with personal care and daily activities, or have some memory issues that makes it unsafe to live at home alone.

The cost of Assisted Living, which varies from community to community, is based on the type and size of the rental apartment, as well as the level of care needs and the service options chosen by the resident.

Each of our communities have a base rate which includes standard services such as meals, housekeeping, activities. During the admissions process we access the care level that your loved one will require which may add costs in addition to the base rate.

Assisted Living provides meals, personal care assistance (help with showering, dressing and personal hygiene), medication reminders, weekly laundering of towels and bed linens, trash removal, weekly housekeeping and apartment maintenance, social and cultural activities, transportation, wellness programs including daily exercise classes, and more!

Some of the activities you’ll find in our communities include: musical entertainment, shopping and sightseeing excursions, intergenerational programs with local schools and  scout troops, daily exercise classes, spiritual discussion groups, men’s and women’s clubs, life enrichment programs, current event group discussions, painting, cooking, and gardening!

Yes. Many of our communities accept Medicaid.  Please contact the community administrator for more information.

Memory care is a distinct form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other types of memory problems.

1. You worry about your loved one’s safety all the time.
   Our memory care communities are designed to meet the special individual needs of those living with dementia. We have trained caregivers that have been trained to care for those with these memory-related needs.
2. You worry about your own safety.
   As dementia progresses people can experience significant behavioral changes.  These changes can lead to confusion and agitation that could lead to violence or threats of violence. If your loved one is showing signs of these change and you are concerned about your safety and the safety of others in your home, it may be best for you and your loved one to move to memory care. Our staff is trained to help your loved one navigate and work through these behavioral changes.
3. You are exhausted.
   Caregiving is exhausting emotionally and physically. Caregiver burnout is real. Many caregivers put aside their own needs and health while they are taking care of a loved one, this is not a sustainable solution.  Our memory care communities will partner with you in making important care decisions, while giving you the time and rest you need to focus on yourself and other family members.
4. Your loved one is neglecting finances.
   Are you seeing late notices on unpaid bills? Collection notices? Have an open and honest conversation about your loved one’s financial situation. Neglecting finances is one of the first signs of dementia and can lead to vulnerability to financial scams and put their finances at risk.
5. Your loved one is neglecting personal care and/or living conditions are sliding.
   Personal hygiene issues are another sign of dementia. Forgetting to bath or washing clothing or missing standard hair / nail appointments can be caused by memory impairment.  Our memory care communities offer services that include helping with personal hygiene task such as bathing and dressing.If you notice that your loved one is neglecting their home, mail is piling up, food is spoiling, dishes are left out and household messes are becoming uncontrollable, it may be time to move to memory care.  Our community will provide housekeeping and laundry service to help your loved one stay clean and comfortable in their rooms.
6. Your loved one wanders or is isolated and lonely.
   If your loved one wakes in the night or becomes confused and disoriented he or she may wander.  Wandering can be extremely dangerous. Your loved one could wander and not realize where they are or how to get back to home.  Our memory care communities are safe and secure.  Many of our communities offer secure outdoor courtyards and/or circular hallways that promote safe wandering.Taking your loved one out can be difficult.  This can easily cause your loved one to feel lonely or isolated. These feelings can increase risk of depression.  In each of our communities we offer a broad variety of activities that engage those living with dementia. Caring Places offer Life Skills stations that can give residents an opportunity to complete jobs/tasks that provide meaning and purpose in addition to helping ease behavioral issues that accompany dementia.
7. Unexplained physical changes in your loved one.
   Weight and posture changes along with mobility problems can require additional assistance. Your loved one may be forgetting to eat or are forgetting that they already ate, causing changes in weight. Slow movement can be a sign of confusion or disorientation. Our staff will closely monitor your loved ones need for proper nutrition and exercise to maintain an increased level of wellness.
8. You want to improve or restore your relationship with your loved one.
   As dementia progresses and you become your loved one’s caregiver, it can lead to changes in your relationship.  Many times you end up spending more time caring for their needs than anything else.  Moving to a memory care community can ease the burden or strain that caregiving can put on a relationship. It can also provide an opportunity for you to spend time doing the things together that you love while someone else handles the professional care.

Memory care is a distinct form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other types of memory problems.

• Because memory care includes greater supervision, specialized nursing care and services, the costs are higher than for assisted living. Costs will vary depending upon the location of the memory care facility, type of living space (shared or private) and what services are needed.
• Each of our communities have a base rate which includes standard services such as meals, housekeeping, activities. During the admissions process we access the care level that your loved one will require which may add costs in addition to the base rate.

We offer a wide variety of basic and individualized services. These services can vary by location but most offer the services below.

• 24-hr staff assistance
• Licensed nurse and caring staff
• Weekly housekeeping and laundry
• Nurse call in apartments and bathrooms
• Individualized service plans
• Active life enrichment programs
• Transportation arrangment
• Escort services available
• Cozy common areas
• Delicious, dietitian approved menus
• Alternative entree choices for all meals
• Snacks are alway available
• Respite services available
• Circular hallways for safe wandering
• Memory Care life skills stations
• Secure outdoor spaces
• Other services based on resident needs