7 Questions to Ask When Screening Senior Living Communities

Transcription

1 7 Questions to Ask When Screening Senior Living Communities And Two Points to Consider Before Making Your Final Decision

2 Is It Time To Consider The Best Living Option For You Or Your Love One? If you are like most people we talk to, you are facing one of the most emotional and difficult decisions of your adult life What is the best way to make sure me or my loved one(s) are taken care of, that is safe and affordable, while keeping myself or them as independent as possible? Or, How can I live in a home that requires less maintenance and provides a blanket of security? The senior living industry has plenty of negative portrayals in news and television shows. This makes the decision even harder knowing you or your loved one is feeling the burdens of homeownership and beginning to need more care than you re able to provide even if you have the time. Unfortunately, there are senior living options in our market that should not be in business. These communities and residences are able to fool industry regulators to stay open. If they re able to fool trained professionals that know what to look for, they fool adult children and seniors, like you, trying to make the best decision at a trying time. Screening senior living communities can be a hardship. Many people are not prepared financially, physically, and especially emotionally. There are mixed feelings of love, betrayal and other unanticipated emotions. Seniors looking for independent homes are confused with what to look for and frustrated with selling and downsizing from their existing homes. These are perfectly natural reactions when transitioning from homeownership to a senior living community. 2 P age

3 The good news is, choosing the right community or residence is a place where you or your loved one can still have control over their life. A great community has residents full of wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration as well as the convenience of having everything at hand including care and an intimate sense of family. Senior living has a range of options from completely independent homes to 24-hour skilled nursing care. The choices you make are unique to you, your family, and should be done with due diligence. The advice in this guide is designed to help you make the best, educated decision possible so you can have peace-of-mind and confidence throughout this process. We give you 7 important questions to ask when screening senior living communities. The First Question, Is One To Ask Yourself Or Your Parents. 1. What needs do you require? It s important to know what living options and level of care you re looking for before approaching a community. You or your loved one s needs are going change with age, and it s important to know how your needs will be met with time. The fact that you have choices is important in any community and senior living option you approach. You have choices about the location and type of environment where you or your loved one wants to be. You have choices about the level of services provided and the level of care that bests matches you or your loved one's needs. 3 P age

4 Your needs, wants, and desires are unique, and a great senior living community offers a wide array of choices to accommodate those needs. According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, every senior living community offers a different range of services. You should be aware of the basic services found below. Basic Services Found in Senior Living: Housekeeping and laundry services Transportation services Health and medical services Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc. Alzheimer's, dementia and memory care Staff readily available to provide care 24-hour safety and security Emergency call systems in every residence Health and wellness programs Medication management services Recreational and social activities 2. What type of living options does the community offer? 4 P age Are you an independent senior looking for a home of less maintenance and less worry? Or are you an adult child with a parent who has Alzheimer s? Everyone s needs are unique, and fortunately, there s many living and care options to choose from. Below we give descriptions of each type of senior living and senior care options to look for when screening communities.

5 Active Adult Communities: These are usually townhomes, condos or single family homes, catering to adults at least 55 years old. Generally, these are independent homes owned by residents. Often you ll see amenities like a clubhouse, golf courses, etc. Maintenancefree living is usually included in the monthly HOA or condominium fees. It s important to note these communities generally do not provide additional healthcare as needed with age. Senior Apartments: These are apartment complexes catering to adults at least 55 years of age. These are also independent living homes, but sometimes offer community activities and other amenities. Again, senior apartments do not provide healthcare that is needed with aging. Independent Living Communities: These are rental communities catering to seniors that provide residents access to meals, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation services, and social and recreational activities. Because they are independent residences, care and assistance with activities of daily living are not provided. Assisted Living Residences: Assisted living communities are residences that incorporate supportive services, and health care from trained employees. Seniors in assisted living enjoy a life that s as independent as possible with customized care and help to fit their needs. Many assisted living communities include a section dedicated to residents with Alzheimer s and dementia as well. It s important to understand some communities offer licensed assisted living while others offer unlicensed assistance or supportive living. Lexington Square assisted living is licensed in the state of Illinois. Nursing Homes: These are licensed residences where the majority of residents require 24-hour skilled care. Most nursing homes accept Medicaid and/or Medicare reimbursement. 5 P age

6 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): A community that provides a combination of independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing all on one campus. Residents can get all their care needs in one place without ever having to move. Home Care (non-medical): Services that include companions and homemakers. These are people who help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, medication, etc. Home Health Care: A skilled nurse coming into the home to provide medical care at home. They re usually following the care plan of a doctor. Home health care can be either private pay, or covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Adult Day care: These are facilities offering adult day care. This is usually non-medical. Sometimes they offer medical services, but this is not the norm. 6 P age 3. Is the community licensed? The senior living industry, unfortunately and wrongfully so, gets national attention due to incidents at unlicensed and unregulated communities. Many communities find the national attention upsetting. However, those that are licensed and committed to a high quality of service are there to help you make informed choices about you or your loved ones care and living options. Lexington Square is licensed in the state of Illinois. Licensed communities are required to meet standards set by their states. They have inspectors periodically visit in order for the community to maintain its license. Each state has its own license requirements. If you d like to know more about your state s regulations, contact the state's licensing department. You can get an

7 overview of what a community is required to do to keep up with their licenses. 4. What type of care plans do you require? It s important to know whether the communities you re screening have adapted and grown to fit you or your loved one s care needs. Remember these needs need to span the array of your aging life. Maybe you can retire independently, but your spouse may need assistance with daily activities. At a high-quality community, you can still spend your days together with peace of mind knowing everyone is getting the care they deserve. When screening, be sure to ask whether or not the community has a written care plan for each resident, and how much influence residents have developing their care plans. Taking a tour of the community is the best way to see the quality of care residents receive firsthand. Are nurses available? Is there a hospital close by? Be sure to speak with current residents and get their opinion on the quality of care they re receiving. Most senior living communities have health and wellness programs. Good communities often contribute to their resident's health and well-being. A great community encourages exercise and walking to help maintain good health. Many times, after moving to a senior living community, residents who need assistance with daily activities put on much needed weight. They re finally getting much needed exercise, and wellbalanced meals and snacks they weren t receiving at home. Their mood also brightens as they re now with like-minded people, 7 P age

8 enjoying activities and concerts, and holiday activities which promotes an overall sense of well-being for residents. When screening communities, ensure they have not only a care plan to fit you or your loved one s needs, but make sure there are a variety of wellness and social activities. 5. What are the details in the final contract? Senior living communities will require you to sign an agreement or contract. These agreements will define costs, services and terms between you and the community. These agreements can be lengthy sometimes. It s important to take your time to read through it carefully and understand the fine print. If any part of the agreement or contract is unclear, or you feel something is not disclosed in advanced, be sure to consult with an elder care attorney. ElderLawAnswers.com provides a checklist for choosing a senior living community. 6. Where is the community located? While, it s certainly nice to find a community close to family and friends, it shouldn t be the final deciding factor in whether to move into a community. Some people want to be near family and friends while others are more interested in moving back where they grew up. Climate, and location to family and friends are all things to consider. 8 P age

9 Your happiness and good health are really what s important at the community. Choosing a community just because it s five to ten minutes closer can be a detrimental decision. 7. What is provided in the basic daily rate, and what services cost extra? Many factors determine the final costs. Costs vary depending on the community, the apartment or room size, and types of services you or your loved one needs. The basic rate may cover all amenities, but only some care services. There may be additional charges for special services and additional care. Usually communities charge month-tomonth rates. However, a few require long-term arrangements. Base rates usually cover the apartment and daily meals. There may be additional charges such as entrance fees and other fees. A highquality community should work with your budget provide a few affordable options. It s important to know what is included in the rate quoted for you or your loved one. 9 P age Two Points to Consider Before Making Your Final Decision First, one of the most valuable uses of your time when screening communities is to take a tour. You ll quickly get a feel for the community as soon as you pull onto the campus. Here are some important things to observe while on the tour: 1. How do residents appear? While there, be sure to strike up a conversation with a few residents or adult children you see around the campus. Tell them you re considering the community, and you d love to hear what they think. You ll often hear non-

10 biased reviews of the community. You ll hear what they love and any concerns they have. 2. Is there sufficient staff? See if the residents look groomed and well-maintained. View staff and how they respond to residents. Ask if there is trained staff on duty 24/7 in case of emergencies. 3. How is the quality of food? First off, a good community should invite you to lunch and a tour so you can sample the food yourself. Also, ask residents their opinion of the cuisine. Ask how many meals they serve daily, if snacks are available, etc? 4. Is there an activity director? Be sure to ask if the community has an activity director. A calendar full of fun activities is often the social glue that makes a community feel intimate. Be sure to check out the calendar of activities if there is one. Second, the final decision is a balance between the physical and social environment, and location and price. There s a range of challenges we must overcome come with an aging life. The decision to move into a senior living community can seem like an overwhelming task. What you re really looking for, is a life that s less work, less worry, with care as needed. You or your loved one s life should include plenty of privacy while having the opportunity for as much socialization as desired. It s important to consider the range of services needed as you or your loved one ages. Deciding to move to an independent living community without the security of assisted living or skilled nursing can mean making another move down the road if you suffer an illness or fall. Deciding on a community that covers the spectrum of 10 P age

11 11 P age care brings peace of mind for you and your loved ones. This is all important to take into consideration.

12 Special Offers From Lexington Square Senior Residences! If you re in the process of screening senior living communities, call today and ask the friendly representative that answers your call to schedule a complimentary tour and lunch at our community. You ll see why everybody who chooses us, raves about us to their friends and anybody who s willing to listen! Periodically incentives are offered; call to see if one is available today! A Sample of Everything Lexington Square Has To Offer: Full service and carefree living at its best A safety net of healthcare for life. Fabulous home cooked cuisine Health/Fitness Rooms and pool Active community club center A full calendar of cultural, recreational, and learning programs. Chauffeured services And much much more! Come see and experience the life our residents love, and truly discover if this lifestyle suits you. Enjoy lunch and a tour to see our spacious homes yourself. Ask about the different floor plans available and pricing too. Please Call Today For Details. Lexington Square Elmhurst 400 West Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL Lexington Square Lombard 555 Foxworth Boulevard Lombard, IL P age Call today for more information