General Questions for Senior Living Care
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
Are meals generally covered in independent living?
What services are generally covered in independent living?
If my mom needs assisted living and dad is independent, can they live together at a community?
How often do facilities generally assess residents for assisted living?
When is the right time for placement?
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
(A) Independent living is just that, a resident being able to live independently; however there is usually a home healthcare company on campus that can offer assistance with a variety of services such as giving out medication or helping with a shower. Assisted living is when residents are not able to safely live alone and need supervision with bathing, dressing, d anmedications, etc. Most assisted living communities offer 4-6 levels of care, depending on the needs of the resident.
Are meals generally covered in independent living?
(A) Generally speaking, most independent communities offer two meals: breakfast and dinner. However a third meal can be purchased, depending if the resident eats 3 meals a day. Most communities charge between $100-$150 per month.
What services are generally covered in independent living?
(A) Communities vary but generally speaking provide, two meals a day, an ER response system, transportation to doctors visits, weekly shopping and special outings, live entertainment several times a week, BBQ's, weather permitting, a pool, card room, and an exercise room. A resident can become as involved as little or as much as he or she desires.
If my mom needs assisted living and dad is independent, can they live together at a community?
(A) There are two ways a couple with different needs can live together. First is, If a wife is completely independent but her husband needs a higher level of care, the couple can opt to live in an independent setting with an aide that visits approximately 3-4 hours each day to help with bathing, dressing or other needs. Or, ssecond, the couple can live together in an assisted living community with the independent partner requiring no assistance and the partner who does need a higher level of care can be accommodated.
How often do facilities generally assess residents for assisted living?
(A) An assisted living resident is initially assessed upon arriving at the community. Thirty days later, another assessment is done or should the resident be taken to the hospital with an over-night stay, then the resident is generally assessed again.
When is the right time for placement?
(A) My dad has been independent all his life and is in great health. Recently, however, I have noticed he has become despondent since my mother died. He lives in South Florida and visits his doctor frequently. This week he was hospitalized with syncope and depression. My father has never suffered from depression and I know it is because he lives alone now, I am concerned about his general well being. I am his legal power of attorney and want to know my options.
