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10 Important Things to Know About Assisted Living

10 Important Things to Know About Senior Living

Alissa Sauer

You’ve seen the signs. You know it’s time to make a move to a place that can manage needs, handle housework, cancel yard work, and make every day an adventure. Assisted living communities are a senior living option for adults who want to balance independence and assistance – receiving some assistance with activities of daily living while living a full and vibrant life with engaging activities and the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with others.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a fairly new senior care option, giving seniors who want assistance a place to thrive and grow while receiving individualized care services. Today’s assisted living communities are not nursing homes, and actually are distinctly different. Designed with long-term care in mind, assisted living communities are residential, often apartment-style homes complete with kitchens or kitchenettes, laundry facilities, activities schedules, dining programs, and much more.

Our assisted living communities are designed to meet a wide range of needs, from assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing or personal care to medication assistance and transportation services. Our 24-hour staff is experienced and dedicated,  helping each resident and their families navigate an exciting new chapter – giving assistance when needed, respecting privacy when desired, and creating the retirement you’ve dreamed of at every turn.

Experience Leisure Care Assisted Living

Fairwinds - Brittany Park Retirement Community

Independent Living and Assisted Living in Woodinville, Washington

The Ackerly at Reed's Crossing Exterior

Independent Living and Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hillsboro, Oregon

Arbours - MacKenzie Place Retirement Community Colorado Springs

Independent Living and Assisted Living and Memory Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ready to Commit? Understand the Answers to These 10 Questions First

Once you know you’re ready for senior living, here are 10 things to clarify before you sign on the dotted line:

  1. Be sure to clarify with your new community what services will be provided at the price you have agreed on. Understand which services will cost extra, if needed, and which services each community can and can not provide.
  2. If the community has a visiting doctor or nurse, find out the best way to contact that person directly. Having that information in advance can save time when you need an answer about your care, or the care of a loved one.
  3. Clarify how the medical team will communicate about care with you. Will there be regular in-person meetings? Weekly emails? What works best for your schedule and what is the most effective way to work together to provide the highest level of care possible?
  4. Walk through financial payment options with the community. Let them know if you will be using veteran’s benefits to pay for care, or how you will be paying for you or your loved one’s stay.
  5. Is the community considered an “aging in place” community? Will you or your loved one need to move if their care needs grow over time? Or, is the assisted living community equipped to handle a significant change in care?
  6. Is the community wheelchair accessible? Will they be able to accommodate your needs if your mobility situation should change?
  7. Ask to see a copy of the activities schedule. Make sure there are events on there that interest you. If you don’t see anything that looks fun, ask if you can speak to the activities director and make suggestions.
  8. What is the process for resident and family feedback? Is there a Resident’s Council for residents to meet regularly with staff?  Does the community accept constructive criticism and make changes as necessary?
  9. Does the assisted living community have fitness programs? An investment in high-quality fitness programs shows an interest in the health, physical and mental well-being of each person. It will also help you or your loved one age well and will maximize independence.
  10. Understand the financial obligation before you sign any contract. What are you agreeing to? Will you need to pay monthly? Annually? How does the community like to be paid? Is check okay? Will they take a credit card?

Taking the time to walk through these questions before committing to an assisted living community can save frustration and time down the road. We invite you to contact any of our assisted living communities today. We are happy to walk you through the process and can’t wait to welcome you to your new home!

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