Living Options

Most Assisted Living Communities offer individual apartments allowing residents a continued independent lifestyle with their own furniture and belongings. Typically, these communities offer 24-hour staffing along with a nurse on duty during specified hours to administer medications and monitor care plans. Assisted living communities offer three meals a day as well as planned activities and transportation for scheduled appointments, shopping trips and outings.

Things to consider when searching for a new residence:

• What are the varying levels of care and the charges associated with those levels? If needed, do they assist with bathing, dressing, incontinence care, etc.?
• What care(s) are they able to assist with and what are common reasons that will require moving to a skilled nursing community or hiring home care? For example, are they able to provide two-person assisted transfers?
• What is the “additional person” fee? This fee is for a second person living in the apartment.
• Will you be required to go to the dining room for all meals? Can meals be delivered to your room when you are ill? Eating a meal in the community may be a good way to assess the quality and variety of the food.
• Ask to see their activity schedule. Do they offer things you like to do? Do they offer physical activities to help keep you healthy?
• Is the community in a convenient location for you? Will you be near the things that are important to you?
• Do they offer religious services of your denomination?
• Do they allow you to bring your pet?
• What payment options are accepted in this community? (i.e. Private Pay, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicaid Waiver, VA)

Talking to the current residents about what they like and dislike about the community may help in your decision.

Independent Living & Retirement Communities offer individuals the opportunity to live with people of similar age in an independent lifestyle. They offer amenities such as prepared meals, transportation to scheduled appointments, shopping and planned activities.

Things to consider when searching for a new residence:

• What are the financial requirements? Is there a buy-in requirement? Is this money returned if you move?
• What types of activities are available?
• Are there additional monthly fees such as parking, laundry or housekeeping services?
• What is the “additional person” fee? This fee is for a second person living in the apartment.
• Is there a meal plan and if so, what does it entail? Eating a meal in the community may be a good way to assess the quality and variety of the food.
• What are the age requirements?
• What health issues would require you to move from the community?
• If needed, will you be allowed to have home health care? Are there any restrictions?
• Do they allow pets?

Talking to the current residents about what they like and dislike about the community may help in your decision.

Skilled Nursing Communities offer 24-hour staffing with a registered nurse on duty at all times. Medications are administered either by a nurse or Certified Medication Aide. Residents have a written care plan. All skilled nursing communities provide three meals a day. Therapies are typically available on the premises. Planned activities and transportation for scheduled appointments are standard.

Refer to the Medicare and Medicaid sections for information on skilled nursing coverage. Long-term care policies may reimburse for a skilled nursing stay.

Nursing Home Compare: Medicare.gov/NursingHomeCompare