1 Is an assisted living community the same thing as a “nursing home?”

No. People who live in a nursing home typically require constant and continual medical care, often involving a registered nurse and other medical professionals. In an assisted living community, seniors may need help with some daily routines such as grooming and getting dressed, but they are not medically dependent. In fact, assisted living residents enjoy an active lifestyle that can be highly fulfilling and enriching. According to Definitive Healthcare, there are more than 33,000 active assisted living facilities across the United States.

2 What does “all-inclusive” mean?

We understand that navigating assisted living can be difficult, and the fees associated with it can be confusing because it usually depends on the amount of care or assistance your loved one needs. This is why we decided to simplify it for you and make all care included in our monthly rate. If your loved one’s needs increase, your rate will not increase because of additional care needs. This all-inclusive plan makes it easier to plan ahead and concentrate on enjoying your time together.

3 My parent gets angry with me every time I bring up the possibility of assisted living. Is this normal?

Keep in mind that your parent has taken care of his own needs, and before that, yours. It’s common for older people not to realize that their ability to care for themselves is not what it used to be. The key in your conversations with your parent is to emphasize the positives of assisted living, such as the opportunity to make new friends and to become involved in a variety of stimulating social events.

4 My parent has become increasingly forgetful, even with routine things. Could assisted living be right for them?

There is a very good possibility that assisted living is the ideal choice for your parent. Assisted living communities, while they encourage independence, can also provide personal help with certain everyday tasks such as bathing and grooming as well as monitoring medication intake.

5 My parent rarely goes anywhere and is usually alone. Could they benefit from group participation?

Most assisted living residences offer a diverse array of fun and educational group-based activities that are designed to appeal to nearly all seniors, fostering friendships while also providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose that can be instrumental in helping older people “feel younger.”

6 My parent has never really been a “joiner.” Would they feel obligated to participate in group activities all the time?

Not at all. Certainly, their participation would be encouraged and appreciated, yet, assisted living communities respect the privacy and desires of each resident, and those who choose not to take part in group activities are not made to feel obligated to do so.

7 How can I be confident that my parent will feel safe living in an assisted living community?

Usually, older people say that they feel more safe and secure in an assisted living community than they had felt during previous years living alone. What’s more, their children can have peace of mind in knowing that someone is continually there for their parents, just in case.

8 Will my parent feel that the assisted living community intrudes on their independence?

Respect for a resident’s wishes is always a priority at an assisted living residence. Staff members are specially trained to not only support independent lifestyles but also to encourage residents to think on their own and make their own decisions whenever possible. Still, if needed or desired, caring assistance will be provided.

9 My parent is finicky about food and has specific nutritional needs. Can I be assured that they will eat properly?

Delicious and nutritionally balanced meals are typically served restaurant-style in beautifully appointed dining areas providing the feeling of “going out to eat” for every meal. Those, like your parent, with special dietary needs are always accommodated. This is a stark contrast to a nursing home where the food might commonly be similar in preparation and taste to “hospital food.”