The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) describes assisted living as “a residential setting that provides or coordinates personal services, 24-hour supervision, scheduled and unscheduled assistance, social activities, and some health-related services. Assisted living provides a homelike atmosphere and is designed to accommodate residents’ changing care needs and preferences.”
We describe “respite care” as a short-term, or temporary stay with us. It offers family members or other caregivers the opportunity to travel or take a much-needed break while knowing their loved one is comfortable in a senior assisted living community that specializes in “personal care.” It also provides a non-institutional choice for seniors in need of a place to recover from a hospital stay or surgery. Respite residents stay overnight and enjoy the same amenities and services as the regular residents, while they are with us.
Your pet is a special part of your life, and we are able to welcome most pets. There would be an additional deposit. As a convenience to you, we can help arrange special pet care services if you need them.
Yes, bring your furniture.We believe that you will be happier in your new home if you have your own furnishings and personal belongings around you
Most health insurance policies do not pay for assisted living; however, long-term care policies often provide a benefit that will cover some of the cost. Medicare and Medicaid is not applicable, but Veterans may qualify for rent assistance.
You don’t have to spend your day cleaning house, washing clothes and cooking meals. As part of the rental agreement, your meals, laundry and housekeeping services are included in the assisted living monthly fee. Three nutritious meals are served daily in a common dining area. Basic amenities also include weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services.
When something breaks, you simply call and put in a maintenance request for repairs. “Something is always in need of repair with older homes and that’s why a lot of seniors want to relocate to an apartment,” says Scott Lawrenson, Vice President of Great Oaks Property. “You are shifting the burden of home repairs to one of our maintenance men, who will make sure the job is done. You don’t have to get price estimates or find a person to take care of the repairs.”
Personal assistance services are available to seniors who live in senior living communities. Services include personal laundry, health monitoring, modified diets, and assistance with personal hygiene bathing and dressing. Additional charges may apply based on the personal assistance services provided.
What happens when you reach a point when you can no longer drive? Some retirees choose to relocate to an assisted living community which offers scheduled local transportation to medical appointments, shopping and recreational opportunities.
Retirement can be an opportunity to move closer to your children and grandchildren. Relocating close to your family has many advantages. If you rent close to your children, you Can visit with them often and eliminate the travel expenses. Plus, you can help each other with childcare and eldercare as needed.
Retirees may choose an apartment with amenities that will allow them to live independently for as long as possible. Select an apartment with minimum stairs and look for safety features such as handles in the shower, wide hallways with bright lights, convenient laundry facilities and security.
In retirement, you don’t necessarily need a house with several bedrooms and a big yard. Once your children move out of the house, you don’t need as much space or stuff. In fact, stairs to climb and a yard that needs mowing can become a significant liability as you age. Downsizing to a living space more appropriate for current needs is a smart move.
Upon retirement, you no longer need to live in expensive areas near the office or in good school districts. Sometime downsizing and relocating, even a short distance, can result in a significantly lower cost of living.
You could improve your retirement finances significantly when you sell your home and become a renter. In many cases, it cost less to rent than it does to own. There are no property taxes, there’s no maintenance cost and most utilities are included. For retirees who rent an assisted living apartment, meals are provided and they have personalized assistance service available. All of these amenities are covered in the monthly rent.
Assisted living apartments are equipped with an emergency response system. For your peace of mind, and your family’s as well, an on-site resident care team is available 24 hours a day. You simply call for help.
Senior communities offer the added bonus of social programs and a chance to make friends. You can enjoy the privacy of your own individual apartment, dine with other residents, and participate in recreational activities when you want to socialize with others.
Renting a senior apartment gives you flexibility to relocate without a long-term commitment. “Renting allows you the freedom to choose where you live today as well as in the future,” says Scott Lawrenson, President of Great Oaks Management Senior Living Communities. “Our month-to-month rent, without long-term leases, gives you an opportunity to try out assisted living and, in turn, allows us to meet your needs as changes occur.”