OUR MISSION:
To provide personalized placement alternatives for Assisted Living / Memory Care homes for your loved one’s new beginning… so your decision is the appropriate one!
Assisted Living Versus Memory Care
Assisted Living Communities: These are structured for seniors who choose an independent lifestyle within the safe confines of a secured community. Their daily requirements such as meals, light housekeeping, laundry, and social activities are provided. Residents are free to come and go as they wish. The overall ambiance is equivalent to hotel accommodations where staff is available around the clock for the residents’ comfort. Residents must be self-sufficient and capable of handling their own personal hygiene, eating, dressing, self-medication and social interaction with others. Residents are medically assessed prior to their admission. Each community also has an on-site Medical Professional.
Memory Care Communities: Most Assisted Living Communities provide transitional accommodations from self-sufficient apartments/rooms to a higher level of skilled care and supervision within the facility. Traditionally, a secured separate wing is dedicated to meet the specific needs of Dementia/Alzheimer residents. It is imperative that a family is informed of the staff ratio of residents/in-house caretakers. Families must choose wisely which type of facility is conducive to their loved one’s needs.
Costs: The monthly fees vary depending on the geographic location and the required level of care. In general, communities quote a “Base” pay only. Many times, a la carte fees are incurred which are not necessarily included in the resident’s budget!
Respite Care: Provided by all communities for seniors who require all-inclusive temporary Assisted Living or Memory Care accommodations.
Medicare: Coverage, if any, is predicated on your loved one’s specific Medicare enrollment plan. The majority of plans usually do not cover any Assisted Living or Memory Care costs. Veterans, however, do get some financial assistance. Long-term insurance is generally recommended. Private pay is the standard community policy nationwide.
Medicaid: The system is quite difficult to navigate and the application process is stringent. Eligibility is contingent on many factors: e.g., monthly income, assets, and a five-year financial “look back.” Each state dictates its own established guidelines for monetary ceilings. It is important to find communities which are Medicaid “Certified.” Beds are few and far between. Private pay is necessary until applications are approved, which can take up to three months, per federal government regulations. A good Eldercare attorney can assist in the pursuit of successful Medicaid enrollment.