If you’re starting to consider senior living, or are wondering about it on behalf of a loved one, you’re in the right place. This guide has helpful definitions, things to think about and plenty of questions to ask yourself. Making the decision to move into a senior living community is a big one, and we’re here to give you the information you need to make the decision that’s best for you. Because where you live matters.
Typically restricted to people who are 55+, these communities offer residential living, usually in single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums, or multi-family properties, either for sale or for rent. Hospitality services and outdoor maintenance might be included in the resident’s monthly fee, and the community could offer amenities such as a clubhouse and recreational spaces.
Assistance with activities of daily living isn’t typically provided, but access or referral to nearby health care providers may be. Typically, residents have a choice of whether or not to take advantage of available services or programs, which can include housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance, transportation and social activities.
A special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and care designed to meet the needs — both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who require help with daily activities. Many assisted living communities are freestanding. Within a senior community setting, services may include any or all of these:
Adults are directly admitted to the community and pay a monthly rental rate plus fees for medication and other care-related services based on regularly scheduled assessments. Often, assisted living includes memory support services within the same community
Provision of medical and nursing services in a person’s home by a licensed provider. Medicare might cover some services provided by home health care if the individual meets certain guidelines regarding a recent hospital stay. Home health care is often available in senior living communities.
A residential living setting for seniors who require minimal or no assistance. Hospitality and supportive services are generally provided. Independent living residences may be apartments or freestanding homes obtained either for an entrance fee or through a rental arrangement. A monthly fee for services and amenities may be applied. Access to higher levels of care varies, or may not be offered at all.
Life Plan Communities, are also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offer several kinds of residences for independent living and various levels of health care services. In independent living, a community may offer apartments, freestanding homes, attached homes or other residential options. Assisted living residents usually live in apartments, while those in skilled nursing and memory support areas generally reside in suites or rooms, either private or shared.
Life Plan Communities usually provide a written agreement or long-term contract between the resident (frequently lasting the term of the resident’s lifetime) and the community, which offers maintenance-free living, a wide variety of services and amenities, and access to a continuum of health care, commonly all on one campus or site.
Most Life Plan Communities require a one-time upfront entrance fee and a predictable monthly fee, which allows the resident to occupy an independent living residence, enjoy all the services and amenities offered by the community, and have access to long-term on-site health care when and if they need it. If the resident requires assisted living, memory support or skilled nursing, the community provides the appropriate level of care. Depending on the contract structure, this care may be provided at essentially the
same monthly rate the resident paid in independent living, at a reduced rate for a specified amount of time, or on a fee-for-service basis. Types of care level settings vary from community to community.
Age restriction is usually 62+, although that varies from one community to another. While all Life Plan Communities offer residential accommodations and amenities, the range and cost of entrance fees and monthly service fees may vary
Licensed daily rate properties that are referred to as skilled nursing facilities (SNF) or nursing facilities (NF), where the majority of individuals require 24/7 nursing and/or health care. In most cases, nursing homes are licensed for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. They generally offer a community setting, private or shared rooms, and around-the-clock medical staff, including RNs (registered nurses), LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and CNAs (certified nursing assistants). Many nursing homes are freestanding communities.
Many senior living communities, along with stand-alone memory support communities, specialize in services dedicated to caring for residents needing memory care for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia or cognitive impairments. Most memory care programs are supported in specially designed environments, and include innovative technologies and interventions that can decrease the anxieties and difficulties related to dealing with dementia. Staff typically have a high level of expertise in memory care.
Services that provide caregivers with temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving (e.g., in-home assistance, short nursing home stays, adult day care). In a senior living community setting, it usually refers to an arrangement whereby a senior stays at the community for a few days or weeks, perhaps to give their caregiver at home a break, or to experience the community’s accommodations, services and amenities on
a trial basis
Whether accommodations and services are offered in a freestanding skilled nursing facility or in a designated area of a Life Plan Community, skilled nursing is designed for individuals who require full-time care, or assistance with most, if not all, activities of daily living. Skilled nursing units are licensed and offer 24/7 medical care by trained medical staff, such as a registered nurse or therapist. They may also provide rehabilitation services, memory support services and other types of specialized care. They’re typically Medicare/ Medicaid-certified, and monthly fees include meals, personal assistance and most medical services (except for medications).
My mother has been in memory care at Golden Lodge now for roughly 6 months. My mom is well adjusted and is doing very good. My mother has a routine and has staff members to help with all of her daily needs. The staff was incredibly helpful with the move in and answers any questions that I have about her care. I am very thankful for Golden Lodge and would definitely recommend!
Jim Kennedy
Dear Staff, Administration, and owners of Golden Lodge, On behalf of our family, I want to thank you for caring for our parents, Janet and Warren Spaulding, at the end of their lives. When the lockdown of senior facilities was in place, you welcomed Jan and Warren, and knocked down a wall to make a larger apartment, which helped them feel comfortable. You also allowed us to visit them which their previous facility denied. You supported them at the end of their lives in their own apartment, which was their home. You always treated them with kindness and respect. We are especially grateful for the care-giving staff who worked so hard to keep both our parents from being In pain when they were on Hospice status. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Sincerely,
Lynne Wagner, Sara Spaulding, Mimi Davis
Kim: Although our mother's term was short with Golden Lodge, both Kelly and I are extremely impressed by the care, competency level of the staff. Thank you! We will be honoring them soon and even talked about coming in for an ice cream social for the staff and the resi, As far as the finances go, you can write the check to me (or her) and I can deposit it in her account. Kind regards,
Angela Swanson
Golden Lodge Memory Care has the most amazing team of caring, compassionate, engaging staff!!! We had a bad experience at another memory care facility & were so happy when someone recommended Golden Lodge. Kim & her team are the dream team. They are so dedicated & kind & the facility is absolutely beautiful. Our family could not have been happier!
April Grimsley
Golden Lodge, especially Kris, Tabor and Chef Mike:
My sincerest thanks for all of your efforts in the planning and execution of the Lovely dinner in honor of our 71st wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 18th. It is hard to believe that so many years have passed since that day in 1951, but time marches on and I look forward to many more sunny days.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sincerely,
Jackie and Stan Dobbs and family
ALL EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED. The team is talented and loving. The memory care wing was comfortable and well thought out place for my father to spend his final days; I hope to be so lucky. This memory care is different from all others; smaller "neighborhoods" with less chaos makes the adds peace and serenity. I spent a lot of time in there and felt like my father had a more private and home-like lifestyle. The food is great and the location was ideal for easy and frequent visits. TRUST ME, we looked at 9 facilities, all higher end luxury arrangements. My father lived in three different facilities; the other two were regrettable in comparison. I wish we found the Golden Lodge earlier. BIG THANKS to the team and leadership at the lodge. You are all very special people to us.
Brad Kieding
I just moved my parents in and there were unexpected health complications. The staff has handled it with great compassion and care. The food is outstanding, the view is beautiful, and I look forward to years of quality care.
Tom Clifton
We chose Golden Lodge Assisted Living & Memory Care for my mother because it's brand new, no one has lived in it yet, and because of its proximity to family members. We can still go there, visit, and take care of her. The studios are really spacious. The staff member was accommodating and kind. I haven't had any complaints.
Patty
Beautiful brand new community. Gorgeous view and grounds. Feels like it will be totally safe even with the Coronavirus. They are following all guidelines and everything is new and antiseptic!
Mtn Kathy
Our family is extremely grateful for the compassionate staff and administration at Golden Lodge. We have felt that our parents were safe and treated with kindness and respect from the moment they moved in. We feel like members of the team, all with the same goals, working together in the best interest of our parents.
Lynne Wagner
I visited this facility, I toured the Golden Lodge, I looked at the rooms, and went over different billing questions. I fell in love with it, I really liked it. It was comfortable, the rooms were good, and it had everything I needed. I was very happy with the staff. They were friendly and nice. They explained everything. They were sure about what they all do.
Karl
Golden Lodge is a beautiful community with a dedicated and passionate leadership and care team! I am continually impressed by their love, compassion, and dedication to their residents and the community at large. They have found innovative ways to engage their residents throughout the pandemic while keeping them safe. I would recommend Golden Lodge to anyone looking for a place for their elderly loved one to call home.
Kristen Daines
While placing a family member into memory care was an extremely hard choice for our family, we have found Golden Lodge to be exceptional. The way they care for my mother and her needs is incredible. We have been able to visit, call, and interact with her despite Covid. We are careful, follow protocol, and the staff also is diligent on making sure she is safe. She has interaction all day long and is very safe. The food is wonderful, she loves it! Thank you for taking care of my mother! We appreciate your services and compassion with her.
Patty Peterson