FAQ's

General Questions

Q: What is the difference between assisted living and nursing homes?

A: As recently as the mid-1980s, the limited options for senior citizens needing assistance were living with a family member or living in a nursing home. There was really no place for a senior citizen who needed perhaps some assistance with dressing, bathing, meals, etc., but did not need the level of care found in a nursing home. For many high functioning seniors who live with challenges, living in a nursing home with lower functioning residents can be depressing and debilitating.

In many cases, an assisted living community like The Ecumenical Community will focus on a resident's remaining strengths and abilities. In other words, focus is on what tasks the resident can still appropriately perform on his/her own rather than emphasizing those areas that the resident needs assistance with.

Assisted living is a wonderful option for a senior who may have some special needs, either physical or memory impairment, which are not suitable for a skilled nursing home environment. Assisted living is designed to help residents maintain their independence and privacy for as long as it is feasible; therefore, minimizing or in some cases eliminating their need for a nursing home.

Q: What are things I should look for when shopping for an assisted living community?

A: There are several things residents and their family or decision maker should take into consideration. Some of the details to pay close attention to include:

• Cost - Is it affordable and for how long?
• Location - Is it convenient for family and friends to visit me?
• Cleanliness - Is the facility clean and free of unpleasant odors?
• Dining - Does the food taste good, and is there a choice of entrees? Also, can family and guests join the resident for meals?
• Atmosphere - Is it an attractive facility, and is it well maintained?
• Assistance - How much assistance is available, and how do you determine what is needed?
• Continuation of Service - Will the facility or campus be able to continue caring for me (and my spouse) as our healthcare needs change?
• Activities - Are there daily activities that I would enjoy participating in?

Q: What is the entry fee and monthly fees?

A: There is an entrance fee that is payable at the time of move-in. The monthly fees vary significantly based on the level of care needed and the accommodations that you choose. A marketing professional could answer your specific questions on cost based on your individual needs.

Health-Related Questions

Q: How do I know it's time to look at assisted living?

A: The answer is truly different for everyone. In some cases, a prospective resident is looking at assisted living options, but in many other cases, that responsibility falls in full or part to a family member or friend. There are many different reasons why someone would want to consider either independent living or assisted living. For instance, a person or a loved one becomes uncomfortable with living alone due to the possibilities of falling, getting sick, safety issues, forgetting to take medications, loneliness, poor nutrition, or the difficulty taking care of household responsibilities or another family member. A marketer will be able to discuss some of these concerns and even perhaps recommend another solution to a specific type of concern.

When you have narrowed your search down to two or three communities, call and make an appointment to tour each, bring a list of questions and see for yourself what the community is like. Try to arrange to have at least one meal with some of the residents and ask them how they like living at the community.