SENIOR LIVING FAQ & RESOURCES

Whether it’s for yourself or your loved one, exploring senior living options can be an overwhelming process. We know you may have questions about terminology, care types, and resources. We’ve compiled frequently asked questions, a glossary of terms, and some quick links to additional resources that may help you along the way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Together, we find ourselves facing a truly unprecedented situation. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all. During this time, we want you to know we are dedicated to continually serving not only our current residents, but also those of you and your loved ones still in need of Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care. Our communities are staying up to date with CDC guidelines. Call us today to learn more. We look forward to serving you.
The community fee is a one-time fee paid by all new residents. The fee is allocated to the maintenance and beautification of the community as a whole. This covers everything from ensuring your new home is in excellent condition at the time you move in, to the upkeep of the grounds, amenities, and common areas available across the community.

Your monthly fee will include:

  • Room and board:
    • "Rent" for your living space
    • Assisted Living and Memory Care utilities included
    • Daily meals, snacks, and beverages
  • Services:
    • Weekly housekeeping and linen service
    • Staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    • Scheduled transportation assistance
    • Emergency Call System
  • Amenities:
    • All amenities of the community, including activities scheduled by the activity director as part of the organized leisure and recreation program.
The dining program includes 3 meals a day developed by a Registered Dietician and prepared by our executive chef and staff. Alternate options are available upon request (soup and sandwich, chef/cobb salad), as well as snacks and drinks. Therapeutic and texture modified meals are available as part of a care plan as well. Our main menu is posted daily and the weekly menu is posted on the information board. A monthly assessment is completed by our resident dietary committee to evaluate and recommend preferences.
Physical and emotional wellness are promoted through a robust activity calendar. A daily assortment of fitness activities, music, and games create a socially engaging environment.
Please contact the Community Liaison for details on each of our communities’ pet policies.
Every resident will have a complete assessment conducted by the RN prior to move in. This ensures an individualized care plan that meets the unique needs of each resident is developed and implemented. The RN and nursing staff, with input from the resident and/or responsible party, will develop the plan of care. The plan of care is updated on a regularly scheduled basis or if the resident experiences a change of condition that requires an immediate adjustment in the care plan.
The plan of care will be adjusted to accommodate any change of condition observed by staff or communicated by the resident or family to ensure the resident receives the necessary care and services.
Future residents and inquiries are encouraged to visit current residents and ask them questions. We pride ourselves in all aspects of the services and care we provide and feel current residents and family will be our best advertisement.
Through continuous routine assessments, the plan of care and implementation is constantly evolving to meet the needs of each individual resident. Adjustments are made to address specific issues and tailored to optimize the results and experience.

Glossary of Terms

Most Senior Living communities are restricted to a minimum age for residents. Abby Senior Living communities accept residents ages 55 and older.
Assisted Living communities provide services that help with some of the daily routines such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and taking medications.
Communities often charge a one-time fee similar to a homeowners association fee. This fee helps cover community operating expenses and ensures access to the amenities of the community.
The Independent Living option of the community includes residents capable of living in a residence without daily assistance.
Also known as continuing care retirement communities, life plan communities are senior living communities that provide multiple lifestyle options, generally including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance developed specifically to cover the cost of long-term skilled nursing, Assisted Living, home health care, and other long-term care services. These services are usually not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare.
The federal health insurance program called Medicare is designed for people who are 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D cover specific services and care.
Financed by state and federal governments, Medicaid is the program of medical assistance designed for those unable to afford regular medical service. It is a program designed to fund care in a skilled nursing setting.
Memory Care encompasses a type of care plan specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory-related disorders, cognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s, or dementia.
Designed to assist individuals recovering from injury, operation, stroke, or illness, these services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and Memory Care. In most cases, the assistance is focused to help the patient return as closely as possible to their prior condition. These services may be residential (inpatient), or outpatient, and may be short-term or long-term, depending on the patient’s condition.
Skilled nursing care facilities, often referred to as nursing homes, are licensed health care communities that are inspected and regulated by a state’s Department of Health Services. They offer long-term and short-term care for individuals who need varying levels of assistance, whether it be with daily routines, rehabilitation services, oversight of health and medical issues.

Quick Links

  • AARP - AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and over to choose how they live as they age.
  • Administration on Aging - promotes the well-being of elderly by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently within their homes and communities.
  • Administration for Community Living - increases access to community support and provides resources for the needs of the elderly.
  • Alzheimer’s Association - leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
  • Arthritis Foundation - provides the arthritis community with life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, and advancements in science and community connections.
  • Caregiver.com - provides an online home for caregivers including tips, discussion lists, breaking news, topic specific channels, expert answers, and email newsletters.
  • Caring Connections - initiative to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services that enhance the quality of life of the individual, no matter what stage of life or condition.
  • Elder Law Answers - provides resources for seniors and their families dealing with legal matters surrounding aging and health issues.
  • Family Caregiver Alliance - information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses.
  • Benefits.gov - official site of the U.S. Government with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.
  • Hospice Foundation of America - helps family members and health care professionals cope with their experiences dealing with terminal illness, death, and grief.
  • Medicare - the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older.
  • Medicaid - funded jointly by states and the federal government, provides health coverage for low-income adults.
  • VA.gov - explains U.S. Government Veterans’ Affairs benefits to assist eligible veterans and dependents with health care expenses.