- Assisted Living FAQ
What is assisted living?
An assisted living community provides a combination of housing, supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs – both scheduled and unscheduled – of those seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and medication monitoring (Assisted Living Federation of America). Most states define a resident appropriate for assisted living care as one who can negotiate a pathway to safety in case of emergencies with no or little assistance from another person. These are broad definitions and each state regulates this level of care a bit differently.
When is assisted living a better option than independent living?
Generally speaking, when an individual living at home can no longer be assisted with “scheduled care” (either by family or home health agencies) – and requires more “care on demand”, assisted living becomes an attractive option.
What do you mean by “care on demand”?
This would include assistance that is available 24-hours a day – whenever the resident needs it. Protective oversight, on-going medication management, nutritional support and personal assistance with dressing and bathing are all examples of care on demand.
If my care needs change would I have to move?
Many residents live their remaining years quite comfortably in the assisted living setting. Since supportive care is provided (assistance with bathing, medication monitoring, meal preparation), living in an assisted living setting can significantly reduce the risk of serious health setbacks that might necessitate a higher level of care. In addition, Medicare home health services, rehabilitation and even Hospice services can all be accessed in an assisted living community. Certainly meeting a resident’s needs is the number one priority and should a higher level of care be required, skilled nursing (both short and long-term) is a viable next step.
When is skilled nursing a better option than assisted living?
Skilled nursing care is reserved for individuals with often complex medical needs requiring the “skill” of licensed nurses and therapists. Skilled nursing is appropriate for seniors recovering from stroke or surgery that needs intensive, 7-day a week therapies. In addition, if a resident regularly requires the assistance of another to move from bed to chair, or is confined to bed due to their condition, they are generally more appropriate for the skilled nursing setting.
What about dining?
Of all meals, breakfast most reflects your lifestyle. We serve an informal, stroll-in breakfast. Lunch and supper are served family-style. Our menus reflect your preferences and favorite recipes. We accommodate special menu requests and prescribed dietary requirements.* Our dining rooms contain intimate tables of four or more. Even a private dining room when you’d like to host a dinner or a family gathering.
Who keeps house?
Keeping house may not be exciting, but we do come through daily to tidy things up. And we have a regular schedule of routine deep cleaning in each room. We try to live up to your own high standards, including the laundry. We know how folks are about their clothes, and we’ll treat your wardrobe with extra care and respect.
What types of activity programs are offered?
We take fun seriously! Resident activities are created to ensure that they are healthful, fun and purposeful. Welbrook’s activities philosophy comprises a wide spectrum of programs for Independent Living, Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s residents. Programs are grounded in research and reflect the highest standards of recreational and therapeutic benefits with a special emphasis on maintaining mental fitness. Welbrook’s activities engage mind, body and spirit in a continuing celebration of life.
What else is there to do?
Some folks love to join right in. We strike a balance between planned programs (movies, bridge tournaments, live entertainment, etc.) and spontaneous events (current event discussions, afternoon tea on the porch, a power walk around the grounds, to name a few). We encourage togetherness, but never force it. You can still actively participate in your own community, even host functions here with us.
What should I do next?
Helping individuals and families find just the right services, amenities, and levels of care are vital. We also realize the importance of a safe environment and having peace of mind about the decision – for all concerned. So, we invite you to spend some time with us to discuss your options.
Let us help enhance your independence and your ability to meet life head-on by giving you just the right support at the right time. And that should make you feel right at home. At Welbrook, you can begin living life well.
- Memory Care FAQ
What is Alzheimer’s disease and how widespread is it?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that impairs memory and the ability to perform the activities of daily living. Over 4 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and that number is growing. Surprisingly, one out of every 10 people 65 years and older are affected and almost half of those over 85 have some form of dementia.
I thought only skilled nursing centers could care for those with Alzheimer’s?
That used to be the case. However, more and more states are allowing assisted living communities to specialize in this level of care. More rigorous staffing, physical community and training standards must be met to fulfill these special resident needs. Today, however specialized assisted living communities, like Welbrook Senior Living, are an attractive option to those seeking care outside the home.
What makes Welbrook’s Alzheimer’s assisted living services different from their traditional assisted living services?
All the services provided in our Welbrook communities- from dining, to nursing, to activities – are designed around the unique needs of the memory impaired. Days are quietly structured to provide a sense of order. Residents are engaged more readily in this setting thru verbal cues and daily routines.
Is the staffing different for Memory Care facilities?
Yes. Not only is the staff to resident ratio higher than in a traditional assisted living setting, all staff members are specifically trained to work with the memory impaired. The decision to work in this level of care is an important one. We screen prospective caregivers on the front end to ensure they have both the passion and temperament to work with these special individuals.
What about security?
What’s wonderful about Welbrook communities is that the security is there – but not readily apparent to the resident. All doors are equipped with secured entry/exits. Our outdoor living areas are also secured. Residents who may require additional oversight are given discreet monitoring bracelets.
Why is the size of the Welbrook communities so important?
Our research showed that residents with memory impairment do best when they are in a calm, intimate setting and know their caregivers. Our entire buildings are specifically designed for the memory impaired resident’s special needs and comfort.
- Skilled Nursing FAQ
Do you provide therapy? If so, what type?
Yes. We have our own physical, occupational and speech therapists on staff to meet all our patients’ rehabilitation needs.
What is the total cost per day for care? What does that cost include?
Costs vary depending on the facility and on the patient’s individual situation. Talk to a social worker at the community you are interested in for further information about costs.
Do the residents have meal choices?
Yes. Our dining rooms serve a main selection at each meal with an alternative selection available for residents to choose from.
Do you provide transportation?
We provide transportation to and from physician appointments and other necessary medical appointments.
Do you have private rooms?
Yes, all of our rooms are private.
Do you take Medicare patients?
Yes. Each community has Medicare-certified beds for residents who qualify for Medicare benefits.
Can money be left for residents?
Yes. You can leave money with the office and it will be kept in an individual “resident’s trust fund.” The resident will have access to his or her money anytime during business hours.
Will the patient’s physician see him or her at your facility?
Each facility has several physicians to choose from that make rounds regularly. You can also keep your regular doctor.
Can outside food be delivered to residents?
Yes. If any food item requires refrigeration, please speak with a staff member so that the item is stored safely and properly.
Can the resident continue to use the pharmacy he or she is currently using?
Yes, but only if the pharmacy can provide medication in bubble-pack packaging. The only exception is for veterans who receive their medications through the mail from the veteran’s administration.
Do you have a beauty shop?
Yes. Our beauty shop offers discounted prices for services.
What services do you provide?
We are able to provide a wide range of services through the following
Programs and Treatment Components:- 24-Hour Nursing
- I.V. Medications
- Enteral Feedings
- Pain Management
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- Wound Management
- Infusion Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Patient/Family Education
- Community Re-Entry
- Counseling/Planning
- Hospice
- Therapy Services
We offer in-house, seven-day-a-week therapy services tailored to each resident’s needs, helping them achieve their highest level of independence.
Physical Therapy focuses on leg strength, balance, and endurance for transfers and ambulation.
Occupational Therapy focuses on upper body skills for independence with personal and home care.
Speech Therapy maximizes communication, swallowing, hearing and thinking skills.
Team of ProfessionalsOur interdisciplinary team focus is on the entire well being of the patient.
The Health Care Team may include:- RN’s
- CNA’s
- Physicians
- Dietitians
- LPN’s
- Therapists
- Social Workers
- Pharmacists
- Hospice Coordinators
- Administration
