Question 1

Is transportation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scheduled transportation is available and included at Americare communities. Schedules and services vary between communities. So it’s always best to explore transportation offerings with your senior living advisor or admission specialist.

Question 2

What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

Accepted Answer

Great question! As with any residential community, the staff-to-resident ratio at Americare can vary based on a number of variables, including the level of care, amenities, and local safety and compliance regulations. For example, our memory care and skilled nursing communities employ more staff per resident than you would find in an independent living community. As you proceed further on your journey, be sure to ask at a live meet-and-greet or over the phone so you can get the best, most accurate answer for each community you visit.

Question 3

When are meals served?

Accepted Answer

Come hungry and come often! At Americare our residents enjoy an open, cook-to-order breakfast – accommodating both early and late risers. Lunch and dinner are served restaurant style and include a daily special along with an always-available menu. Snacks are available throughout the day. Specific meal times will vary, but the following time ranges are typical: Breakfast:  7-10 a.m. Lunch:  11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dinner:  4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Question 4

Can I have a pet?

Accepted Answer

As long as you are able to care for your fur baby, pets are welcomed and loved just like our residents. Americare is a wonderful place for them to call home.

Question 5

What is different about Americare’s independent living options and other retirement communities?

Accepted Answer

Size. Instead of a large multi-unit building or multi-winged campus, our intimate enclaves of 1- or 2-bedroom residences and larger patio homes are nestled next to a sister assisted living community. It’s privacy without isolation.

Question 6

Can I bring my own furniture?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. This is your home. We invite you to make it just that – yours. In fact, our efficient homes are perfect for those looking to downsize, yet at the same time, enjoy their special items they just can’t part with. Your window treatments are included!

Question 7

What about housekeeping and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Leave the chores to us. We provide bi-weekly housekeeping with optional flat linen service. All repairs and maintenance – both inside and out – are taken care of.

Question 8

Is it possible to have someone check on me from time to time?

Accepted Answer

You bet! That’s part of Americare’s independent living package. We know that for many seniors, just knowing someone is there when they need them is a valuable enhancement to their independent lifestyle. We provide it with regular check-ins (based on your request) and 24-hour emergency voice response.

Question 9

Is there an expensive buy-in required to live in independent living?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Our leases run month to month. That way you stay in control of your money and can use it when and how you want to. Why pay for care now that you may or may not need down the road? At Americare we believe independent living should also mean financial independence.

Question 10

When is assisted living a better option than independent living?

Accepted Answer

Assisted living becomes an attractive option when “care on demand” is required. Generally speaking this is when an individual living at home can no longer be assisted with “scheduled care.” This may be provided by family or home health agencies and goes beyond their ability.

Question 11

What do you mean by care on demand? Can you give me an example?

Accepted Answer

Great question. Care on demand includes assistance that is available 24 hours a day or whenever the resident needs it. Protective oversight, ongoing medication management, nutritional support and personal assistance with dressing and bathing are all examples of care on demand.

Question 12

If my care needs change would I have to move?

Accepted Answer

Many residents live their remaining years quite comfortably in the assisted living setting. Since supportive care is provided (assistance with dressing and bathing, medication monitoring, meal preparation, etc.), assisted living can significantly reduce the risk of serious health setbacks that might necessitate a higher level of care. In addition, home health services, rehabilitation and even Hospice can all be accessed in an assisted living community. Meeting a resident’s needs is the number one priority. Rest easy knowing, that should a higher level of care be required, skilled nursing (both short and long-term) is a viable next step. And we will assist with the transition.

Question 13

When is rehabilitation and skilled nursing a better option than assisted living?

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation and skilled nursing care are reserved for individuals with often complex medical needs requiring the “skill” of licensed nurses and therapists. This may be the right option for seniors recovering from stroke or surgery, which requires intensive, six-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 rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing setting.

Question 14

I thought only skilled nursing centers could provide care for those with Alzheimer’s. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

That used to be the case. However, more and more states are enabling assisted living communities to offer specialized memory care. More rigorous standards for staffing, training and building security must be met. Today, specialized assisted living communities, including Americare, are an attractive option to those seeking memory care outside the home.

Question 15

What makes Americare’s memory care services different from their traditional assisted living services?

Accepted Answer

All the services provided in our memory care communities – from dining, to nursing, to activities – are designed around the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or severe memory loss. By working closely with loved ones, we preserve the life story of every resident, creating a guide to the past and the present to prevent loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Days are quietly structured to provide a sense of order. Residents are engaged more readily in this setting through verbal cues and daily routines.

Question 16

Is the staffing different?

Accepted Answer

Yes, expect different staffing because the resident’s needs are different. Not only is the staff-to-resident ratio higher than in a traditional assisted living setting, every team member in our memory care communities undergoes training on the Best Friends ™ Approach, as well as the person-centered CARES training, developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. The decision to work in a memory care setting is an important one. We screen prospective team members to ensure they have both the passion and temperament to work with these special individuals.

Question 17

What about security?

Accepted Answer

Security is a huge priority. What’s wonderful about Americare communities is the security is there — but not obvious to the residents. All doors are equipped with keypad entry/exits. Our outdoor living areas are also secured and monitored through closed-circuit cameras. Residents who may require additional oversight are given discreet monitoring bracelets.

Question 18

Why is the size of the Americare communities so important?

Accepted Answer

The more intimate, the better. Research has shown that residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss thrive best in a calm, intimate setting where they know their caregivers. With no more than 24 units (most with only 16), Americare memory care communities allow for structure with flexibility. So, each person’s daily routine remains, whatever that may be. And our memory care assisted living buildings are all specifically designed (not just retrofitted) for the memory-impaired resident.

Question 19

Are short-term stays available?

Accepted Answer

Many of our residents only stay with us for a short time. Our goal for many is to help them return to their home or assisted living setting after surgery, accident, illness or injury. We do this through state-of-the-art therapy programs and a comprehensive discharge plan that helps families know what to expect when a loved one returns home.

Question 20

Americare promotes person-centered care in its rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities. How is that different?

Accepted Answer

Quite simply, person-centered care means putting the needs and desires of the resident above work routines and clinical protocols that are often driven by regulation. Whether a resident is with us short- or long-term, the same quality care is delivered – but in a way that helps the resident retain their own identity. Meal schedules give way to open breakfasts that accommodate both early and late risers. Assistance with bathing is scheduled at times preferred by the resident. Person-centered care, requires a deeper relationship with our residents, and is changing the rehabilitation and skilled nursing experience.

Question 21

Does Medicare cover my stay in a rehabilitation and skilled nursing setting?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers some care in this setting, but it is limited. Generally, Medicare will pay for care when the resident is recuperating from a stroke, injury, illness or accident. Medicare’s payment criteria are very stringent and once a resident no longer makes progress in their recuperation, payment becomes the responsibility of the individual should an extended stay be necessary. An Americare admission specialist can explain this in greater detail.

Question 22

What if I don’t have the funds to pay?

Accepted Answer

When Medicare or long-term care insurance is not available, and a resident lacks the private funds to cover their stay, public funding known as Medicaid can be accessed. Our social service department is adept at identifying funding sources for those in need. We help families with the paperwork and documentation to help ensure residents get the financial assistance for which they are eligible.

Question 23

Are there any upfront fees like entrance fees, administrative fees or community fees?

Accepted Answer

Americare does charge a one-time community fee upon admission to our assisted living, memory care and independent living settings. No community fee is charged in our skilled nursing communities. We take great care to make sure all costs are transparent and clearly understood. Rest assured that there will be no financial surprises if you choose to live at Americare.

Question 24

Does Americare accept long-term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do! Americare Senior Living communities generally accept long-term care insurance policies, which can help offset the costs of assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and other forms of long-term care. Our senior living advisors or admission specialists can provide more detailed information.

Question 25

Does Americare participate in any financial assistance programs, like Medicaid or Veterans benefits?

Accepted Answer

We accept government-funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and some Veterans benefits programs. We also work with private funding sources including private pay and long-term care insurance. Requirements and eligibility are often complex. It’s best to speak personally with one of Americare’s experienced and helpful senior living advisors or admission specialists regarding your individual situation.

Question 26

Are there tax implications of paying for senior living?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are tax implications of living in a senior living community. These will vary based on each individual situation and the services provided. Remember too, that not every service level, community or resident has the same situation. If you don’t have a personal tax advisor, we can connect you with some expert resources to provide clarity.

Question 27

Does Americare offer any financial counseling or support to residents and families?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Americare can help provide financial insights and guidance regarding our more than 100+ communities. The best starting point is connecting directly with one of our senior living advisors or admission specialists who can help you understand the costs and how to pay them.

Question 28

How does WellAware work?

Accepted Answer

Sensors collect real-time health data. The data is securely visible to our healthcare team. The team analyzes the information to detect potential health issues early. If a concern is identified, they notify the resident’s care team for further assessment or intervention.

Question 29

What is Amba?

Accepted Answer

Amba is an innovative, privacy-focused remote-monitoring platform. WellAware uses Amba’s technology.

Question 30

Who monitors the data?

Accepted Answer

The data is managed by a dedicated clinical team, which may include: Nurses and care coordinators who review the data daily. Remote physicians who assess data for trends.

Question 31

Will my primary care physician still be involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our community wellness and clinical team review the data and alert the primary care provider as needed. WellAware only enhances your doctor’s ability to manage your health.

Question 32

What are the benefits of WellAware remote monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Early detection of health risks – Identifies potential issues before they become serious. Reduced hospital admissions – Helps prevent complications that could lead to hospitalization. Faster medical intervention – Allows doctors to act quickly when problems arise. Improved chronic disease management – Supports better control of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and COPD. Greater independence and peace of mind – Enables residents to continue to live comfortably and at ease, knowing this extra layer of support is working.

Question 33

What about data security and privacy?

Accepted Answer

WellAware uses secure technology to protect personal health information. Data is encrypted and shared only with authorized healthcare providers. Privacy is always protected. Residents are not watched, listened to or recorded.

Question 34

Can I opt out of participating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WellAware is totally optional. You can opt in or out at any time.

Question 35

Is WellAware covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

When indicated, WellAware is a Medicare-covered service.

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