Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living Communities
No two communities are exactly alike. We pride ourselves on the unique character and personal touch to service and amenities in our communities, but we see a lot of recurring questions regarding Senior Lifestyle communities at a high level. These community questions include the following:
Senior Lifestyle has been in business for over 35 years and has always been a private company. Senior Lifestyle is owned by board members and senior executives at the company.
Assisted Living is a type of senior living option that offers care when you need it. Unlike Independent Living communities, Assisted Living communities offer daily assistance for the specific health or personal care needs of our residents. These communities typically offer three meals a day, housekeeping, assistance with personal hygiene, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, medication management, and beyond.
Though Assisted Living communities provide quality care and assistance, our team members understands the value of maintaining independence for our residents. Many communities offer upscale amenities, a full calendar of events, and delightful programming for residents to enjoy.
The best way to find the right fit for yourself or a loved one is to tour a senior living community near you. We offer in-person and digital tours to give you an in-depth look at the experience of our communities.
Independent Living communities are retirement residences for active, independent adults looking for a sense of community and an active, healthy lifestyle. These communities help keep seniors connected and inspired to pursue passions without the hassle of chores or property maintenance. Independent Living offers vibrant and lively spaces for seniors looking for an environment that promotes wellness and where they can thrive.
While each Independent Living community has its own distinct character, most are apartment homes with access to centralized resources like dining venues and laundry services and a robust calendar of events. From cozy, humble homes to luxurious resort-style communities, Independent Living offers a broad range of communities to meet your individual needs.
The best way to find an Independent Living community is to tour a senior living community near you. We offer in-person and digital tours for a closer look at a community’s details.
Memory Care communities are similar to Assisted Living communities, but tailor their offerings to help people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These communities provide a safe, secure, and calming atmosphere that helps residents feel more comfortable and at ease. A team of professional nursing team members are trained in the cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms that often accompany dementia. This helps them adapt their care and interactions to create a soothing and relaxing environment for residents. Memory Care communities have security measures such as enclosed outdoor spaces and secure entries and exits to safeguard against wandering. Families can feel confident knowing their loved one is being cared for in a conscientious community built specifically to cater to their needs.
The best way to find the right fit for yourself or a loved one is to tour a senior living community near you. We offer in-person and digital tours for a closer look at a community’s details.
What is offered at a retirement community changes from community to community, and there is a variety of levels of care provided by senior living communities, from Independent Living for active seniors, to Assisted Living for those that need a little more help, to Memory Care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
In general, senior living communities offer the following services and amenities:
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Meal services
- Medical care
- Social activities
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Wellness programs
Services and amenities also vary between communities, and touring a community is the best way to take a deep dive.
Skilled nursing care offers specialized care for seniors recovering from surgery, an acute illness, or in need of long-term care. These communities provide expert care and around-the-clock assistance for short-term or long-term stays. Families can coordinate with skilled nursing communities to ensure their loved ones are getting the best care possible.
Skilled nursing offers seniors a rehabilitative therapy plan that promotes wellness, whether you need short-term or long-term care communities. Our skilled team members goes beyond the clinical necessities to provide compassionate care that provides a restful atmosphere for recovery. Residents receive the care they need while enjoying the comforts of home.
Skilled care communities often provide the following services:
- Orthopedic Post-surgical Rehabilitation
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Cardiopulmonary Therapy
- Skin Integrity
- Wound Care
- Positioning
- Cognitive Management
- Dietician Services
- Dining Assistance
- Physical Conditioning
- Activities of Daily Living Retraining
- Community Reintegration
- Pain Management
- Dialysis Transportation
- Laboratory, X-Ray and Diagnostic Services
- Podiatry Services
- Dentistry Services
- Optometry Services
- General Care Physician Services
- Psychiatric/Psychological Services
- On-Site Medical Director
Get in touch with a skilled nursing community near you for more information on the services and care available at individual communities.
The key differences between Independent Living and Assisted Living communities is the level of care provided. Independent Living communities are designed for active seniors looking for a hassle-free lifestyle and a sense of community, while Assisted Living communities are for residents that need a little extra care.
If you’re on the fence as to which type of community is right for you or your loved one, we invite you to take our Level of Care quiz today.
Financial questions
There are plenty of financial considerations to keep in mind when planning a move to a retirement or senior living community. To help those planning a transition to a community, we’ve developed a library of financial resources to give you a better understanding of your financial options.
The cost of senior living depends on many factors, with key indicators being the location and amount of care, services, and amenities offered. As of 2023, Senior Lifestyle communities have an average starting rate of $2,000 for independent living, $4,200 for assisted living, and $5,800 for memory care.
For more information on the costs of specific lines of care, please visit our Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care pages.
Health and wellness questions
Health and wellness is especially important for seniors. Contrary to popular belief, older adults can lead active, healthy lives, but they are often met with challenges as they age. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding health and wellness in Senior Lifestyle communities:
Our communities are home to our residents and friends and families. During the move-in process, our community team will talk to residents and loved ones through any unique policies, the best times to visit, and how to contact our community for ongoing communication. Of course, we ask all guests to practice standard healthcare protocol to ensure the safety of our team members and residents.
Most Senior Lifestyle communities offer scheduled exercise classes and onsite fitness centers to help seniors find the workouts to keep them healthy and happy. From strength training to chair yoga, our communities provide the best workouts for seniors, while advising on which to avoid. Our communities provide workouts that are tailored to the abilities and interests of residents.
Reach out to an individual community for more information on exercise programming.
Most communities offer two to three chef-prepared meals a day, and some offer in-home kitchen appliances, as well. The dining team caters to the nutritional needs and requests of residents to ensure healthy and savory meals.
While each Senior Lifestyle community offers its own unique culinary experience, most of our communities feature:
- Nutritious meals to promote wellness
- Distinct and dynamic menu choices
- Decadent desserts
- Seasonal cuisine and holiday fare for special events
- Family and guest dining for deeper connections
- Menus that suit personalized and customized resident diets
- Restaurant-style dining
Yes, most locations are pet friendly with some restrictions applied to specific senior living communities. We truly value the positive impact pets have on the lives of our residents and the unconditional love they imbue. Learn more about the emotional and social benefits of sharing our homes with pets.
We continue to practice a high standard of infection control in our communities while ensuring that residents are able to enjoy our amenities and services. We continue to have our monthly calendar of events, dining experiences, local outings, and more as we believe that living a fulfilling and enriching life while being as safe as possible is important. We offer masks, assistance with COVID testing, booster shots, and more healthcare services to residents. You may also reach out to our individual locations to learn more about our guidelines and safety parameters.