Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home?
- What is the average cost for an assisted living facility? Does Medicare cover assisted living costs?
- What levels of care do Cornerstone Villa Advanced Care assisted living facility provide residents?
- What happens if my loved one’s condition changes and more care is needed than when they moved in?
- How do I get my parents admitted to an assisted living facility?
- Does Cornerstone Villa provide respite care?
Q: What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home?
A: Assisted living provides a residential program for people who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, moving around, medication administration, meal preparation or housekeeping, but who do not need skilled nursing care. Assisted living programs strive to create a home-like setting that lets residents live more independently.
Our skilled nursing facility provides people with daily nursing care. We have licensed nursing staff available 24 hours a day, and offer a range of services, such as occupational and physical therapies and podiatry to meet our residents’ health care needs.
Q: What is the average cost for an assisted living facility?
A: The average individual will usually fall into a service package that starts at $5000 per month.
Q: What levels of care can an assisted living facility provide?
A: Each facility is unique and offers varying levels of care. Some facilities only offer basic oversight and monitoring while others will provide whatever level of care is needed.
Q: What happens if my loved one’s condition changes and they need more care than they did when they were admitted?
A: If your loved one is assessed as Level One when they are admitted to the facility, they can continue to live there when their health declines as long as their care needs are not greater than the highest level of care for which the facility is licensed. If, however, your loved one needs Level Three care but the facility is only licensed for Level Two, your loved one would need to move to an assisted living facility that is licensed at Level Three, or they could possibly transfer to a nursing home. In some cases, the facility may choose to apply to the state for a waiver so that your loved one could stay in the facility.
Q: Does Cornerstone Villa assisted living provide respite care?
A: No, we do not.
Q: Does Medicare cover assisted living facilities?
A: No, Medicare does not cover any of the cost of assisted living services. We can provide more information about programs that provide financial assistance with the cost of assisted living.
Q: Do you have a medication administration program?
A: Yes, Cornerstone Villa can provide medication administration, including insulin and injections.
Q: Does Cornerstone Villa offer rehabilitation or skilled nursing?
A: Yes, we’ve been providing rehab and skilled nursing for more than 14 years. When one of our residents requires more care than can be offered in assisted living, our adjacent skilled nursing home makes for an easy transition for additional care.
Q: How is my level of care determined?
A: Upon move-in, our nurses and staff will assess your current health and review your medical history to see how we can best meet your needs. We will also talk through your preferences and normal routines so we can prepare a custom plan for you.
Q: What is your staff to resident ratio?
A: Staffing is variable and continually adjusted based on the needs of our residents. Every resident’s individualized service plan outlines the kind of care they need, which gets delivered by our team. Our staff also learns each resident’s likes, dislikes, and preferences, which helps our staff anticipate needs. Strong relationships are created between our staff and residents.
Q: Do you offer 24-hour nursing?
A: We have both licensed nurses and nursing assistants onsite 24-hours a day.
Q: What are the typical services provided by Cornerstone Villa Assisted Living?
A: Some of our assisted living residents only need general oversight and reminders while others need various levels of care and assistance, such as assistance with transfers (we do provide mechanical transfer if needed) or medication administration. We are able to assist residents with all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as showering, dressing, grooming and even dining. We offer modified diets per a physician’s order.
Q: What is included in the costs?
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Meals and snacks
- 24/7 onsite caregiver and licensed nursing services
- Utilities
- Emergency call light system
- Building security
- Activities and worship services
- Other specialty services per the assessed level of care
Q: What financial options are available to make assisted living more affordable?
A: Some Long-Term Insurance Policies may cover part or all of the costs for assisted living care. We can help you learn about your financial options. Click here for more information.
Q: What types of activities do you offer?
A: We offer a variety of engaging and entertaining activities such as BINGO, religious services, community outings, music, games, baking, social groups, morning coffee and current events, exercise groups, and monthly birthday parties.
Q: Can residents request events or activities?
A: Yes! We do our best to find and implement activities that our residents enjoy most.
Q: What is the average age of residents in assisted living?
A: Although it can vary, our residents typically are in their mid-80’s.
Q: How does the dining program work? Are residents given 3 meals a day? Are they able to eat only at mealtimes?
A: Mealtime is scheduled for a designated time of the day but we are very flexible and will come up with a meal service plan that will meet each individual’s preferences.
Q: Will my loved one have access to transportation services for doctors’ visits or other activities they participate in outside of the assisted living community?
A: Nursing and/or social service staff assist with setting up transportation to and from appointments and other activities upon request.
Q: How quickly can a resident move in?
A:The process of moving into an assisted living is dependent upon how each resident’s service package is paid for. Some individuals can move into a unit immediately while others require a more in depth screening process.
Q: Can I bring my own furniture?
A: Yes, you can certainly bring your own furniture with you – it’s your home! Cornerstone Villa provides a refrigerator and microwave in each of the units. Residents are responsible for bringing all other furniture and personal items.
Q: Can two people live in an assisted living unit?
A:The units are designed and licensed for individual use.
Q: How can I help my loved one feel independent and positive about moving?
Talking to elderly parents about a transition to assisted living – before or possibly after a hospital stay – can be a difficult conversation. We can help evaluate your situation and explain the benefits of assisted living. Your loved one can not only thrive here but can have a higher quality of life than at home.
