Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible
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Written by Brian B

Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible?

Today, the IRS does acknowledge that assisted living expenses can be a serious financial burden for individuals and their loved ones. That’s why current tax laws do allow eligible individuals to deduct a portion of these costs on their taxes. Let’s take a detailed look at these tax deductions and who is eligible for the breaks.

What Is Assisted Loving?

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.

There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

Are Assisted Living Costs Tax Deductible?

Yes, some assisted living expenses are tax deductible, but it will depend on whether the provided services qualify as medical care outlined by IRS guidelines.

If the medical care expenses ultimately exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) and are itemized, the costs may be eligible for tax deductions. This means a senior with an AGI of $50,000 in the past year can claim a deduction for the amount of medical care costs that exceed $3,750.

Which Assisted Living Costs Qualify For Tax Deductions?

It’s important to note that only the portion of assisted living expenses that are directly related to medical care are eligible for deductions.

Costs related to room and board may not be eligible for deductions unless the individual is receiving substantial medical care as part of their assisted living residency. Typically, the IRS defines a qualifying dependent as either a parent, grandparent, mother or father in-law, or a stepparent.

Common Assisted Living Costs That May Be Written Off

Medical costs usually account for a portion of the monthly fees at both assisted living and memory care communities. In a few cases, seniors can deduct their entire monthly fee, while other residents may only qualify for a few specific deductions.

General health expenses, such as health club fees and vitamins, are not deductible. However, many professional medical costs will be eligible.

Here are some typical expenses that can be written off:

  • Health insurance premiums.
  • Prescription drugs, which includes insulin.
  • Travel expenses related to medical care.
  • Meals and lodging during a hospital stay.
  • Nursing services.
  • Dental costs.
  • Assisted living entrance fees when directly related to medical care.

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Assisted Living
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Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Assisted Living Vs Skilled Nursing

Assisted Living Vs Skilled Nursing

Many people may be wondering what the differences are between skilled nursing and assisted living. Let’s take a closer look at these senior care levels below.

What Is Assisted Living?

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.

There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

Assisted Living Benefits

Below are a few of the many benefits associated with assisted living communities.

Lower Stress Levels For Your Loved One

Assisted living helps lover stress levels in your loved one and improves the quality of life for all involved. Seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the care and help they require while the loved ones families no longer have concerns about fulfilling their loved one’s needs. One benefit to assisted living surroundings is that they permit seniors who may have physical issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a moderately independent way of life. The facility will usually have on-site medical care, but it will not be there 24/7. An assisted living facility will offer a care level that is suitable for seniors who do not need full-time care, but may require assistance with their meds, eating or food preparation, and other day to day activities.

Contentment And Your Loved Ones Protection

Members of the family will no longer will be concerned about their loved one getting used, falling down, getting lost because of wandering, not eating a healthy diet or taking the incorrect medication. The living facility will take every means they have to ensure your loved ones are continually safe and protected.

The Social Life Of Your Loved One

It’s not that surprising for seniors to start to become lonely as they get up in age. Loneliness in seniors may lead to a lot of complications, ranging from poor health or bouts of depression, problems being active and more. In the assisted living facility, the residents belong to a part of a supportive, loving, and caring community. Your loved one will surrounded by seniors their own age and have numerous opportunities to socialize and take joy in the company of other seniors.

Increased Activity For Your Loved One

It’s very important that we stay active as we age. Assisted living seniors are offered a bunch of indoor activities as well as outdoor activities from strolling in the courtyard, to gardening, or picnics. Some assisted living communities will offer their residents transportation, so they can go on excursions, go to the corner market or visit the doctor’s office.

Healthier Diet

Greatly cooked meals and nutrition are essential for today’s seniors. Award-winning chefs make appetizing meals that also fulfills your loved ones dietary needs and individual preferences of each of their seniors.

Assistance In Day-to-Day Duties

It’s very essential for seniors to have their independence, but also have the assistance they need. Assisted living communities provide their residents with help, only when needed, with daily living undertakings, such as dressing, preparing meals and eating or laundry duties.

What Is Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing facilities come with 24/7 nursing care for individuals who require specialized medical care or daily therapy sessions. While sometimes temporary, a skilled nursing community can be compared to a long-term stay at the hospital.

Skilled nursing care will often be provided for short-term stays that follow hospitalizations, surgery, injury, or other health-related issues. During temporary stays, the care will be focused on providing rehabilitative services to help individuals return to their previously independent lifestyles.

For some individuals, a skilled nursing community can become their long-term home. These residents will receive the necessary assistance and medical care they need. This medically-intensive care will be provided by professionally licensed individuals. Typically, residents have complex medical situations with many needs like respiratory therapy or wound care.

Differences Between Assisted Living And Skilled Nursing

Memory care or assisted living communities can feature specialized care for people suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Patients living at these facilities will have structured activities throughout the day to keep them on a routine, which often lessens stress levels. These activities will focus on cognitive stimulation, targeting memory difficulties.

When it is no longer possible for an individual to live at home safely, it’s important to consider the differences between these living situations. Here is a quick look at some comparisons between assisted living and skilled nursing arrangements:

Assisted Living Communities Skilled Nursing Communities 
Living accommodations can be compared to apartments, being either private or semiprivate. Living accommodations more closely resemble a hospital-like situation.
Housekeeping services are typically included at no extra cost.  Housekeeping and laundry services will be provided in these communities.
Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party. Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party.
Medical personnel will either be on-site or on call.  Physicians are on-site or on call 24/7.
Three meals are served per day or can be prepared by a resident in their own apartment.  Three meals are served per day in a communal dining area.
A schedule of daily activities will be provided.  Less strenuous activities are provided daily.
Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and errands are provided. Typically, transportation is provided to and from doctor’s appointments.
Private pay is generally responsible for the majority of costs. Medicare and Medicaid may be covered. Medical services will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most long-term insurance policies.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

How Much Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living Facility?

What financing options do Medicare, Medicaid, and others provide for assisted living residents? Let’s take a look below.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee.

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare Coverage For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

How To Pay For Assisted Living

Assisted living is paid using private funds but there are some exceptions. There may be insurance policies that will cover assisted living. Check the insurance policy to see if it will be covered.

If the resident is a military veteran or is the veteran’s spouse, they may qualify for veteran’s benefits which will pay for the community. In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds can be used to help cover assisted living.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Written by Brian B

How Often Should You Visit A Parent In Assisted Living?

How Often Should You Visit A Parent In Assisted Living

It’s important to visit your parent in assisted living as often as you can. Your presence will offer reassurance as your parent adjusts to a new living situation. Let’s take a look at how you can determine when to visit, as well as a few schedule examples.

How To Determine How Often To Visit A Parent In Assisted Living

The majority of assisted living communities welcome friends and family to visit residents as often as they wish. Consider these few factors when determining how often you should visit your parent.

Your Parent’s Preferences

While you may want to visit your parent each and every day, they may relish their independence at this time. Talk to your parent to see exactly how often he or she would like you to visit.

Adjustment Period

It’s no secret that your parent will go through some sort of adjustment period when first moving into an assisted living community. It may take some time to meet new people and settle into a new routine. Visiting more frequently at this time can help your parent adjust to the new living situation.

Overall Health

Frequent visits can be beneficial when your parent is experiencing a health concern or medical condition. Each visit will allow you to observe any changes in their health or behavior.

Coordinated Schedules

It’s recommended to coordinate your schedules when there are multiple family members that wish to visit. This way your parent can have constant support without feeling overwhelmed when the whole family shows up together.

Activities And Events

Always try to coordinate visits on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Most assisted living communities will host special events and activities for all to participate.

Suggested Visiting Schedules

Of course, there is no universal schedule for visiting a parent in assisted living care. Below are simply a few schedule suggestions.

Weekly Visits

Weekly visits can offer a consistent and reassuring presence for your parent. This visiting schedule is best for keeping up on any mental or physical concerns.

Bi-Weekly Or Monthly Visits

If weekly visits are not possible for you, this sort of schedule can still offer a stable presence.

Special Occasions

Always try to be there for the meaningful days like birthdays and anniversaries.

When Should You Avoid Visiting A Parent In Assisted Living?

While regular visits are undoubtedly beneficial, visiting during certain times may not work well with your parent’s well-being. For instance, seniors with mild cognitive impairments could become distressed when visited. If this is the case, you may want to restrict the frequency of your visits.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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Who Qualifies For Assisted Living
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Who Qualifies For Assisted Living?

While many elderly individuals would rather age at home, sometimes this becomes too challenging over time. Moving to an assisted living community makes the most sense, both financially and for care purposes. Let’s take a look at the qualifications for moving to an assisted living community.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living requirements can change by location, but most qualifications remain the same across the country. Below are five of the most common requirements for anyone looking to move to one of these communities.

1. Medical Needs

The main focus of the staff assessing medical needs is to ensure the community can safely take care of your loved one. Some communities may offer different levels of care that can include round-the-clock checks. However, most assisted living communities are not designed to handle complex medical needs.

Typically, assisted living will come with a nurse on duty but for limited times during the week. The role of the nurse is to oversee the care and med-tech staff, overall. If an individual’s medical needs are too complex for this living situation, they may need to move to nursing home care.

2. Cognition And Behavior

The majority of assisted living communities will have some residents with mild cognitive impairment. Assisted living may accept someone who has severe memory loss, difficulty doing daily activities, or aggressive behavior.

In these situations, assisted living may recommend memory care. These communities are responsible for protecting their staff and community members from any harm.

3. Initial Assessment

Just because you can afford and pay for assisted living care doesn’t mean every community will accept you for admission. Complete admission paperwork will explain fees, responsibilities, and rules for the community.

Nurses typically assess anyone who wants to move to the community. This initial assessment will include a recent history and physical performed by the individual’s primary care physician. Required vaccines and a current medication list are also necessities.

4. Care Plan

Care plans will outline the level of care your loved one needs. This includes nursing responsibilities, amount of assistance, medication administration, dietary needs, and all personal information.

Care plans will also include the individual’s advance directive and living will. The average monthly cost of assisted living care will depend on the level of care recommended. However, this care plan is not set in stone, and is likely to be altered over time.

5. Daily Activities

The initial assessment for the individual includes examining what daily activities he or she needs help with. Possibilities include help dressing, bathing, and other daily activities from the staff.

The expectation is that assistance with these needs can change over time, as will the total cost. Of course, the more care needed, the higher the cost.

11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living

Assisted Living At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our assisted living or memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living?

What financing options do Medicare, Medicaid, and others provide for assisted living residents? Let’s take a look below.

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living
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Written by Brian B

11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living

Here are 11 common signs that it may be time to consider assisted living care for your loved one.

1. Chronic Health Issues

Unfortunately, chronic health problems will only worsen with age. Additionally, the immune system can weaken, meaning illnesses will last longer at this point. If your loved one is experiencing any sort of chronic issues, then now is the time to consider a transition into assisted living care.

2. Aggressive Behavior

Individuals suffering from dementia will become more and more agressive as the disease progresses. This is not a reflection in any way of how the individual is being cared for, it’s simply an effect of dementia.

Caring for someone who exhibits aggressive behavior can be overwhelming. Verbal and physical abuse are clear indicators that 24/7 care is needed. Dealing with an aggressive individual is a task best left to the trained professionals.

3. Recent Falls/Injuries

The frequent occurrence of falls in and around the home is an indicator that alternative care is necessary. Mobility issues are all-too-common for seniors, and there are many problem areas in most homes. If your loved one takes a nasty spill and can’t get to the phone to call for help, it could have disastrous consequences.

4. Difficulty With Daily Tasks

For some seniors even the easiest of tasks can be difficult to accomplish. When typical housework like cooking and cleaning becomes too complicated, it may be time to consider assisted living.

Most assisted living communities can take care of a residents’ daily needs. Meal plans, along with laundry services and routine cleanings will help rid the burden of tougher daily activities.

5. Forgetting To Take Medicine

This is one of the most important areas to monitor if you are concerned about a loved one’s health and safety. Forgetting once in awhile is okay, but if this becomes a pattern, it’s very worrisome. A medicine regiment is crucial to keep health conditions under control. Try looking into some systems for daily reminders. If the system(s) fails, though, assisted living care is the best option.

Medicine

6. Bad Eating Habits

Inability to cook will undoubtedly lead to a decline in eating habits. This doesn’t just mean poor nutrition, it could mean eating during irregular hours, as well.

Thankfully, assisted living communities will provide meal and snack services each and every day. Good nutrition is vital to maintain both physical and mental health. Assisted living communities can cater to your specific dietary needs and restrictions.

7. Poor Hygiene

When suffering from dementia, good hygiene is one of the first things to go out the window. Individuals may not bathe as often or cleanse properly. When this becomes noticeable, it’s wise to start looking around at assisted living options.

8. Isolation

Seniors struggling with physical or mental issues will not drive as often. This could unfortunately lead to withdrawal from society. Symptoms of isolation or depression should trigger the thought of extra care. Communities will typically offer a plethora of activities designed to promote social interaction.

9. Sundowner’s Syndrome

This is a condition where individuals with dementia become more agitated at day’s end. Essentially, this is when seniors have exerted all of their mental energy for the day. Sundowner’s syndrome is a clear sign that someone can’t survive independently.

10. Wandering

As mental awareness wanes, loved ones may be concerned about individuals wandering off and getting lost. This is a valid fear because it happens often to seniors. If this a concern of yours, do not wait until it is too late to put your loved one in a safe and secure environment.

11. Caregiver Stress

There may come a time when caring for a senior is simply overwhelming. Caregiver stress is common, whether it is a loved one or paid professional. Whenever care proves too difficult, it’s time to look at assisted living options.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Questions For Assisted Living Interviews

If you are searching for “questions for assisted living interviews,” then this post should help! Below is a checklist of questions to help you make the best choice possible for your loved one.

Questions For The Assisted Living Community

  • How are activities chosen for residents?
  • What are the typical activities offered, weekly?
  • Are there flexible menu options available in the dining experience?
  • What is the social experience like?
  • Do residents spend the majority of their time in their rooms or in common areas?

You want your loved one to feel a sense of belonging within the community, regardless if it is a small or large facility. Find out all you can about the activities schedule, transportation, and chances to mingle with other residents.

Questions About Care At Assisted Living Facilities

  • In the monthly agreement what services are included?
  • Are services available a la carte?
  • If comprehensive care options are needed, can my loved one transition?
  • What is the ratio of residents to staff?
  • How do your competitor’s community care services differ from yours?

Your loved one’s need should be priority number one when preparing for an interview. Do not settle for anything less than the service and care that they deserve.

Questions About Assisted Living Costs

  • How and where does the funding come from for the community?
  • What would the circumstances be to warrant an increase in costs?
  • What are the emergency handling procedures?

Before deciding on a facility, you must understand all costs that are involved in a move like this.

What Are The Benefits Of Assisted Living Facilities?

Benefits of Assisted Living

Reduced Stress

Assisted living helps lover stress levels in your loved one and improves the quality of life for all involved. Seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the care and help they require while the loved ones families no longer have concerns about fulfilling their loved one’s needs. One benefit to assisted living surroundings is that they permit seniors who may have physical issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a moderately independent way of life. The facility will usually have on-site medical care, but it will not be there 24/7. An assisted living facility will offer a care level that is suitable for seniors who do not need full-time care, but may require assistance with their meds, eating or food preparation, and other day to day activities.

Vibrant Social Life

It’s not that surprising for seniors to start to become lonely as they get up in age. Loneliness in seniors may lead to a lot of complications, ranging from poor health or bouts of depression, problems being active and more. In the assisted living facility, the residents belong to a part of a supportive, loving, and caring community. Your loved one will surrounded by seniors their own age and have numerous opportunities to socialize and take joy in the company of other seniors.

Increased Activity 

It’s very important that we stay active as we age. Assisted living seniors are offered a bunch of indoor activities as well as outdoor activities from strolling in the courtyard, to gardening, or picnics. Some assisted living communities will offer their residents transportation, so they can go on excursions, go to the corner market or visit the doctor’s office.

Healthier Diet

Greatly cooked meals and nutrition are essential for today’s seniors. Award-winning chefs make appetizing meals that also fulfills your loved ones dietary needs and individual preferences of each of their seniors.

Assistance In Day-to-Day Tasks

It’s very essential for seniors to have their independence, but also have the assistance they need. Assisted living communities provide their residents with help, only when needed, with daily living undertakings, such as dressing, preparing meals and eating or laundry duties.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

If you are searching for the phrase “assisted living vs memory care“, this post should help. There are a lot of things to think about considering the livelihood of your loved one and where they may live.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Undertaking a life change can be scary and stressful—possibly a little fun too. For example, if you’re moving into an assisted living community, you might miss your home but are looking forward to forging new roads and friendships and simply making life easier. However, what if you’ve started to notice that your memory is not like what it used to be? You may have heard about “memory care” and might be wondering if it would be appropriate under your circumstances and if you can get it in an assisted living facility. Here are some explanations on what assisted living and memory care are.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee. Learn more about assisted living and take a look at our assisted living checklist.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care communities will differ considerably from assisted living communities. The residents in memory care communities have serious memory-related and specific requirements. They might not remember who they are on some days and may get angered walking around spaces that they have lived in but now feel unfamiliar with. They may tend to wander off the campus and can present a danger to themselves and to others, particularly if they get aggressive when they are frustrated. Learn more about memory care and take a look at our memory care checklist.

Can You Get Memory Care in Assisted Living?

So, back to the worries about being forgetful. You think you may be okay in assisted living as of now, but what if you need memory care sooner than later?

You can’t receive memory care in assisted living, but there are a lot of communities that integrates a wide range of care. For example, there are places that offer nursing home care, assisted living, and memory care. These types of care take place in its own wing or building, but because you are generally in the same place, transferring from one stage to the next can be a lot easier. The decor shares a lot of common features, and there can also be the same staffers’ faces regardless of where you’re at. It’s also usually easier on your family and friends. Not only can they continually visit the same place, but they also won’t have to take tours every couple of years and make new decisions and as to where you may live. This can be helpful for you as well if you are trying to plan out your options in advance.

Some degree of forgetfulness is typical with aging and doesn’t necessarily suggest serious problems later on. In any case, if you are concerned about your memory, it’s always a good idea to speak with the doctor.

Paying for Assisted Living and Memory Care

One thing assisted living and memory care facilities have in common: Paying for them isn’t as straightforward as many of us would like to believe.

First, assisted living: The state you live in Medicaid’s program may not provide much, toward assisted living. If you are a veteran, the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance benefit can help offset some of your assisted living costs.

In a nutshell, you should still plan to finance assisted living through private means like long-term-care insurance, asset sales, savings accounts, reverse mortgages, settlements, and other financial means. The earlier you purchase long-term-care insurance coverage, your monthly costs could be lower, particularly if you opt for protection against inflation. Don’t get too discouraged if your get denied by one company for your coverage, other companies might still accept you.

Second, memory care: Any of the private means you may use to pay for your assisted living may also be used to pay for your memory care. There is also additional help for veterans and government support available for people who require memory care who are non-veterans. Programs such as Medicaid assistance, although the degree to which they help will vary by state. Also, you can be placed on a waiting list until you can get into a memory care facility, which may possibly not happen if you had private means to pay.

Retirement Communities in Youngtown, Arizona by Ventana Winds Retirement Community

Ventana Winds is an assisted living and memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at (623) 624-4406.

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Retirement, Retirement Living Options, Senior Living
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Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living

Independent Living vs Assisted Living

If you are searching for the phrase “differences between assisted living vs a nursing home“, this post should help. There are a lot of factors to think about considering the livelihood of your loved ones.

Making a choice between an independent and an assisted living situation for most seniors depends greatly on whether or whether not (or how well) they are able to manage their daily activities by their self. Daily activities include such things as personal hygiene, maintaining their own finances, preparing their own meals, ability to carry out household chores, managing medications, and driving or arranging their own transportation. Anyone that is having difficulties with any of the above independent daily activities should give some thought to an assisted living community, which would allow them to be have a maintenance free lifestyle.

More About Communities Of Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a wonderful choice for seniors who have problems attending to their daily activities in their own home, for they will be allowed to have an independent style of life when a resident in an assisted living community, however, they have support from staff members on a daily basis with numerous activities of the day which ranges from meal preparation to cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance services.

These things are generally included as part of the monthly rental charges. Furthermore, also included are the utilities and transportation. Additionally, they have the opportunity of enjoying the peace of mind of a maintenance free style of life, which otherwise would not be possible. It provides the residents with an advantage of having free time for other things, such as out-trips, activities inside and outside of the community, as well as social engagement. Assisted living care services also offer assistance with medication management and baths.

More On Communities Of Independent Living

Independent living in contrast to assisted living is that individuals that still have the ability to live independently will still be able to enjoy being able to access assistance should they need too. Whereas, a lifestyle at an independent living community provides their residents the convenience of accessing medical care, entertainment, a dining area that serves great meals, and so much more…

Seniors can also have peace of mind knowing they will be living an independent lifestyle in a community that offers their residents a safe and secure environment, it will just have a minimal amount of assistance offered. Typically available, housekeeping, laundry, meals, and hospitality may not be included as part of the monthly rental charges.

Making A Decision Between Assisted Living Or Independent Living

When it all comes down to it, the decision on assisted living or independent living will be determined in the end on what your loved one’s needs are. There are some communities which can offer seniors both, independent and assisted living arrangements, letting residents gradually adjust and adapt as their needs are changing.

Always inquire about the different options offered from each of the communities you have in consideration, making sure that you ask them what other services will be included in the monthly rental and which is going to cost you additionally. You should always make plans for the future anytime you are taking into consideration your senior living arrangements. Keep in mind that, although your loved one may not be in need of any care needs at this time, does not mean they will not need care later on. When touring the communities, take time to speak with both, the staff members as well as the residents, this is so that you can gain all the information needed in order to have a better understanding of each before that final decision is made.

Retirement Living in Youngtown, Arizona by Ventana Winds Retirement Community

Ventana Winds is an assisted living facility in Youngtown, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at (623) 624-4406.

Assisted Living, Independent Living
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