Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living

At Sundale Senior Living, we know that the decision to move to a senior living community in Texas is a big one. We’ve compiled a list of assisted living FAQs to give you all the information you need so you can be confident in your decision. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to speak with our executive director – we’re here to help!

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living generally refers to a community where older adults (65+) continue living independent lives amongst friends while receiving assistance for daily activities on an as-needed basis. These daily activities include bathing, dressing, chores, and medication management.

The best assisted living communities understand and pursue the proper balance between support and independence. They also tailor services toward each individual’s abilities, so that each resident can have as much freedom as possible.

Assisted living communities with four or more people living on-site are licensed through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Sundale Senior Living is a licensed Assisted Living Facility #101846.

Depending on the community, assisted living can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000+ monthly. The wide range exists because of factors such as location and the number and type of services offered. When researching prices for different communities, ensure you ask for a specific breakdown of what’s included and what would need to be paid above the quoted price.

Sundale Senior Living’s pricing varies depending on the floor plan you select. In addition to one-time move-in and community fees, residents are also responsible for a level of care charge based upon initial and periodic assessments of their condition, medical history, mobility, needs, and other factors. If you have questions about our pricing or want to learn more, view our Floor Plans & Pricing or speak with our Executive Director today.

Nursing homes are licensed to deliver skilled nursing services. Assisted living communities are licensed to assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medications, meals, and much more. Assisted living is not licensed to provide skilled services.

Residents who need interim skilled services may utilize home health care or hospice services while living in an assisted living community. In collaboration with healthcare providers, qualified staff evaluate all resident needs on an ongoing basis.

The list is long, but below are a few of the many benefits associated with assisted living:

• Enhanced social life (combating isolation or loneliness)
• Additional recreational opportunities
• Daily and weekly housekeeping and laundry duties
• Reliable transportation
• Increased peace of mind
• Safety and security
• Improved parent/child relationship

Read our blog on the Benefits of Assisted Living for Independent Older Adults to learn more!

The decision to move into assisted living is generally a challenging one. Varying factors affect different people in unique ways, which means the decision to move is highly personal.

Assisted living, however, exists for the older adult who needs additional help for daily life but doesn’t require advanced medical care. Additionally, assisted living is ideal for the person who could benefit from living with like-minded individuals in a vibrant environment with trained staff members on hand for difficult tasks.

Many independent older adults are hesitant about moving to an assisted living community. After all, they’ve remained independent for decades, raising a family, working, paying bills, and maintaining a home. However, there comes a time when everyday chores like laundry, cooking, cleaning, and yard work become a nuisance, and life is lonely.

Assisted living communities can significantly benefit older adults wishing for more freedom. No longer will they have to worry about mundane household tasks. Instead, they can reside in a community of like-minded individuals and friends, choosing how they want to spend their time. Check out our blog post to learn more!

Unfortunately, Medicare does not help cover assisted living expenses. However, various financial assistance programs are available. Research online and speak to your doctor or community services department for direction.

Some state and federal programs offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. One federal benefit, called “Aid and Attendance,” could assist veterans and their spouses with living expenses in assisted living communities. Some long-term insurance policies may cover some or all assisted living costs.

The Sundale Senior Living team can help you analyze your options and walk you through a financial worksheet. Additionally, read our blog articles about comparing the cost of senior living vs. living at home and paying for senior living to weigh the pros and cons.

Unlike apartment living, most assisted living communities do not require a long-term agreement. Most communities typically require only a month-to-month commitment- with 30 days’ notice before leaving- so that individuals can make the right decision to meet their needs at any given time.

Sundale Senior Living offers senior respite care in Texas and short-term care options for older adults to experience everything assisted living in Huntsville, TX, has to offer without the long-term commitment. Respite residents have access to the same programs, meals, amenities, and services as permanent residents.

Each community offers a different variety of services. It’s essential to ask specific questions about each community’s services to determine the best value. Some communities offer an “all inclusive” rate that covers all or most care needs. Others have “hidden” fees or a misleading sliding scale of sorts.

Most communities offer meals and snacks, housekeeping and laundry services, activities, and medication management assistance. Some provide transportation, incontinent supplies, etc. Ensuring you know the extent of all costs involved up front when researching potential assisted living communities is of the utmost importance.

Some assisted living communities welcome residents with a Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Depending on the disease stage, Dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnoses don’t always mean that older adults won’t flourish in an assisted living environment. It’s best to discuss with the potential community regarding their embrace of such residents and your doctor about whether your loved one will receive adequate care in that environment.

Ask specific questions regarding safety precautions taken in each community. Assisted living offers 24/7 assistance with care, an emergency call system when needed, and communication with a personal care physician. Most communities provide personal pendants for emergencies such as falls and immediate care when falls occur, such as emergency medical services.

At Sundale Senior Living’s assisted living community in Huntsville, TX, we value an independent lifestyle and offer assisted living services to each resident as needed. We provide three nutritious, chef-inspired meals a day, plus snacks. Weekly light housekeeping and linen services are included.

We provide transportation to medical appointments within a 30-mile radius. We offer programs for all levels of involvement. We also offer medication management assistance. Each resident is safe and secure with an assigned pendant to use in an emergency. Our attendants are available 24/7 to ensure our residents receive help when they need it.

We also have large apartment options perfect for couples and those wishing to share a living space. We coordinate with healthcare providers to offer interim home health, therapy, and other clinical requirements when needed.

Sundale Senior Living is conveniently located between the Veterans Memorial Pkwy and Montgomery Rd exits on Interstate 45 in Huntsville, TX. We’re minutes from the Texas Route 19 and Interstate 45 junction and a five-minute drive from Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Plus, Aggies fans love how Sundale is just an hour east of Texas A&M University.

Although Medicaid helps cover health care costs, it doesn’t apply in several situations. In Texas, it only applies to a specific type of community with stringent requirements. Sundale does not accept Medicaid except in extremely limited cases.

Pre-qualification documentation is required. For more information, contact our Executive Director.

Yes. We even accept residents who have applications pending approval on a case-by-case basis. Read our blog post on applying for VA benefits and using them for assisted living. Our team is also happy to assist you with a financial worksheet.

Yes.

30-Day Trial

We are so confident you or your loved one will feel right at home that we support all move-ins with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Have Questions?

Call us today to speak with a one of our Directors! We look forward to hearing from you!