Sundale Senior Living
Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted Living is a term that generally refers to a community where seniors (65+) are encouraged to continue living independent lives amongst friends while receiving assistance for daily activities on an as-needed basis. These daily activities include everything from bathing and dressing to daily chores and medication management. The best assisted living communities understand and pursue the proper balance between support and independence.

Depending on the facility, living in an assisted living community can cost anywhere from $2000-$5000+ 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, be sure to ask for a specific breakdown of what is included and what would need to be paid above the quoted price.

Pricing at Sundale Senior Living at The Lexington Center starts at $3,250 and varies based on a level of care assessment and on the floor plan you select.

The differences between assisted living and living in a nursing home are vast, but they most notably boil down to this: assisted living does not provide advanced medical care around the clock, but do offer opportunities such as Home Health Care and Hospice Care visits from Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Nurses. Nursing homes have more medical services available on a consistent basis. Assisted living is not nursing home living. This distinction is important.

The list is long, but here 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

The decision to move into assisted living is generally not an easy one. Varying factors affect different people in unique ways, making the decision of when to move a highly personal one. Assisted living, however, exists for the senior adult who needs additional help for daily life, but does not require any advanced medical care. Additionally, assisted living is ideal for the person who could benefit from life with like-minded individuals in a community offering a vibrant social experience with trained staff members on hand for difficult tasks.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not help cover assisted living expenses, however, various programs exist to help with financial assistance. Research “assisted living financial assistance” online, and speak to your doctor or community services department for direction in this regard. There are some state and federal programs that offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. One federal benefit called “Aid and Attendance” could assist veterans and their spouses in eligibility to receive assistance with living expenses once placed in an assisted living community. Some Long Term Insurance policies may cover part or all of the costs for assisted living communities.

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.

Each community offers a different variety of services. It is very important to ask specific questions about all of the services that are offered in each community to get the biggest bang for the buck. Some communities offer an “all inclusive” rate that covers all/most care needs. Some communities have “hidden” fees or a sliding scale of sorts which can be misleading upon admission. Questions are important, ask for specifics. Most communities offer meals and snacks, housekeeping services, laundry services, activities and medication reminders and/or assistance. Some communities offer transportation, incontinent supplies, etc. Knowing the extent of all costs involved up front is one of the top questions that should be asked when researching a potential community.

Some assisted living communities do accept residents with Dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Depending on the stage of the disease process, Dementia/Alzheimer’s diagnoses do not always mean they will not flourish in an assisted living environment. It is always best to discuss with the potential facility regarding their acceptance of such residents and your doctor regarding the potential for adequate care in that facility.

Ask specific questions regarding safety precautions taken in each community. Assisted living offers 24/7 assistance with care, emergency call system when needed and communication with personal care physician. Most communities offer personal pendants for emergencies such as falls, immediate care when falls occur, such as emergency medical services and frequent check-ins with each resident every 2 hours at a minimum.

We provide 3 meals a day, plus snacks. Daily housekeeping services with weekly deep cleaning and laundry service. We have transportation to medical appointments, within a 30 mile radius. We have activities for all levels of involvement. We also offer medication management assistance. Each resident is safe and secure with an assigned pendant to use in case of emergency. Our attendants are available 24/7 to assure our residents are well taken care of. We do not offer nursing services, but Home Health can be ordered by a doctor to provide nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy services.