Assisted Living Decision Guide
Find Answers About Assisted Living and Assisted Living Memory Care
Our Decision Guide is designed to help you or a loved one when researching senior living communities. There are many factors to consider — financial security, ongoing healthcare, and overall safety and well-being. Our assisted living guide offers answers to the most commonly asked questions; however, as you go through this process please feel free to contact us anytime should you require more information.
Assisted Living Concerns
Often, adult children are suddenly required to make living arrangements for their parents that include moving to safer surroundings. Helping loved ones make good decisions about their future can often be stressful and at times even overwhelming. At Thorne Crest we understand and have gathered the following information to help you make the best decision and assist you through the process.
What is Assisted Living?
Thorne Crest assisted living combines housing and personal care in a beautiful, residential setting. Trained staff is available 24 hours a day to provide support for those who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medications, but do not yet require complex medical services. Residents enjoy 3 delicious meals each day and a variety of snacks. The private assisted living apartments feature a living room, bedroom, kitchen and private bathroom. Assisted Living residents also have access to enjoy all of our campus amenities.
I want peace of mind knowing my loved one is safe and secure.
We provide around-the-clock services and observation. This means you can be assured our staff is there to support your loved one and keep you informed. We create an individualized care plan for each new resident that monitors their well-being. If changes do occur, we are able to adapt and make certain they are attended to immediately and appropriately.
How do I know when it’s time for assisted living?
Safety first! If the home or current living situation is a cause for concern, it’s time to consider a change — and assisted living may be the answer. Signs you should watch for that indicate a change is needed are:
- Personal hygiene changes
- Clothes worn repeatedly or not laundered
- Confusion with medications
- Poor nutrition
- Recurring falls
- Isolation and/or forgetfulness.
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, consider moving your loved one to a community such as Thorne Crest. In a senior living community, they can receive the services and benefits of specialized care and you have peace of mind knowing they are safe. Before moving to assisted living, residents are given a full comprehensive nursing assessment to determine the level of care needed, this will also provide pertinent information to help guide needed decisions.
Multiple Levels of Assisted Living
As a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), Thorne Crest features several levels of care and living services. Residents in our rehabilitation therapy area have the convenience of moving from their rehab stay directly to our assisted living, should they require additional time for their recovery before going home. The transition is quick, easy and relaxed because residents and family are in familiar surroundings and much of the paperwork is already in place.
How do I approach my loved one about moving to assisted living?
Adult children often contact Thorne Crest after or during a healthcare crisis, hospital stay, rehab stay, or upon a drastic health decline. In this situation you can rely on healthcare professionals to recommend the best setting for your family member. They have the ability to help determine what your loved one’s needs really are. The decision for the health and safety of your loved one should, of course, take precedence over the desire to return to the home of 50 years despite all the memories. The recommendation and the expression of your own concern for their safety and well-being will set your family on the right course. After a decision is made, family members find a sense of relief and can return to being the son or the daughter, rather than being the caretaker who is often overwhelmed. Residents also have the benefit of remaining as independent as possible while enjoying the security of 24-hour assistance if needed.
Avoiding a Crisis
It’s important to know you don’t need to wait for a crisis or accident to consider a move to assisted living. Many residents and families tour our community to learn about the program and see apartments long before any kind of health issue arises. Once they see our assisted living apartments and meet the happy residents, their concerns are put aside and they welcome the change. Making the transition under these conditions is more desirable and less stressful than having to react to an emergency situation.
Personal care in assisted living typically includes:
- Staff available to respond to both scheduled and unscheduled needs
- Assistance with meals, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
- Access to health and medical services, such as physical therapy and hospice
- Emergency call systems for each resident’s apartment plus a personal pendant
- Medication management
- Care for residents with cognitive impairment
- Social services and Pastoral care
What is the cost for assisted living?
The majority of senior communities, similar Thorne Crest, are month-to-month rates. Several of the primary factors that determine rates are apartment size and level of care or service needed by the resident. When looking at options it’s important to know what you are getting for your dollar.
Our program at Thorne Crest is considered all-inclusive, as a result you receive all the benefits you and your loved one require at no additional cost. Assisted living provides the opportunity for continued socialization and activities, balanced nutrition, and the peace of mind knowing assistance is always nearby. The basic monthly assisted living rate includes a majority of personal services plus 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. Please contact our senior living advisors for more detailed information 507-373-2311.
I Still Have More Questions
Please contact our senior living advisors by calling 507-373-2311 and we will help you sort through the many choices available. Let us be your resources for senior living. We have the information and access to what may be the best resource of all – our residents – people who have already made the decision and are very happy with the outcome. Use the form below to ask any questions you may have, or to simply contact us for more information.
