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Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home | What’s The Difference

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home

If you are searching for the phrase “differences between assisted living vs a nursing home“, this post should help. Whether you or a loved one needs to find the difference between the two please read on.

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home | What’s the difference

Have you had recent holiday visits with an aging loved one let you wonder about their living alone and their safety? It is usually throughout the holiday seasons when the family gets together that they begin thinking more about their aged one’s safety because they are living by themselves, and they begin considering a change in their living arrangements. However, with so many different options in senior care today, so with all the confusion already, why make it difficult as well? Hopefully, by giving some of the similarities and differences in communities of assisted living and nursing care centers it will be beneficial to you by taking some of the presser off.

Understanding the options for senior living styles and choices

Both the assisted living communities and the nursing care centers focuses on their senior residents and help in making their place their home, keeping them healthy, happy, and safe. They both also provide and support the (ADL) Activities of Daily Living, which include helping them to get dressed, bathed, and with their personal care.

Here are some more similarities of the two different types of communities:

These two communities have differences between them. However, they do have some things that are very similar also. Each community offers both medication management and life enrichment, as well as supportive services. Below you can read about the benefits of both of them.

Medication management:

The leading cause of seniors landing in an emergency room is because of making mistakes with their medications. Managing medications is difficult and more so for some seniors, especially those who have to take several different kinds on a daily basis. Both, the communities for assisted living and the nursing care center have the ability to help their residents with medication management.

Life enrichment:

It is a known fact that loneliness and being isolated puts seniors at a far greater risk for having health issues, like depression, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. There is numerous life enrichment activities offered by nursing care centers and assisted living communities which meet the emotional spiritual, and physical needs of their residents.

Supportive services

Many seniors choose to move into communities for older adults because they realize that they will be in need of their supportive services, such as laundry, housekeeping, and transportation. We offer a variety of services designed to meet your loved ones needs and to help them maintain the utmost level of independence.

The assisted living communities, as well as nursing care centers both offer these services.

Both communities offer a secure environment, as well as meals that are nutritionally well balanced. Although these services are offered at both communities, they will differ between the nursing care center and the assisted living community.

A secure environment

Although the physical attributions of both communities are somewhat different from one another, they have both been designed with the security of the residents in mind. Both of these communities help in making sure their residents are safe in more ways than just having grab bars and hand rails, and emergency call systems.

Meals that are well-balanced

Both communities stay focused on the nutrition of their residents, as they are provided three balanced nutritional meals daily, along with healthy snacks. This is perfect for those who have been struggling at home to prepare their own healthy meals.

The differences in assisted living communities and a nursing care center

The main difference you are going to find between these two communities for seniors is going to be within the medical services provided and the actual physical contribution of each one.

Senior housing provides care and the needed services of seniors

Those who will need cared for 24/7 will usually have arrangements made for this type of living situation. These types of residents are generally in need of health care that consists of much more complex health care and require some assistance of skilled nursing and/or speech and/or physical therapist. There are also some residents who are in need of respiratory care services.

By contrast, those who are living in an assisted living community will usually needing custodial care. This could be someone having memory loss or just a senior that should not be left alone. It may be an adult that has mobility problems who requires some help when being transferred into their bed or into their favorite chair.

The way that senior housing communities are different in the physical sense

One of the most obvious differences of the two will be in their appearance when touring their communities. Due to the type of care a nursing care center gives it will look more like a medical institution, whereas, your assisted living community is going to look more like an apartment community.

Also, seniors may be sharing a room when they are in a nursing care center. However, those in an assisted living community will have their own private apartment or suite.

Assisted Living and Nursing Home In Surprise by Chaparral Winds

Chaparral Winds is an assisted living facility in Surprise, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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How Much Taxes Will I Pay On Social Security Benefits 2016

Income Taxes On Social Security Benefits 2015-2016

*This information is compiled from a Disability and Retirement Report created by a Social Security Office about Social Security Income Taxation. Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is not a tax professional-consult with your tax preparer or other professional before making decisions based upon this issue.

First of all, if you are a retiree who lives in Arizona you are in luck. Arizonian’s don’t have to pay taxes on Social Security Benefits.

Many of our retirees who receive Social Security Benefits either:

  1. Don’t know they have to pay taxes on Social Security Benefits or, they do know they have to pay taxes on Benefits from Social Security, but

  1. Not sure how much taxes they need to pay on their Social Security Benefits

This post is all about how much taxes you will need to pay on your Social Security Benefits in 2015-2016.

Depending on the how much Social Security benefits you receive will gauge the amount of taxes you will pay on them. Since 1984, Beneficiaries above certain income thresholds are required to claim only “part” of their benefits when filing taxes. These income thresholds have not changed since they were first established by Congress. Although, wages have increased and the amount of beneficiaries who have to pay income tax on benefits has risen. Back in 1984, only 10% of people receiving benefits had to pay income taxes on their Social Security Benefits. In 2015-2016 tax season, you can go ahead and raise that number up and multiply it by 5. More than 52% of beneficiaries will have to pay taxes on their benefits in 2015-206, according to the Micro-simulation Model presented by the SSA(Social Security Administration).

12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits

  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • Colorado
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Connecticut
  • Vermont

For 2015-2016, family beneficiaries will only owe 1% or less taxes on their benefits, however, 1/4 of these families will owe 11% or higher taxes on their Social Security benefits.

The Micro-simulation model also projected that taxes on benefits will rise to 5%. And, The 52% of families in the 2015 model will surely rise to 12% by the year 2050.

How much federal taxes do you have to pay on your Social Security Benefits?

The way they calculate the taxable income is quite difficult to explain. The link below provides an easy chart from the Social Security report that explains how they calculate taxable Social Security Income.

Here is a quick overview of the tax on Social Security Benefits formula:

Take a look at the Benefits Planner.pdf on SSA.Gov. Here’s a quick break down of their formula below.

*Single Filer Benefits Formula:

Single Filer: Below $25,000 (AGI) Modified Adjusted Gross Income, pay  no tax

Single Filer: Between $25,000 – $34,000 pays 50% taxes on benefit income or AGI above 25k.

Single Filer: Above $34,000 pays 85% taxes on Social Security benefits

*Married Jointly Filing Benefits Formula:

Married Jointly Filing: Below $32,000 (AGI) Modified Adjusted Gross Income, pay  no tax

Married Jointly Filing: Between $32,000 – $44,000 pays 50% taxes on benefit income or AGI above 32k.

Married Jointly Filing: Above $44,000 pays 85% taxes on Social Security benefits

Estimating Taxes paid on Social Security Benefits Once You’re Retired

If you or your tax preparer can estimate your modified Adjusted Gross Income for when you are retired, you will be able to estimate how much taxes you have to pay on your Social Security benefits.

Definition of Adjusted Gross Income:

“Adjusted gross income (AGI) is an individual’s total gross income minus specific deductions” – Wikipedia.

To be able to come up with a realistic estimate you will also have to know how much Social Security benefits you will be receiving. To figure that out, jump over to the Social Security Administration’s Benefit Estimator. If you can’t figure it out, ask your tax preparer to help estimate it for you.

Conclusion:

If you live on Social Security benefits alone, you may not have to pay taxes on your benefits as long as you are either, in a state that doesn’t make you pay taxes on benefits, single filer whose income is less than $25,000 or if your are married filing jointly with income less than $32,000.

Leave a comment below: Many retirees think Congress needs to modify the taxation thresholds on benefits. Some believe that taxation progression is ok and should happen. What are your thoughts? Do you pay federal income taxes on Social Security benefits? Are you surprised that beneficiaries have to pay so much taxes on their income? Please  leave a comment below.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Assisted Living Blog

How Much Taxes Will I Pay On Social Security Benefits 2016

This post is all about how much taxes you will need to pay on your social security benefits in 2015-2016. Depending on the how much Social Security benefits you receive will gauge the amount of taxes you will pay on them. Read More…

Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes To Write In A Retirement Card

Looking for retirement wishes, quotes or sayings or what to write in a retirement card? Awesome, we have pulled together all of the retirement wishes from all over the internet. Here are the top 100 retirement wishes, quotes and sayings for what to write in a retirement card. Read More…

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Do Seniors On Social Security Benefits Have To Pay Taxes?

Do Seniors On Social Security Benefits Have To Pay Taxes?

Depending on your situation, you may or may not have to pay taxes if you are receiving Social Security Benefits.

When Seniors do have to file taxes on Social Security?

The IRS will only require tax returns to be filed for any individual whose gross income amount is more than the standard deduction for their specific filing status, plus 1 exemption amount. These rules also apply to seniors who receive Social Security Benefits.

Do Social Security Benefits count towards your gross income?

No, seniors do not count Social Security Benefits towards gross income.

If I am a senior and Social Security Benefits is my only source of income, do I need to file a tax return?

No, Seniors who receive Social Security benefits as their only source of income do not need to file a tax return.

When Seniors don’t have to file taxes on Social Security?

If you are 65 years of age, single and have a gross income of $11,850 or higher you must file a income tax return or if your combined income including Social Security is $25,000. Although,  as previously mentioned, if you only receive Social Security Benefits as your sole source of income, then your gross income amount = 0, and you do not need to file in this case.

If you’re a senior live mostly on social security but still receive other non tax-exempt income, as long as you stay under $11,850 you do not need to file a return. If any other income, (self-employment, wages, dividends, interest, etc.) other than Social Security Benefits is higher than $11,850, you will need to file an income tax return.

What If I’m a senior who is married and filling jointly, do my Social Security Benefits count as taxable income?

Married seniors above the age of 65 filing joint returns must file taxes if their combined income is $23,100 or higher. On the other hand, if you or your spouse in under 65 years of age, then the combined limit of gross income drops to $21,850 or higher before you need to pay taxes.

What percentage of my Social Security Benefits are taxable?

Depending on how much combined income you have, you will either be taxed  %50 or 85% on your Social Security Benefits. See below for details on each situation.

Benefits Planner Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefits

How much of my Social Security Benefits are taxed if I am filing as an individual?

  • 50% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed for individuals whose combined income is between 25k and 34k.
  • 85% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed for individuals whose combined gross income higher than 34k.

How much of my Social Security benefits are taxed if I am filing jointly?

  • 50% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxable for joint filers whose combined income is between 32k and 44k.
  • 85% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxable for individuals whose combined gross income higher than 44k.

*Quick Social Security Tax Calculation For Combined Income:

Your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
+ Non-taxable interest
+ 50% of your Social Security benefits
= Your “combined income“

Senior Tax Credits For Elderly Or Disabled Taxpayers

Even though you may have to file a income tax return, there are a couple ways you can lower the amount of tax you have to pay. Are you 65 or older and have other income than just Social Security? It’s quite possible that the Senior tax credit for the elderly or disabled could reduce the amount of tax your have to pay on your combined income. Although, you cannot use this credit if you don’t owe any money to the IRS. Its only useful when you owe money.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Hillary Clinton To Raise Retirement Age How Are You Affected?

Hillary Clinton To Raise Retirement Age How Are You Affected?

At the New Hampshire Forum on October 30th, 2014, Hillary Clinton showed support for the death penalty, but her statements about social security should of been the main focus on that day.

She was basically saying the same thing as many democrats have been heard saying all this time, “we need to take a look at how the poorest Social Security recipients are doing and find ways to get more payments there”. She left the door open to potentially raising retirement ages if we could find a way to exclude those who are not fully endorsing raising the tax cap or working labor-intensive jobs, which would make sure the system is funded fully moving forward.

Question: Hillary, tell us how you would strengthen Social Security?

Hillary: There are three parts for what we need to do with Social Security. The first one is that we have to defend Social Security from being privatized. Which Hillary Clinton states she’s been against for a long time because she states that the numbers don’t work out. Hillary was actually one of the leaders that fought against privatizing Social Security during the Bush Administration.

Secondly, she says she is concerned about divorced, single, or widowed women who are most venerable according to what their monthly payout is. She is worried about the people who live on their earnings only or depend on their spouse who is a low wage worker. She says these will be the first things she looks at.

Finally, she says we need to consider ways to make sure that Social Security is continually being funded. She thinks there are a number of options to look at but says she is not in favor of raising the retirement age. She says she doesn’t favor it because most of the people working difficult jobs would have a challenge ahead of them. She says that if there were a way to raise it without penalizing punish laborers, long-distance truck drivers, and factory workers she would do.

Although, she is looking into raising the cap. She thinks it something we should look into soon because she doesn’t to put an extra burden on middle-class families.

To be more specific, Hillary Clinton is not endorsing raising the retirement age like other Republicans. But she does seem open to raising the cap on taxes, no specific plans or figures yet but she is making suggestions to raising payroll taxes on certain types of families that bring in $100,000 or more.

According to the polls, allowing any increase in retirement age or eliminating the tax will not get her in good graces with most Americans.

How Does Hillary Raising The Retirement Age Affect Your Retirement in Surprise, AZ?

    • Cannot start collecting Social Security until age 69 instead of 67
    • Decrease the amount of years you get to enjoy your golden years
    • You will have to work more years of your life than before

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Assisted Living Checklist

Assisted Living Checklist

If you are searching for an assisted living checklist to help you know what to look out for in an assisted living facility, this post should help! 

Anytime you are going to be touring an assisted living facility, it is crucial that you be prepared ahead of time. No two assisted living centers are going to be alike, each community will be unique within itself.

In order to stay on top and organized, we have compiled a checklist below that can be downloaded. Always compare the different communities, asking all the correct questions, the questions that are going to help in your decision making, as you will want to be certain it is the community you want your loved one to be located in.

Assisted Living Checklist 

Here is the assisted living checklist for whenever you are ready to make that call or visit. Download the Assisted Living Checklist. Ask the assisted living facility these questions:

  1. Are staff members able to administer medication?
  2. Does your staff have experience with diagnosis or issues with (care of recipient)?
  3. How much staff is on night shift?
  4. What is the ratio of staff to residents?
  5. Is there a staffed nurse 24/7?
  6. What type of training and experience do the staff members have?
  7. What apartments types are available?
  8. Is an assessment conducted before admission?
  9. What is the cost per month for various apartment types?
  10. Can you describe some of your residents?
  11. What are your billing and payment policies?
  12. How does your discharge process work?
  13. Is there a wait list? If so, how long is it, and what is your policy?
  14. Does the monthly fee include all services? What are the additional costs of services, if not?
  15. In the event residents needs change, what services are available?

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Here is an assisted living tour checklist to help you know what to look out for while out on tours of different facilities you are interested in. 

  1. Observe cleanliness levels
  2. Witness a community event
  3. Do the staff seem friendly?
  4. Visit the courtyard or outdoor area
  5. Eat one of their meals
  6. Ask staff and security questions
  7. Ask personal care questions
  8. Talk to some of the residents
  9. Learn about move-in and out criteria
  10. Go with your instincts

About Chaparral Winds Assisted Living 

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is more than just another retirement community. At Chaparral Winds Retirement Community we offer Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care. We are located on the border of Surprise & Sun City Arizona. Our Community offers several options to meet all of your needs. We are conveniently located by everything you need, including terrific restaurants, great shopping, numerous golf courses, cultural centers, sports arenas, and medical offices all within a few miles.

Chaparral Winds boasts to be the best retirement location in the West Valley. Our retirement community is built for today’s seniors who are looking for a lifestyle that are not only active and stimulating, but also interesting and flexible.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

 

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Independent Living Checklist: What To Ask & What To Look For

Independent Living Checklist

If you are searching for an Independent Living Checklist to help you figure out what to ask and what to look for in an independent living facility this post should help! Picking the right independent living community could be really stressful, so how do you know in advance which community is right for you? What may seem great for your friends may be too stuffy or too lively for you and vice versa. If you ask the enough questions and spend plenty of time visiting the communities, then you will know what feels right for you. To get started, below is a checklist of what you should research, ask on the phone, and what to look for when you visit.

Independent Living Checklist

We put together a very thorough independent living checklist for you to know the right questions to ask and what to look for. Download the Independent Living Checklist PDF so you can print it out and take it with you.

  1. Narrow the search by community and region:

    • Is the facility within a community or town that you like and have heard good things about?
    • How far to the nearest airport, and is it an airport that has reasonably priced flights?
    • Is it convenient for friends and family to visit?
    • Is it an open or gated community?
    • Is it locally operated or part of a national or regional chain?
    • If part of a chain, is it well respected name to trust?
    • Is the area a safe area with a low crime rate? (use sites like Trulia, Neighborhood Scout, and Crime Reports to check safety and crime records.)
    • What is the cost, and is there a buy in fee?
    • Are there age restrictions at the community?
    • Is it close to restaurants, medical centers, shopping, and other services?
    • Is there a meal plan and is it flexible? If so, what are the dining facilities like?
    • Is it a continuum of care community? (Are there other care levels available like assisted living, if needed?)
    • What are the housing options and how will they suit your needs?
    • Check reviews: What comments and reviews are from the BBB, Area Agency on Aging, and Caring.com?

  2. Ask when you call?

    • Are you accepting new residents?
      • If not, is there a waiting list? How long is the typical waiting time? (Remember, most people will join the wait list on several communities, so it may be shorter than it seems.)
    • What are the services available for additional fees?
    • What services are included in the price?
    • Do you have transition process programs?
    • What type of payments do you accept?

  3. Ask when you visit:

    • About the Community:
      • Is the neighborhood pleasant and quiet?
      • Is it easily accessed to public transportation?
      • Is there covered parking? Is it free or an additional charge?
      • Are the common spaces appealing and pleasant?
      • Are the grounds and buildings clean, well maintained and spacious?
      • How extensive are the outdoor areas for visiting, recreation, and exercise?
      • How many rooms are available where you can visit with family and other residents?
    • About living arrangements?
      • Are the accommodations including a variety of housing options, including studios and smaller apartments if you want to downsize?
      • Are there handicapped equipped apartments, if you need it at some point?
      • How are the views – do the windows face a green space or garden?
      • Were you invited to look at the different units available?
      • Is there plenty of storage space or is additional storage provided?
      • Are pets allowed, if so are there limits on size or type?
      • Are there homeowner’s association membership fees?
      • Are you allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight or is there a curfew and rules?
      • Which maintenance issues will you be responsible for and which are included in the apartment?
      • Are housekeeping services available and what is the cost?
      • Are you required to have renter’s insurance?
      • Are there homeowner rules about decorating and upkeep?
    • About cooking food:
      • Do the residents like the food?
      • Are you visiting family allowed to join you for meals?
    • About social life and activities:
      • Is there a beauty salon or barber shop in the community or nearby?
      • Are there religious services nearby or in the community?
      • Is there a community center and how well equipped and large is it?
      • Is there a fitness center or gym?
      • What types of additional recreation facilities are offered?
      • If you enjoy a sport, like tennis, golf, or swimming, are they offered?
      • Are there evening events like movie nights, dances, or performances by music groups?
      • Is there private dining or community room available for family or large events?
      • Is there an extensive but varied schedule of activities and classes, including ones that interest you?
      • Is there computer and media rooms available?
    • About the staff:
      • Does the communities work with an agency that provides in-home care companions if you need assistance in the future?
      • How much training does the staff have?
      • Are background checks done before hiring staff? If so, when and how?
      • What is the staff turnover rate?
      • Is there an activity director or staff member in charge of leading and organizing activities?
    • About Medical Care:
      • Is there a CNA, RN, or LVN on staff?
      • Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
      • Does the community work with an agency that provides nursing and medical assistance if needed in the future?
      • Is there a medical unit or clinic within the community?
      • If so, what services are available from nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc.?

  1. Forms to ask for:

    • A copy of the most recent survey results from state inspectors
    • A copy of the resident bill of rights
    • A recent weekly menu of snacks and meals
    • A recent list of weekly events and activities
    • Copies of the contracts, lease, etc.

Write down the answers to the questions as you go and keep a checklist for each community that you visit. If your visit was scheduled, it is a good idea to just drop in to see if the experience is just as nice. It is a bad sign if you are not allowed an unscheduled visit. Once you have narrowed the choices to a few, schedule in-depth visits and dig much deeper.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Independent Living
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What Is Independent Living?

What is Independent Living?

If you are searching the phrase “What Is Independent Living?” while trying to understand the differences between different types of retirement homes, this article should help!

There are no doubts about it, we all age, and when it starts to happen it is time to start thinking about changing up our living arrangements. Sometimes responsibilities can become too much, and it could mean that we are alone and without a way to get around, which implies that we could use some companionship with those who are our age. Independent living facilities may be the answer, depending on your situation a retirement home may be better.

In order to deal with the stress that comes with the changes you may encounter, you need to ensure that you can continue with their independence while settling into a new home. It is wise to think a head and begin planning. This gives you the time and space to learn to deal with it.

Exactly What Does Independent Living Consist Of?

Independent living is simply a housing arrangement for seniors who are 55 or older. There are a few exceptions to this. Housing for seniors will vary in types such free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, they are equipped to let seniors get around easily and all groundwork and/or maintenance is done for them.

Most communities for independent living will offer residents various activities and programs, other services, as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other people. Independent living also has community participation in crafts, holiday gatherings, movie nights, arts, and other types of activities.

The housing may have facilities like fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, a variety of clubs and interest groups. There are other services such as on-site spas, daily meals, housekeeping, laundry services and barber & beauty shops.

After all, independent living facilities are focused on those who are 55 and older, designed and created to give an atmosphere of independent living, but with assistance available where it is needed. Hiring in-home aids is also an option for those who feel that they need it.

How Is Independent Living Any Different Than Other Senior Living?

The difference between other senior housing and independent living is the level that a resident may need assistance. If the resident needs 24-hour assistance with activities such as bathing, using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, or have certain medical needs this may be saying that they would work for assisted living housing.

Independent Living, Is It Right For Me?

Whenever a senior has to make a chance in their living arrangements, it may feel as if their world is caving in, like they are losing their independence. However, independent living is just that, it is all about making it much easier to stay independent. Knowing your limitations are keeping you from leading your regular life and facing that they could have quality life with a bit of assistance will let them be independent longer.

Find Out By Answering These Four Questions:

Am I keeping my home up as good, as I use to or is it getting harder for me to do?   

Keeping your home up and running is part of your pride, but when age sets in it can become overwhelming, becoming more of a burden that is dragging you down. For instance, you have a home that has a yard that needs constant attention or extra rooms that aren’t needed but still have to be cleaned and dusted every now and again. Maybe there are issues accessing your home because of stairs or steep inclines like driveways, which keep you from getting out as much as you want, which leaves you isolated.

There may even be the possibility that the neighborhood isn’t as safe as it used to be, which prevents you from walking around like you did before, or prevents you from getting out. You could eliminate some of these challenges by hiring help or remodeling. If you are looking for independent living without all the stress of upkeep, then you may need an independent living facility, which means more freedom and time, with flexibility to enjoy your senior years.

Have I been connecting with my friends and family as much as I would like too? 

Those who are isolated will have a bigger risk of depression and/or mental health issues. This may happen for different reasons, like becoming mobile which making getting around harder and/or not being able to drive yourself as you used to.

Maybe your neighbors and/or friends don’t have time anymore to come around, or you just don’t feel safe in your neighborhood any longer. Although being able to send messages and chat using the Internet is helpful, it doesn’t replace face-to-face contact.

At independent living facilities will give you networks of peers that your social life has lacked, as well as provide structured activities like field trips, arts & crafts, sports and more.

Is getting around getting harder for me?

You are in a home that is located where driving is harder for you to get out and socialize or visiting family and friends, even to do your shopping. If driving is trouble and you have to use public transportation or it is hard for friends and family to get to your home. Even have troubles getting to the doctor.

They have on-site amenities and most will offer options for convenient transportation for outside activities.

Is my health declining (and/or my spouses)?

Take into consideration your health condition and understand what your health may be like in the future is a vital measure that will need to be taken. If the current condition of your health can let you know what to expect down the road, like a condition that will get worse instead of better over time.

These conditions allow for planning ahead which is a wise thing to do. It isn’t just your health to think about either, your spouse will need the same thing and you should plan out your living arrangements together for the future.

Ask Yourselves The Following Questions:

  • Do you both manage your medications and keep up with doctor’s appointments?
  • Do you both still manage your daily living activities such as laundry, bathing, and cooking meals?
  • Do you both or one of you have the ability to manage finances?

Independent living housing is for those who just need a small amount of help with daily living. Understanding what you need will help to decide what is best for you.

Independent Living In Surprise, Arizona

There will be a time in everyone’s lives where having a bit of help when needed will give you peace of mind. Having peace of mind isn’t just for you, it is for you friends and family knowing that you have trained staff to help with what you need. Having your own apartment with trained staff around makes retirement years enriched with socialization and activities.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Independent Living, Retirement Community
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What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living Facility

If you’re searching for “What Is Assisted Living“, this article should help! In this article you will find information about the following assisted living topics:

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities are long-term care options for seniors. They provide support services for personal care, such as medication management, meals, dressing, bathing, and transportation.

Assisted Living Facts:

  • Number of assisted living apartments: 475,500
  • Number of United States assisted living communities: 31,100
  • Number of residents in assisted living: 73,500
  • Average length of stay: 36 months
  • Average percent of resident receiving assisted with at least three ADLs: 40 percent

Redefining Assisted Living 

25 years ago, assisted living was a new concept, but it is not the quickest developing long-term care option available to seniors. There is a wide range of services provided by assisted living facilities, giving seniors a solution for housing that are able to live on their own, but require some assistance. Assisted living, for many seniors, offers the level of care needed for remaining flourished and triumphant during the new phase of their life. The golden-years of a person’s life should be enjoyed, and with assisted living there are more options available than ever before.

Cost of Assisted Living

The costs of assisted living can vary, and depends on these factors:

  • Apartment size (one bed, two bed, or studio apartment)
  • Residence type
  • Type of services required
  • Community’s geographical location

There are many communities which have basic rates they charge to cover all services needed, with special services being an additional fee. The majority of assisted living communities will charge monthly rates, with long-term options being available.

Generally, the base rate will only cover room and board with daily meals, which is determined by the assisted living facility. There are facilities that charge entrance fees and deposits, even housekeeping and laundry fees. However, the fees vary between communities, which is why asking questions is important to learn the individual costs for services.

For a one-bedroom apartment at an assisted living community in the U.S averaged $3,500/month in 2014. This is a 1.19% increase from 2014, and a 5.71% five-year annual growth rate. Meanwhile, two-bedroom and studio apartments varied.

Services Offered by Assisted Living

When touring assisted living communities, each one is different in their own ways. There are different licensing and regulation requirements between each state and province, which impacts the services offered by assisted living facilities. For instance, some assisted living communities may share a campus with skilled nursing facilities. Therefore, this type of community is able to offer a more advanced care option. However, generally assisted living facilities only provide basic medical care and daily activities, known as activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes eating, dressing, bathing, hygiene, mobility, toileting, as well as shopping and phone calls.

Below are other basic services provided with assisted living:

  • 3 Meals Per Day
  • 24-Hour Security And Supervision
  • Basic Housekeeping
  • Exercise And Health Programs
  • Laundry Services
  • Transportation
  • Social Programs
  • Access To Medical Services

The industry term “assisted living” describes specific facilities and/or communities. It may or may not indicate an official provincial or state requirement in regards with licensing, provided services, and/or level of care. When considering these type of facilities and/or communities, we recommend requesting to view their license and/or contact your province or state licensing authority to clarify the license type, provided services, and level of care.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Assisted Living
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