Written by webtechs

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.

Written by webtechs

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.

Written by webtechs

What Is Memory Care?

Are you searching “What Is Memory Care?” to better understand services offered by quality retirement and assisted living communities? If so, this article will help you better understand the memory challenges people face and how memory care enriches and improves their lives.

There are many of us that will associate old age with being frail physically such as wrinkling skin, arthritis in joints, and failing eyesight. But as you age, your mind will even begin to show its age with a form of forgetfulness and it doesn’t matter if you forget your anniversary date or where you sat your glasses. What happens to you when your mind begins to age in ways that disrupt your personality or memories?

This can be very heartbreaking and is normally effects of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Even though it is easy to get medication for arthritis and stronger reading glasses, healing your mind that has Alzheimer’s or dementia isn’t really possible which will leave your family with just adapting to your condition.

If you would like to know more about memory care communities after this article or you would like to locate a community that would be best for you or a loved one, contact us today. Our team is quite dedicated to helping you to find the best community, in the best location, with all the services at the price you want and will do this for free.

Basics for Memory Care

Alzheimer’s and dementia are common types of memory loss conditions that are included in memory care. This specialized care goes through a lot of various services that depend on the severity of the symptoms such as requiring secure settings to prevent wandering.

Memory care goes beyond what is normally offered for assisted living. Meal prep, laundry services, and housekeeping are provided but the level of assistance with daily activities will be increased. Often times, the daily activities are made just to allow the person to reconnect with their favorite hobbies and even interests.

When it comes to recognizing care challenges for those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, these communities may only provide memory care or for some continuing care communities will have neighborhoods just for memory care. Often times, these communities will have design elements that has shown to lower stress for those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. These elements could include circular neighborhood designs that allow safe wandering, natural lighting, and memory boxes outside of the room. 6 out of 10 people that have Alzheimer’s will start to wander around, and the community will be designed to lower risks of wandering and that could be adding security alarms on doors or safety checks.

Demographics of Memory Care Communities

Even though there is data out there for demographics of nursing homes and assisted living, that isn’t the same for a memory care community. In 2014, 5.2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s, 5 million of those people were over 65, and 1.8 million were men while 3.2 million were women.

Community Life

In a memory care community, the amenities aren’t glamorous like living in an independent living or assisted living community such as having indoor swimming pools or ice cream parlors, but that is by the design not oversight. Research has stated that people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia can become easily stresses and disoriented and these communities are meant to develop a relaxing setting.

Communities that normally have a secured courtyard will allow residents to walk outside and garden without there being a risk of wandering off. There are gathering areas such as TV lounges, libraries that are quite common. In order to make an intimate setting for residents, memory care communities are designed with neighborhood settings with apartments that are near shared areas. Hallways are bright colored and have a variety of colors to help a resident to find their way.

There are even apartments that are available in private and companion options and there are some that have 1 bedroom apartments. These types of apartments won’t have kitchenettes because the amenities are kept to a minimum to help reduce stress. To help residents find their ways, many communities will have memory boxes that are filled with mementos from their lives.

The dining room is normally set up to be family like, so that the residents are able to gather together for meals. Some of the memory care providers such as Autumn Leaves, have specially designed menus that will help with the lack of appetite from Alzheimer’s and dementia. The dining room houses tropical fish tanks, which help to increase appetites according to research, and attention is made to create contrast between the plate and food colors to help residents see the food better.

There are even activities that are made around past interests of residents so that they can reconnect with memories. They also have music, games, and art classes as well as various exercise classes. There are some communities that have escorted outings.

Services Offered

Memory care communities will have staff that can handle life responsibilities like housekeeping, transportation, meal prep and laundry. There is also assistance with daily activities part of standard services. There are also advanced healthcare services like nursing that are not normally offered unless the community is part of a larger facility.

Cost of Memory Care

Because Alzheimer’s and dementia will need higher care levels, the cost of memory care will be much higher than assisted living costs.

The monthly rates for most communities will include rent and services and utilities may also be included but cable and phone may be extra. There is also a one-time community fee, and there could be an assessment fee. Care costs are made based on the persons needs. There are some communities that will have different care packages that will range from minimal cueing to hands on assistance which could let family select the care level needed to meet the needs of the person. There are also other types of communities that will provide care points to your loved on for support level that they need and then charge a fixed amount for each care point and a monthly fee.

Picking a memory care community and what you should expect during the assessment

Because of the high costs that will come with memory care, you may go with the less expensive alternative of assisted living for your loved one. The truth is that many assisted living facilities will only offer light memory care for those who are not prone to wandering off or who need an enhanced environment. For those who need constant attention or wander off a lot, memory care communities are best.

It may be a bit hard to find a community in rural areas that offer memory care. Out of senior living facilities that offer memory care services show that only 26% of those will serve residents that have Alzheimer’s or dementia or only have a portion of the community for dementia care. There are some companies out there that will only provide memory care while others provide assisted living.

The larger communities are often the ones that only do memory care, you may be wary about signing your loved one up, as they may not receive hands on care or they could be overwhelmed by too many people around. Many memory care communities are made with neighborhood styling they have common areas that are duplicated. This gives residents to have a homey atmosphere in a large setting.

Once you have found the community you like, your loved one will start an assessment process to see if they will fit within the community like if the community will be able to provide the care needed. Depending on the assessment policy, a nurse may visit your home to assess your loved one. It is vital that you are honest about how your loved one acts, and if they have issues walking or wanders off, so that the nurse can create a care plan for their needs.

Finding inspection records of the memory care community

Unless the services offered such as medication management and living assistance are provided by a third party home care agency, many memory care communities will be inspected and licensed by the state. These types of inspections will be on record and you can get them from the state through online or a public records request. If the memory care community is part of a large facility, the community may be listed under the name of the facility instead of campus name.

There are states that will require communities to post or make inspection results available. Viewing years of records can let you see if there are patterns of violations or failing to follow procedures whether life threatening or minor.

Touring the Community

It is important that you visit your community picked to see if your loved one will fit in. Touring the community at various times is recommended, so you can view the residents and staff through the day instead of during lunch or activities. Touring can be overwhelming to start out with, so bring a check list to make notes of certain features. Make sure you are using your 5 senses in order to study things about the community. If you notice the smell of urine or the building needs repairs, then it’s a red flag.

Make sure that you ask if the staff is certified or has received memory care training because it helps to make sure that your family member will be cared for by those who truly understand just how dementia  and Alzheimer’s will affect the body and mind. Ask if the community provides specialized care programs. Because of the unique care challenges that come from Alzheimer’s and dementia, there are some communities that have unique programs that will guide just how the residents will be cared for to ensure that their lives are handled properly from being nurtured spiritually to their physical well being.

Moving into a community and life after the move

Once you have picked a community, you could dread the type of trauma that this transition can cause. Even though there are various steps that you can take to make the move less traumatic. One of them is to establish and then stick with the story is important. This could be telling your mother that your father is off visiting family friends. Having the room ready as well as decorated can help to transition your loved one and reduce stress that is caused by moving. There are some communities that will help to escort your loved one to their community.

Whenever you loved one has moved, they may not want to join in on the community life and then begin to ask to leave. In this situation, you need to be prepared to have a story about why they are not able to come home such as you are remodeling the home or it is being repaired. Eventually they will begin to settle down into a specific routine and accept that the community is their new home.

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.

Written by webtechs

Memory Care Checklist: What To Ask & Look For

Memory Care Checklist

If you’re looking for a memory care checklist, there are a lot of questions you may want to ask yourself, and also the facilities you look at. You’ll want to find a location that will suit the necessities of your loved one, right?

Questions To Ask

Are you looking to place your loved one in a memory care community? This is a rough time, but there are some questions that can help you make the decision. You want a community that will fit with your love ones needs and requirements, and no two communities are just alike.

We put together a very thorough memory care checklist so you can know the right questions to ask and what to look for. Download the  Memory Care Checklist so you can print it out and take it with you.

The Following Questions Should Be Gone Over When Calling Or Visiting Your List of communities.

Questions About Your Loved One

  • Are your loved ones going to need assistance moving around?
  • Are they known to wander around?
  • Can they become aggressive?
  • Are they going need help eating?
  • Do they need supervision 24/7?
  • If they are diabetic, will they need help with their treatments?
  • Do they experience incontinence?
  • Does he/she need continued medical treatment?

Questions for the Community (Staff & Safety)

  • Does the community have experience in caring for physically disruptive and/or aggressive residents?
  • What are the available medical services?
  • Does a licensed physician visit the residents?
  • Are residents allowed to arrange care outside the community?
  • Is there a nurse available 24 hours a day?
  • What kind of training are the staff members required to take?
  • How many hours are required they for training?
  • How many staff members do you have during the day?
  • How many staff members do you have during the night?
  • What is the staff to resident ratio during the day?
  • What is the staff to resident ratio during the night?
  • Is there an individual care plan or do all residents receive the same care plan?
  • How secure is the community, buildings and grounds?

Community Policy Questions

  • Is there an assessment given prior to admission?
  • What care services are not available to residents?
  • How will residents transition from memory care to skilled care when needed?
  • What are your medical emergency policies?
  • What are your discharge policies?
  • How frequently is family updated about a resident’s care?
  • What is your fee structure for housing and care?

Memory Care Treatment and Features

  • What type of living arrangements are available for residents?
  • Are residents given access to a walkway?
  • Are dining programs provided?
  • Are residents grouped based on their cognitive level?
  • Are you able to provide Parkinson’s care?
  • Are you able to provide Vascular dementia care?
  • Do you offer pet therapy, reminiscence therapy or music therapy?
  • Are you able to provide assisted living care for those with Alzheimer bridge programs during early stages?
  • Do you provide light treatments or Snooze lens rooms?

Going With Your Gut

  • Will residents have access to outside areas?
  • Does the community have the same philosophy as you?
  • Does the staff appear friendly and experienced?
  • Is the community easy enough to navigate?

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.

Written by webtechs

Assisted Living El Mirage

If you’re searching for “Assisted Living El Mirage“, while looking for the best spots to retire in El Mirage, Arizona, then Chaparral Winds can help!

Learn more about Assisted Living at Chaparral Winds, or give us a call at 623-343-4125 for more information.

Assisted Living close to El Mirage, Arizona

Chaparral Winds provides Assisted Living and Memory Care, which includes Independent Living services. Located near the border of El Mirage, and we have many different options to choose from, depending on your individual needs.

You can find us conveniently located in El Mirage, near everything you’ll be needing, which includes great places to shop, good restaurants where you’re going to want to eat often, cultural centers, sports arenas, health and medical offices, and naturally, golf courses, all of which are only a few miles from us.

Why We Are Considered The Best Assisted Living Facility

The reason that Chaparral Winds is considered the best in assisted living facilities located in El mirage is that its community has been built on a foundation with the seniors of today in mind. It’s a wonderful place for those seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle, that’s stimulating and continuously holds their interest. Better yet, it adds flexibility to their daily routines ad schedules. Offering many different types of retirement living, which includes assisted living, memory care, and it gives seniors an independent living arrangement. You can read about each type of retirement living is offered below.

About Our Assisted Living Facility In El Mirage

You can find the gorgeous Chaparral Winds assisted living facility in the vicinity of El Mirage, Arizona. Here at Chaparral Winds, we provide spacious studio’s, and both, one and two bedroom apartments that are apaciou9s enough for whatever you may have, such as furniture, clothing, and personal items, our goal is for you to feel at home in our facility.

Our assisted living building is two stories high and has been designed and built around our beautiful courtyard, which is also where a majority of the activities available to you are carried out, and the courtyard is a lovely sight to see from the apartments. The apartments, all have a view of the beautiful sunsets, and the mountains are stunning to glaze at. We provide the residents in need with help in taking their medications, eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, and so much more.

Amenities Includes:

  • Sparkling pool
  • Activity room
  • Library
  • Billiards pool table
  • Resort style dining room

Rent includes:

  • Staffing 24/7
  • 3-meals provided daily
  • Personal laundry done weekly
  • Deep cleaning to apartment done weekly
  • Utilities included, which includes cable television

Apartment Includes:

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Spacious floor plans
  • Treatments for windows
  • Each apartment has their own individual Heat and Air Units

Community Safety:

  • Security cameras
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour desk attendant
  • Emergency pendent system
  • Transportation to appointments

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.

1 6 7 8

Accessibility Toolbar