Month: February 2021

The principles of assisted living ensure that senior residents receive the very best care. By continually adhering to these principles, assisted living and nursing home residents can look forward to being treated respectfully and compassionately.

Let’s look at each of these three main principles in greater detail so you’ll know what you and your loved one can expect from assisted living communities.

1. Person-Centered Care

With this guiding principle in place, loved ones can always expect to get care that is centered on their individual needs. This is incredibly important, as it ensures that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to assisted living.

Each and every resident is treated uniquely. Their care is based on their needs and not the needs of others or the majority. This approach supports each resident’s lifestyle. It ensures they get care and attention best suited for them.

Where one resident might benefit greatly from daily jogging, the same could actually harm another. In some cases, this applies to diet and other activities. As such, it’s important to follow the first principle at all times and without deviation.

2. Practice Ethics at All Times

Every assisted living community should operate on a foundation of trust. This means being transparent with residents on all applicable matters and ensuring the ethical and moral treatment of seniors living in these communities.

Integrity must therefore be at the forefront of how assisted living facilities operate. This goes hand-in-hand with the first principle. Which helps ensure that everyone is treated with the same high standard of care.

You will find this principle throughout senior care facilities across the United States. When your loved one makes the move to a nursing home or assisted living community, you want to be sure that they won’t be treated any differently from the rest of the residents.

Thanks to this guiding principle, you can rest easy knowing that we treat all residents at Mary T with the utmost respect.

3. Mission Statement

Each assisted living community’s mission statement should be focused on improving the environment and care of every resident. What’s more, should have access to every mission statement to help communicate the facility’s goals and values.

Furthermore, staff training should be ongoing, ensuring that every member of the team is up-to-date on the mission statement. This makes sure that the actions of everyone on staff reflect the community’s goals.

There should also be a consistent drive to improve operations and care throughout every assisted living community. With this, residents can be sure to receive the very best care and attention. It’s important for every staff member to practice these three principles in everything they do. This will ensure that each community operates at the highest level and continues to thrive.

Contact Our Senior Care Staff Today

At Mary T, we’re passionate about helping families find the right senior care services for their loved ones. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can help you explore your options.

© 2021 Mary T. Inc. All rights reserved.

With 2020 now in the rearview, we’ve seen some unique trends develop in assisted living communities, with more scheduled to come. In recent years, there’s been a push to meet seniors’ needs better than ever. If you are on the fence and having a hard time deciding if assisted living is right for you or your loved one, join us as we take a closer look at the latest trends.

Improving Dining

One of the benefits of assisted living is that it eliminates the burden of meal planning. But until recently, fine dining was a staple among senior living facilities. There’s now a shift to provide a casual dining experience, as well.

Not only does this offer an alternative to formal suit-and-tie dining, but it also allows for activities like billiards and sports bars.

Accommodations for Active Seniors

Many assisted living communities now cater to seniors who live active lifestyles. This means a greater variety of activities and services, such as travel opportunities and year-round social events.

With retirement communities moving away from the norms of yesteryear, there’s now so much more for seniors to enjoy.

Simpler Living

In recent years, society as a whole has slowly moved away from big living in favor of a more simplistic lifestyle. Fortunately, this trend is also finding its way to assisted living communities. Seniors are going to start seeing their living spaces simplified, resulting in easier living options across the United States.

For many elderly adults, complex housing makes it difficult to get around and live comfortably. Thanks to the simpler approach, seniors can look forward to less stress, better mobility, and more affordable housing options.

Fresh Facelifts

The drab colors that were once a mainstay in senior communities will soon be a thing of the past. Replacing them are fun and exciting colors that promote energy and well-being. Home interiors are being upgraded to provide a more modern feel, allowing residents far more decorating options.

This also includes modern textures, patterns, and open floor plans that are meant to accommodate seniors. Although senior living will be simplified for the sake of convenience, it will also see its fair share of upgrades give residents a long-overdue taste of the 21st century.

© 2021 Mary T. Inc. All rights reserved.

Studies show that it’s important for aging seniors to have ongoing companionship. Loneliness can cause many serious problems, from depression and obesity to high blood pressure and heart trouble. As such, a residential community could be the answer to your loved one’s needs.

Let’s look at how seniors benefit from residential communities. This way you’ll have the peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care and attention they need for a healthy quality of life.

Companionship

Perhaps most importantly, seniors can look forward to being surrounded by residents who share similar outlooks and a need for community. Just having someone in the same age group to share thoughts and feelings with can be a big blessing to seniors.

Because senior living communities are very much like other residential areas, seniors have a true sense of togetherness and are less likely to feel alone.

What’s more, there are many programs and activities throughout the week that give residents something fun and engaging to look forward to. From book clubs to arts and crafts to dances and church services. Your loved one will never be short on ways to socialize and build friendships.

Healthy Living

Seniors can enjoy the freedom of not having to plan meals or go grocery shopping. That’s because there are on-site chefs who create healthy, balanced meals every day for community residents.

With a well-balanced diet comes the need for plenty of exercise. Thanks to the many wellness programs available at senior living communities, there are all kinds of exercise opportunities awaiting discovery.

Some facilities offer yoga classes and other programs. Combined with a nutritious daily diet, your loved one’s overall health is sure to thrive.

Low Maintenance

One of the most appealing advantages of community life is not having to worry about tiresome yard work and chores. Many seniors prefer to avoid shoveling snow in frigid temperatures or mowing the lawn in the scorching sun.

The same is true when there’s a leak in the roof or a drain gets clogged. It would be much more convenient if someone else could take care of it. Residents in a senior community don’t have to worry about such tasks ever again. Staff members and professionals will handle these services.

Not only does this help prevent a pulled back or achy muscles, but it also keeps seniors from having to foot the bill. By taking the burden off of the residents, they can focus on enjoying life and community instead of worrying about fixing things around the house.

Safety and Security

Many senior living communities are gated. This ensures that only residents, friends, and family members are welcome. And any time a senior leaves the community, whether to run errands or take a vacation, they have the peace of mind that their home and belongings are safely guarded while they’re gone.

This extends to just taking a walk in the evening. With outside visitors able to get in, there’s a true sense of privacy and safety when living in a residential community.

© 2021 Mary T. Inc. All rights reserved.

Assisted living communities offer seniors a safe residence to live independently, make new friends, and enjoy daily living activities with an occasional helping hand. But how do you know if your loved one is a good fit for assisted living?

Are there any downsides that family members need to be aware of? Today, we’re going to help you decide whether assisted living is the best option for your loved one. We’ll look at the benefits that many assisted living communities offer, as well as potential drawbacks that need to be considered.

Pros of Assisted Living

Help With Activities of Daily Living

Many seniors need a helping hand with personal care and daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, for example. The benefits of assisted living are designed to accommodate seniors who need help with non-medical tasks, yet can still live largely independent lives.

Adapts to a Wide Range of Needs

Throughout the course of living in an assisted community, your loved one may require a different level of care from when they first moved in. As such, assisted living facilities offer adaptable care services to help seniors maintain their quality of life.

If it is determined that any seniors need help that isn’t offered by the assisted living facility, more accommodating care options will be recommended.

Home Maintenance

Another of the many benefits of assisted living is the peace of mind that loved ones don’t have cleaning and maintaining their homes. Instead, they can focus on enjoying life without the burden of having to fix things or perform maintenance tasks.

This includes mowing the lawn and other yard care. Some assisted living communities provide assistance with laundry and similar household chores. In doing so, seniors have much more freedom and time to do what they please, such as attending on-site activities and get-togethers.

Privacy and Security

Because an assisted living facility is similar to a home setting, seniors have a lot more privacy. That said, there are often many opportunities to socialize with other residents. Many assisted living facilities offer daily activities and events that help improve quality of life.

It’s not uncommon to find dedicated buildings that house church services, dancing, arts and crafts, and much more. Assisted living residents are also capable of getting daily exercise and can enjoy doing so in a safe environment.

Each senior community is accessible only to other assisted living residents. Therefore, outside parties and unwanted guests won’t be able to get in without first being cleared by one of the residents of the community.

This ensures that seniors can take walks and socialize in peace and safety without fear of being bothered by someone who doesn’t live there.

Cons of Assisted Living

Cost

Although not as expensive as a nursing home, moving to an assisted living facility isn’t cheap. If your loved one is struggling with financial difficulties and family members can’t afford to cover the costs of care, you’ll need help from outside resources and programs, and even then there’s no guarantee.

Coping With Change

Most seniors like to do things their way. After all, they’ve been doing so for many years now. Although nothing notably restrictive, some of the rules may prove challenging for seniors to adjust to.

Just the idea of moving from their lifelong home can pose problems. As such, it’s important to reach out to our senior care specialists. We can work with you to help overcome these roadblocks and ensure a smooth transition.

© 2021 Mary T. Inc. All rights reserved.

If you are considering moving a loved one to an assisted living facility, it’s likely because they are struggling to care for themselves. But what exactly makes someone eligible for assisted living? It’s important to choose the correct long-term care plan for your loved one. Knowing what qualifies seniors for assisted living will ensure that they get the help they need through the proper care services.

Let’s discuss the various criteria that assisted living residents must meet. This way you can make the best decision for your family. With the help of this guide, you can be sure to give your loved one the care they deserve.

Assisted Living Qualifications

Requires Help With Non-Medical Needs

Assisted living facilities are designed to provide help with daily tasks  (such as using the restroom) and personal care (bathing, dressing, and eating). Essentially, any activities of daily living that aren’t necessarily medical in nature.

If your loved one has difficulty preparing their own meals or completing household chores, it may be time to make the move to assisted living.

Mobility

With that said, assisted living residents are typically capable of getting around on their own. Even if they require the aid of a wheelchair, cane, or walker. Many seniors in assisted living communities have independent living skills that allow them to be left alone for most of the time.

Independence is key. Those who need senior care around the clock are likely better suited for nursing homes.

Able to Live Independently

As we just discussed, assisted living residents are going to be on their own more often than not.  They’re receive occasional assistance from staff to help with non-medical daily living activities. Many assisted living communities are designed like small apartments. They just offer greater accessibility while making it easier to get around.

Stable or No Medical Conditions

Assisted living residents should also be free of debilitating medical issues. Many older adults with arthritis or chronic pain live happy lives in assisted living communities. However, they are still able to care for themselves for most daily tasks.

Seniors with medical conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease require a higher level of care and should therefore consider other senior living options. Nursing homes, for example, help seniors who require ongoing nursing care–something assisted living facilities don’t provide.

As such, seniors with memory conditions are likely to need long-term care from a skilled nursing facility. Although some assisted living communities offer daily medication management, they are not equipped for things like insulin injections, feeding tubes, and other similar medical services.

Need Guidance? We Can Help!

Here at Mary T, we understand how challenging and overwhelming it can feel trying to find the best care for seniors. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are but a couple of senior living options to consider for your loved one.

To ensure that you choose the right level of care, we encourage you to reach out to our senior care specialists. We will be happy to assist you during this difficult time.

© 2021 Mary T. Inc. All rights reserved.

Here at Mary T, we want you to feel confident about assisted living. We understand that considering this move in your life is a big step. But we assist clients all the time as we help them find the best senior housing options for their needs.

You can count on our assisted living specialists to provide guidance and direction in all of your senior living needs. But today we want to address one of the most frequent questions we are asked: paying for assisted living.

If you are concerned with how you are going to pay for long-term senior living, please keep reading to learn more about your options.

What Does Medicare Cover for Assisted Living?

Medicare is a type of health insurance that many Americans who are 65 and older are eligible to get. However, it does not usually cover the costs associated with assisted living. However, it will typically cover a short-term stay at a nursing or rehabilitation community.

This is handy if you are just recovering from an illness or injury. Medicare can also be helpful in covering in-home rehab care. So if you need the services of a home health nurse or therapist while you’re on the mend from a surgery or illness, Medicare is ideal.

Medicaid, on the other hand, does pay for various senior living expenses. You or your loved one can qualify for Medicaid if they currently have low income and few assets other than their home. Since Medicaid is a government-funded program, there are easier qualifications for seniors to take advantage of it.

What’s more, nearly all Medicaid programs cover assisted living costs to some extent for eligible residents. Although Medicaid does not pay for the cost of assisted living in assisted living communities, it will cover nursing care and other services associated with assisted living.

As such, you may find it’s much easier to meet your assisted living needs with Medicaid covering some of the external expenses. You can get help with case management needs, medication management, medical exams, and other assessments.

Since these services are often part of senior living needs, Medicaid could provide the financial assistance you or your family member needs to successfully move into an assisted living facility.

How Do I Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living?

As you search for communities, you will find that nearly all of them offer residents choice of either all-inclusive or fee-for-service when it comes to paying for assisted living.

All-inclusive comes with a single monthly fee. This fee functions to cover rent, daily meals, and any other senior care services a resident might need. For example, transportation or housekeeping.

On the other hand, fee-for-service means that residents pay only for services that they use. Keep this in mind when making your decision. If loved ones intend to take advantage of all of the services an assisted living community offers, it makes more financial sense to choose the all-inclusive option.

If your loved one is only going to need access to limited services or will have their own outside assistance for services, the fee-for-service option will ensure the most effective savings.

Veteran Assistance

As we’ve already discussed, Medicare and Medicaid are limited in the assistance that they offer. However, if your senior is a veteran, there might be other options available to them. For example, financial assistance is available for veterans who choose to move into an assisted living facility.

This assistance comes in the form of a pension known as the Aid and Attendance Benefit. Beginning in 2019, this assistance programs like this help pay up to $1,881 a month. This is the amount for a single veteran.

The program will pay up to $2,230 a month for a veteran who is married. However, eligibility to get this help paying for senior care can be a bit complicated. There may also be a long wait time for getting approval.

Other Alternatives

Thankfully, lots of states have noticed that the cost of assisted living is actually much cheaper for seniors in the long run. That is, compared to sending them to a nursing home funded by Medicaid. The problem is, not all states offer the funding for such programs.

These programs all vary by state and offer different benefits, as well. The good thing is, all programs help to offset assisted living costs, regardless. This makes it easier and more affordable for your loved ones to move into an assisted living facility.

What Happens if You Can’t Afford Assisted Living?

If you have exhausted all of your available options and don’t know where else to turn, you might need to entertain the idea of getting an assisted living loan. If your home has equity in it, you can secure a loan for the cost of that equity and use it to pay for assisted living.

This reverse mortgage can give you the money you need now to cover your living expenses. But be aware that the interest rates and fees can get costly. So you need to make sure that there are no other options available to you before agreeing to this.

It’s better to check with family members, friends, private lenders, and other resources first if you absolutely need a loan.

Finding Appropriate Housing in Your Area

If you need assistance finding reputable, safe, and accommodating housing in your area, we encourage you to reach out to our team here at Mary T. Our specialists are happy to assist you in finding the most suitable room and board for you or your loved ones. We have various locations covering Minnesota, Maryland, Arizona, and Wisconsin.

If you have any questions about our services, or paying for assisted living, please feel free to contact us. We invite you to explore our website and the services that we offer.