Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living and ALFs

What sets WEL-Life facilities apart from the others?

Lots of things are different about WEL-Life than the other assisted living facilities out there, from our focus on the individual to our home-cooked meals. Here are some specific examples cited by our residents, their families, and our staff:

·         Our aides train extra, above and beyond what is required. They are trained to assist residents needing special help with PRN, insulin, special diets, oxygen, and nebulizers.

·         The facilities are “just the right size.”

·         The friendliness of the staff.

·         An environment that feels “very safe.”

·         The privacy of the resident is always top-of-mind

How can I ensure my elder parent is taken care of every day?

Our team works with the loved ones of our residents as well as the residents themselves in order to have a discussion about what kind of care plan makes the most sense. The wishes of the individual and of the family are paramount to us, and we do everything we can to prioritize them.

Can I stay overnight with my parent?

An overnight guest room is often available. We can take as many as the fire marshal allows.

Who is eligible for Assisted Living?

A person may be eligible for Assisted Living if they:

    * are eligible to receive home support services.

    * are able to make decisions about daily activities and needs.

    * are able to communicate and be understood by others

    * do not behave in ways that put the safety of other at risk

    * are able to take direction in an emergency and use an emergency response system.

Who is not?

Assisted Living is not an option for people with moderate or severe dementia (i.e. is unable to participate in decisions about care or at risk of wandering) or care needs that exceed what can be provided in assisted living, or who need 24-hour professional care (i.e. nursing care)

Where does assisted living fall in the continuum of care for senior living?

Assisted Living falls just between a skilled nursing facility and a non-ALF retirement community. Assisted Living is for those individuals who still want to live independently but need help with day-to-day operations.

Are these facilities licensed?

All U.S. states license ALFs, but they are regulated under various names, and requirements vary from state to state. Most ALF providers and their staffs must take special training and follow specific fire and safety codes. Some states require a nurse on duty or on call at all times. All WEL-Life facilities are properly licensed.

How can I choose the best facility for my older relative?

After receiving a list of facilities, consider the location and services your elder requires. You may find that types of accommodations and fees vary greatly from one facility to another. Call ahead to schedule a tour for you and your elder of homes that seem appropriate. Ask if you can stay for a meal as well as speak to residents.

What are the most important points to consider when touring a facility?

* Do you and your elder like the location and appearance of the residence?

    * Does the staff greet you and your elder warmly? Do they call the residents by name?

    * Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy?

    * Is the community well-designed for residents' needs? Does it include safety features?

    * Is the food nutritious, appetizing, and prepared according to dietary restrictions?

    * Do residents have a choice of eating in common dining areas or their own units?

What questions should I ask the facility director and staff?

* Does the facility meet local and state licensing requirements?

    * What public transportation, shops, and places of worship are nearby?

    * Do volunteers from the community or residents help conduct programs?

    * What are the costs, including any additional fees for extra services?

    * Is government, private, or corporate assistance available?

    * What types of units are available and how much does each cost?

    * Are residents given a written service plan that is reviewed and adjusted periodically?

    * What professionals are on staff?

    * What are their qualifications and availability?

    * Who coordinates home care visits (nurse, occupational therapist) if needed?

What other major considerations should I take into account when selecting a facility?

* Does it fit the budget of you and/or your elder?

    * Will facilities and rules fit your older relative's lifestyle?

    * Are current residents satisfied?

    * Do you and your elder feel she/he will fit in here?

    * Does it provide all the services that your elder currently needs or may need in the future?

Because accommodations, services, and fees vary so greatly from one facility to another, you'll need to be sure that the ALF you choose matches the needs of your older relative. Consider the reputation, staffing, services, and costs of each facility. It's a good idea to ask your state long-term care ombudsman about the licensing and reputation of any home that interests you and your elder.

Can I put an apartment on hold?

Yes. One half of a month’s rent deposit will hold your room reservation and will become your security deposit at the time of move-in. You must start paying your monthly apartment fee within two weeks of making your reservation or lose your reservation.

Can I be on a wait list?

Yes. We do have a wait list for selected apartments. If you would like to be on our wait list, we ask for a refundable $500 deposit to ensure your spot. Families are notified in the order their deposits were received. We call as soon as we know of an opening.

What type of security do you have?

You will find a call system in each apartment for immediate response in case you need assistance. This pendant works in the rooms only. The entry and exit doors to the outside automatically lock after 7:00pm and reopen at 7:00am. If you need to enter during the hours the doors are locked, you must buzz in at the front door.

Are the apartments safe and quiet?

You will find that the apartments are well insulated. This is a high quality steel and concrete framed structure, with insulation between apartments for safety and privacy.

Is there a place to park my car?

Yes, there is adequate surface parking close to the building.

Do you have laundry service?

Yes there is a laundry service avialable for all residents. If you wish, we will arrange to do your personal laundry as a part of your plan of care. You need to bring your own linens. Weekly linen changes are included in the monthly fee.

Do you have storage areas for the residents?

Due to town fire codes, we have very limited storage space in our building. Depending on availability.

What about housekeeping service? Is it available, and how much does it cost?
Included, at no additional cost, is a weekly housekeeping service that includes vacuuming, dusting and cleaning of the bathroom and kitchen, plus a change of bed linens.

Do you have cable TV?

Yes, the building is cable ready. We offer basic cable service, with over 50 channels, at no extra cost. If you would like to add movie channels you will need to call the local cable provider.

Are apartments furnished?

No, residents will need to bring their own furniture and house wares to personalize their apartments. We have a set of furniture available to rent on a first come, first served basis. The monthly rental charge is $75.00.

Are guests permitted to eat with me in the dining room, and if so, what is the cost?

Yes, your guests are welcome to dine with you. We ask that our residents call 24. hours in advance (if possible) to make a reservation with the concierge. The charge for guest’s meals is $6.49. Please make sure to purchase guest meal passes at our Concierge desk prior to the meal.

Do you cater to special diets?

There is a consultant dietician available to assist our chef with limited special diets ordered by a physician. This includes diets with no concentrated sugars and no added salt. We offer diabetic desserts upon request.

Is there assigned seating in the dining room?

Yes. We do this to promote interaction between our variety of residents.The times meals are served are as follows:

Breakfast 7:3Oam-9:OOam, Lunch 1 1:OOam-2:OOpm, and dinner 5:OOpm—7:OOpm.

Residents are welcome to dine at anytime within the hours listed.

How are meals served?

Our meals are served restaurant style in our gracious dining room by our professional, friendly wait staff.

If I am ill, will my meals be brought to my apartment?

We will be happy to deliver trays to your apartment if you are ill. We encourage residents to eat in the dining room as often as possible but would be more than happy to deliver.

Do you furnish transportation?

Transportation is available for medical appointments every day. It must be scheduled at the front desk or with WEL-Life Care Staff.

What other kind of activities do you have?

Our program coordinator has planned socials, happy hours, book and author presentations, and concerts by local musicians, intergenerational activities, current events, special trips and events. We also facilitate bridge and other card games and other games of interest to our residents.

Do you go on tours and trips?

We take mountain tours and trips to museums. We attend sporting events, theater and concerts. All day trips are planned in accordance with the residents’ wishes.

Are there personnel on duty at night?

We have a personal care assistant on duty every night to respond to residents needing assistance.

What about staffing ratios during the day and evenings?

We have LPN on duty 16 hours per day at the Villa. We also have one Care Partner for every 20 residents.

How do you coordinate health care services for each resident?

A resident care plan will be developed for you with your input. The plan will specify the services that will be provided to you, and how they will be delivered. The plan will be customized to reflect the personal requirements and preferences of the resident and will be updated periodically.

Do you have a beauty salon or barbershop?

Yes, we have salon services for both men and women at a specially designed, centrally located shop at WEL-Life. All services are by appointment.

Who pays for utilities?

Utilities are included in your monthly fees.

Do I need to bring a telephone?

Yes, you will need to bring your own phone. However, we do have a phone number that is already designated to your specific room and is included in the monthly fees. This eliminates the need to contact your local telephone company prior to move—in. Long distance charges are added to your monthly bill.

Are young children allowed to visit?

This is your home. Your family and friends are always welcome.

Is there an age limit?

No, we look at each person’s needs on an individual basis.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is permitted outside - in a designated smoking area only.

Can we have pets?

No. Due to health reasons pets are not permitted for permanent stay. However, we do have pet visitors quite often brought in by voluteers throughout the community.

Are there individual heating and air conditioning controls in each apartment?  
Yes, each apartment is equipped with individual controls.

Do you have respite care?

We do offer respite care for a minimum of a two week stay. Subject to room availability.

Do you offer medication administration?

Yes, we do provide medication administration. We must order the medications from our pharmacy so that they are packaged according to state regulations. Because our pharmacy is one of the largest providers in our area, they accommodate most insurance companies.

Do I need a medical assessment before I come to WEL-Life?

Yes, we provide an assessment before residency to make sure that we can meet your individualized needs. A medical assessment will also determine your level of care.

What are levels of care?
We offer two levels of care when additional assistance is needed. This is determined by the assessment that is done prior to Admission. The assessment determines a total point based on the individual needs of the resident. The total points accrued will determine the level of care. There is an additional charge for care levels that will be reviewed