Frequently Asked Questions
What is assisted living and who needs it?
Assisted living is a residential care option for seniors who need help with daily activities but don't require the intensive medical care of a nursing home. It's ideal for older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation while maintaining their independence and dignity.
How much does assisted living cost?
Assisted living costs vary based on location, care level, and amenities. At Edgewood Place, our pricing depends on the level of care needed—from supervisory care to directed care. We provide transparent pricing during tours and work with families to find affordable care solutions. Many residents use long-term care insurance, veteran benefits, or private pay options.
What's the difference between assisted living and nursing home care?
Assisted living focuses on helping residents maintain independence while providing support with daily activities, meals, and social engagement. Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex health conditions. Assisted living residents live in private or semi-private apartments, while nursing homes typically offer shared rooms with hospital-like care.
How do I know when it's time for assisted living?
Signs that assisted living may be appropriate include: difficulty managing medications, frequent falls, trouble with personal hygiene, social isolation, difficulty preparing meals, memory concerns, or when family caregivers become overwhelmed. Our care team can help assess whether assisted living is the right choice.
What services are included in assisted living?
Assisted living typically includes housing, meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication management, personal care assistance, social activities, and 24-hour staff availability. At Edgewood Place, we offer six levels of care from supervisory to behavioral care, plus specialized memory care programs.
Do assisted living facilities accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Most assisted living facilities, including Edgewood Place, are private pay. Medicare typically doesn't cover assisted living costs, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited benefits. Medicaid coverage varies by state through waiver programs. We help families explore all payment options including long-term care insurance and veteran benefits.
What's the difference between memory care and regular assisted living?
Memory care is specialized assisted living for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Memory care units feature secure environments, specially trained staff, structured daily routines, and therapeutic activities designed for cognitive support. Regular assisted living serves seniors who don't have significant memory issues.
How do I choose the right assisted living facility?
When choosing assisted living, consider: location and proximity to family, levels of care offered, staff qualifications and training, safety and security measures, activities and social programs, dining options, cleanliness and maintenance, cost and payment options, and whether the facility feels like home. Always tour multiple facilities and ask detailed questions.
Can residents bring their own furniture and belongings?
Yes, most assisted living facilities encourage residents to personalize their living spaces with their own furniture, artwork, photos, and cherished belongings. At Edgewood Place, we welcome personal items that help residents feel at home in their new community while ensuring safety and accessibility.
What happens if a resident's care needs increase?
Quality assisted living facilities like Edgewood Place offer multiple levels of care and can adjust services as needs change. We provide supervisory care, personal care, directed care, memory care, respite care, and behavioral care. If medical needs exceed what assisted living can provide, we help families transition to appropriate care settings.
Are pets allowed in assisted living?
At Edgewood Place, we understand the bond between residents and their pets, however we are unfortunately unable to accept pets at this time.
Keep in mind there are many assisted living facilities that allow pets, recognizing their importance for emotional wellbeing. Pet policies vary by facility and may include size restrictions, vaccination requirements, and additional fees.
What activities and social programs do assisted living facilities offer?
Assisted living communities typically offer diverse activity programs including exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy, educational programs, game tournaments, gardening, religious services, and social outings. Activities are designed to promote physical health, mental stimulation, and social connections among residents.
How do assisted living facilities handle medical emergencies?
Assisted living facilities have trained staff available 24/7 to respond to medical emergencies. Staff are trained in first aid and CPR, with protocols for contacting emergency services and notifying family members. Many facilities like Edgewood Place use technology for health monitoring and emergency response systems.
What makes Edgewood Place different from other assisted living facilities?
Edgewood Place combines family-owned warmth with cutting-edge technology and over 15 years of professional expertise. Our brand-new facility in Edgewood Estates features state-of-the-art amenities, innovative health monitoring systems, virtual family communication technology, and care from licensed professionals including our COO who's pursuing a Master's in Social Work specializing in elderly care.
Can families visit anytime at assisted living facilities?
Most assisted living facilities have open visitation policies, though specific hours may apply. At Edgewood Place, we encourage family involvement and offer flexible visiting, plus innovative virtual visit technology that allows families to connect with residents anytime. We believe family connections are essential for resident wellbeing. How do I schedule a tour of Edgewood Place?
We offer in-person tours Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, virtual tours available by appointment and emergency same-day tours for urgent situations. Contact us at [phone number] or use our online booking system to schedule your personalized tour. Tours include facility exploration, staff meetings, and detailed care level discussions.