Assisted Living near Fitchburg, MA

Assisted Living in Fitchburg, Massachusetts

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is one type of senior care that delivers residents support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents in assisted living should expect to receive support with ADLs that involve bathing, dressing, medication management, meals and more. Not to be mixed up with a skilled nursing facility where residents receive nursing services night and day, residents in assisted living typically have access to staff 24 hours per day while also enjoying engaging activities and a strong sense of community. Occasionally, assisted living facilities give support for seniors with particular medical requirements such as for example cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia, diabetes, or incontinence care.

Deciding which kind of senior care you or your family member needs is usually a challenging decision. To be certain you are choosing the proper level of care, speak with a medical professional. You can also call our Senior Living Advisors who are standing by to answer any of your questions and help you discover a senior care facility that meets your preferences.

What Services Are Available?

Amenities and solutions offered in assisted living can vary greatly in each community. Generally, most facilities provide a range of accommodation styles, meal plans, transportation, and more.

Other services often found in assisted living include:

• Medical services
• Physical and rehabilitation therapies on-site and off-site
• Activities and events calendar
• Exercise and nutrition courses
• Housekeeping assistance
• Medication administration
• Transportation services

How can I Tour Assisted Living Communities?

It is highly recommended that you tour multiple assisted living communities before finding the right one suitable for you or your loved one. Touring multiple communities will help you discover what options can be found, what your own choices are, and can ultimately assist you in making a decision. Call or contact A Place for Mom and we will help you organize a tour at your preferred community.

Here are a few of the top questions you should be ready to ask during your tour:

• Are the current people friendly and content?
• Are there any services not contained in the monthly cost? If so, what are they and how much do they cost?
• Is a nurse generally available around the clock?
• Is an initial evaluation required before entry?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how long might it be before you can move in?
• Will there be a courtyard or patio for residents to enjoy space outside?
• What are your apartment accommodation choices?
• What are your billing and payment guidelines and procedures?
• What does the exterior of the community look like? Is it orderly and maintained?
• What's the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the staff involved? Friendly?
• What is your discharge plan?
• What's your medication administration policy?
• What kind of experience and training do your associates possess?

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

As the “federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease,” Medicare can play an important role in paying for some senior care.

But, it is important to comprehend what Medicare can pay for and what it will not. If the beneficiary has been in the hospital for at least three days, Medicare will cover short-term skilled nursing care related to hospitalization for 100 days, if your physician recommends it.

Medicare has four main parts:

1. Part A, Hospital Insurance:This can help pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing community (following a hospital stay), home health care and hospice care.
2. Part B, Medical Insurance:This can help pay for services supplied by doctors and different healthcare providers, outpatient care, many preventive care services, durable medical equipment, plus some home health care expenses.
3. Part C, Medicare Advantage:These plans are available in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all their healthcare services, including Part D prescription drugs if a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) is selected, through among these provider organizations under Part C.
4. Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage:This can help pay for prescription drugs.
Medicare covers medically necessary skilled care at a nursing home only when you will need short-term skilled care for an illness or personal injury and you meet certain conditions. To find out more on Medicare benefits, download A Place for Mom’sMedicare Resource Guide.

How Can I See Assisted Living Inspections and Ratings in Massachusetts?

The state of Massachusetts offers great usage of its assisted living facility data through it'sExecutive Office of Elder Affairswebsite. Available data includes licensed assisted living facilities that are updated frequently, and info on assisted living licensing and violations.

In the state of Massachusetts, assisted living facilities are required by law to:

• Provide enough staff to look after residents, but are not required to have a nurse on staff 24 hours a day
• Provide assistance and oversight with bathing, dressing, and mobility to all or any residents which have these activities in their service plan
• Provide each resident with a written service plan that includes a doctor’s assessment and evaluation

How Do I Choose the best Assisted Living Facility?

Choosing the assisted living community that is right for you and your family member is certainly one of the most crucial decisions you can make. During your visit, consider the standard of care that a family member may receive. Your choice of “if, when and where to move” resides solely with you as well as your loved one, so consider what factors are ultimately important to you. You may also read through some of the 668 testimonials about facilities in the greater Fitchburg region. Here are some things to consider:

• Activities:It’s a good idea to try and schedule your tour in conjunction with community activities. Ask the manager if you can view the activities as well as participate. Are the activities and events well attended? Will the staff seem to be having fun with the activity as well? Check out the facility calendar of get-togethers. Do they match your loved one’s hobbies and interests? Do the activities and get-togethers vary in size and type? Do they incorporate outings and trips from the facility? If it is important to your household, don’t forget to ask about religious services.
• Cleanliness:Does the facility feel orderly and fresh? Make sure to look beyond furniture and into baseboards, corners, and windows. Ask how frequently housekeeping is given in the non-public living space. Be sure you get full details on the types of repairs provided and the anticipated response times. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Gather specifics on what is available and at what price.
• Friendliness:The frame of mind and friendliness of the personnel are of the most importance. Make sure that you observe countless workers interacting with current residents. Do they pay attention and make eye contact? Be sure to receive a good understanding of the staffing routine. How many people are actually involved with residents’ care? Ensure you get an introduction to the management team. This can help you understand the goals of the community. It's important that you trust the property’s management.
• Meals:As with almost all of us, the dining area experience is vital to seniors. When touring facilities, it is essential to go over entree choices and find out about dining hours, choices, and procedures. Be sure you and your family member have a meal at community. It's not only the best way to sample the cuisine, but it’s a great opportunity to meet other residents. Make sure to discuss what happens if a resident is not able to make it to the dining room for a meal.
• Reputation:Ask residents and families, past and present, for their honest opinions about the community. Various facilities have a resident council that'll be happy to answer all of your questions.
• Safety and security:Security and safety features are extremely important and offer reassurance for the caregiver. Be sure that bathrooms are accessible and also have grab bars in convenient spots. Ask how residents contact the staff if they have an emergency within their living area. Find out about other security features available in living quarters and throughout the facility. Be sure you learn about staffing patterns to determine who is on-site regularly to aid residents. Are there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing routines differ during the night? How does facility assist or manage people’ medication requirements?
• Trust your gut:When you are touring, be sure you think about yourself or your loved one actually living at facility. Can you imagine your family member feeling contented? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents amenable, inviting and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Fitchburg, MA?

The typical cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts in 2018 was $5,495 per month although the average monthly cost for Fitchburg ranges from $1500 to $10050 per month. Charges for assisted living facilities can vary widely depending on amenities, specific location, and services, consequently if the cost can be an issue consider looking into nearby areas and towns might offer you more flexibility in your budget.

For more information on assisted living costs, visit A Place for Mom’sSenior Living Cost Planner, based on the actual prices families pay when they move into assisted living and it is the only cost index of its kind.

How to Finance Assisted Living

Many families encounter sticker shock when starting their hunt for senior living. How exactly to finance senior care is definitely an obstacle for care. Many families fund a move to assisted living through the sale of a home or personal savings, but for some persons, this might not exactly be a choice.

Listed below are three other options that will assist you finance assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies:If the senior moving into assisted living has a life insurance policy, you might be in a position to liquidate the policy and receive funds today to cover senior care costs. Different constraints and regulations apply depending on the kind of insurance plan you have, so contact a monetary advisor or eldercare legal professional to determine more about your options.
2. Reverse Mortgages:For senior couples who may have different care needs, a reverse mortgage can be a good method for one person to go into assisted living while another remains in the home. A reverse mortgage allows home owners aged 62 or older to borrow on their home equity. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a reverse mortgage counseling agency in your area or contact theMassachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
3. Veterans Benefits:Many veterans are unaware that they are eligible for senior care benefits. The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit has helped numerous families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans are required to be at least 65 years old and have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during what the Veterans Administration considers ‘active wartime periods’. Qualifying widows and widowers of veterans may also be able to receive benefits. With the current average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it’s worth it to determine if your loved one may be eligible for benefits. To find out more on benefits for veterans, see call theMassachusetts Department of Veterans’ Affairsor visitwww.va.gov.

For additional ideas about how to finance your move to senior living, call A Place for Mom to talk to a Senior Living Advisor today.

Five Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community

There’s no question that choosing an assisted living community are generally overwhelming. But, considering these five essential things when considering making the move to assisted living will help you make a better-educated decision:

1. How many employees are on hand to assist during the night?Some assisted living facilities provide nursing staff night and day, while others may have more generalized help available after hours. It is not required that around the clock care be included in assisted living in Massachusetts.
2. Will there be a waitlist?Here is where doing all your homework can seriously pay off - plan ahead of time! Preferred facilities can fill fast. If the main one you like isn't available, ask about the waitlist and what the facility’s guideline is for handling it. Many facilities will ask for a deposit and some communities have internal lists for special health care needs.
3. Will there be an outdoor space?Going to assisted living does not mean you or your loved one needs to give up a beloved garden or patio space. If the ability to access a gardening area, a patio or a courtyard is very important to your loved one, visit a community which offers residents that space. Many larger assisted living communities provide a range of yards, with features such as walking paths, gardens and BBQ places for community get-togethers.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25% of assisted living facilities have a ratio of 1 personal care associate for every 23 residents. Staffing may differ widely depending on the size of the community, so be sure to ask about the communities you would like. Ultimately, you need to find out if this facility will provide your loved one with the support they need?
5. What services are as part of the monthly price?Understand what is normally included in the basic fee arrangement and what might incur additional cost before signing any deal. Some communities use a fee-for-service model, or a la carte prices, which means they bill a monthly fee for rent and meals but additional charges for things like medication management. Others could use a tiered pricing model where different levels of care are charged different service fees. Eldercare attorneys can review these contracts and assist you to with any discrepancies.

Contact us for more details about what to look for when visiting an assisted living community.

What Else Should I Consider Think about choosing a Facility?

There’s no shortage of senior care options in Fitchburg - this is why we have Senior Living Advisors prepared to help. They are experts in helping match seniors to the facilities that will be the best fit for his or her budget, care necessities, and personality.

Here are some things to keep in mind during your search:

• Concentrate on current needs.What does your family member need now? Do they need support bathing and dressing? Do they have special needs like limited eyesight or special diets? Think about the here and now, not what might have been their decision ten or 15 years ago.
• If possible, tour at least three facilities.Focus on scheduled tours and consider having a meal with the residents. If none seem like a good fit, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more alternatives and don’t hesitate to ask questions and take notes while you’re there.
• See the Facility through your loved one’s eyes - instead of your own.It is easy to become swayed by the services and features you might choose for yourself, but in the end it comes down to what will work best for your loved one. Would they enjoy the benefits of a bigger community or be more comfortable in a smaller, more intimate environment?

The process of selecting the most appropriate assisted living community is often confusing, but we are here to help you understand your senior care search.

Phone A Place for Mom today - we can help relieve your stress and anxiety while saving you money and time, ultimately finding a location that meets your price range and care necessities.

What Is Senior Living Like in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a beautiful state with a wealthy history. Senior living residents in Massachusetts enjoy having access to big city amenities while also enjoying picturesque East Coast charm. The state has four distinct seasons, boasting spectacular fall foliage, scenic winter landscapes, bright springtime flowers, and hot summertime days to be enjoyed at the state’s shoreline.

When it comes to choosing senior living in Fitchburg, MA, there are plenty of things to consider, from the level of health care and support to quality of life, location and more. Massachusetts has many choices available allowing you to make a confident and informed decision for your family.