Assisted Living near Westford, MA

Assisted Living in Westford, Massachusetts

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is one type of senior care that provides residents support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents in assisted living can 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 occupants receive nursing services around the clock, residents in assisted living routinely have access to staff 24 hours a day while additionally enjoying engaging activities and a strong sense of community. In some instances, assisted living facilities offer support for seniors with particular medical requirements such as cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or a related kind of dementia, diabetes, or incontinence care.

Deciding which kind of senior care you or your family member needs is a complicated decision. To be certain you are selecting the proper level of care, consult with a medical professional. You may also call our Senior Living Advisors who are standing by to answer all of your inquiries and help you find a senior care community that meets your preferences.

What Services Are Available?

Amenities and assistance offered in assisted living may differ greatly in each facility. Generally, most facilities give a number of accommodation types, meal plans, transportation, and more.

Other features often found in assisted living include:

• Medical services
• Physical and rehabilitation therapies on-site and off-site
• Activities and entertainment calendar
• Fitness and nutrition courses
• Housekeeping services
• Medication administration
• Transportation services

How Do I Tour Assisted Living Communities?

It is strongly suggested that you tour multiple assisted living communities before choosing the best one suitable for you or your loved one. Touring multiple communities can help you discover what options can be found, what your own tastes are, and will ultimately help you make a decision. Call or contact A Place for Mom and we'll help you setup a tour at your preferred facility.

Here are some of the important questions you'll want to be ready to ask during your tour:

• Are the current residents friendly and content?
• Are there any services not contained in the monthly bill? If so, what exactly are they and exactly how much do they cost?
• Is a nurse generally available around the clock?
• Is an initial evaluation required before admission?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how long might it be before you can move in?
• Will there be a courtyard or patio for people to enjoy space outdoors?
• What are your unit accommodation choices?
• What exactly are your billing and payment policies and procedures?
• What does the exterior of the facility look like? Is it orderly and in good appearance?
• What's the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the staff engaged? Nice?
• What is your discharge policy?
• What is your prescription administration guideline?
• What kind of knowledge and techniques do your associates have?

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 essential role in paying for some senior care.

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

Medicare has four primary 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 helps pay for services provided 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 who have Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care 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 injury and you meet certain conditions. To find out more on Medicare benefits, download A Place for Mom’s Medicare 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's Executive Office of Elder Affairs website. Available data includes licensed assisted living communities that are updated frequently, and information regarding assisted living licensing and violations.

In the state of Massachusetts, assisted living facilities are required for legal reasons to:

• Provide adequate staff to care for residents, but are not required to have a nurse on staff 24 hours per day
• Provide assistance and supervision with bathing, dressing, and mobility to all residents who have these activities in their service plan
• Provide each resident with a written service plan which includes a doctor’s assessment and evaluation

How Do I Choose the Right Assisted Living Community?

Choosing the assisted living facility that is right for you as well as your loved one is definitely one of the most important decisions you can make. Throughout your visit, consider the quality of care that a family member may receive. Your choice of “if, when and where to move” resides solely with you and your family, so think about what factors are actually important to you. You may also read through some of the 682 testimonials about communities in the greater Westford area. Here are some facts to consider:

• Activities: It’s smart to try to schedule your tour together with community activities. Ask the manager when you can view the activities or even participate. Are the activities and events well attended? Will the staff appear to be enjoying the experience as well? Take a look at the facility calendar of get-togethers. Do they match your loved one’s likes and dislikes? Do the activities and occasions vary in size and type? Do they include outings and trips from the facility? If it is important to you and your family, don’t forget to ask about faith based services.
• Cleanliness: Does the community feel tidy and fresh? Be sure to look past the furnishings and into baseboards, edges, and windows. Ask how frequently housekeeping is supplied in the non-public living space. Be sure to get full details on the types of repairs provided and the expected response times. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Request specifics on what is available and at what price.
• Friendliness: The frame of mind and friendliness of the staff are of the utmost importance. Ensure that you observe several workers interacting with current people. Do they listen and make eye contact? Make sure to acquire a good understanding of the staffing pattern. How many people are actually involved in residents’ care? Be sure to obtain an introduction to the management team. This will help you understand the goals of the community. It's important that you trust the property’s personnel.
• Meals: As with most of us, the dining room experience is very important to seniors. When visiting facilities, it is important to discuss entree choices and find out about dining hours, options, and procedures. Be sure you and your family member try a meal at community. It's not only a great way to sample the cuisine, but it’s a great chance to meet other people. Be sure to discuss what goes on if a resident is not able to make it to the dining room for meals.
• Reputation: Ask residents and families, past and present, for his or her honest thoughts about the community. Many facilities include a resident council that will be happy to answer any of your questions.
• Security and safety: Safety and security features are extremely important and offer peace of mind for the caregiver. Ensure that bathrooms are accessible and also have grab bars in convenient places. Ask how residents call the staff if they have an emergency in their living area. Find out about other security features available in living quarters and through the entire facility. Make sure you learn about staffing routines to determine who is on-site regularly to aid residents. Are there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing schedules differ during the night? How does the community assist or manage residents’ medication requests?
• Trust your gut: As you are touring, be sure to think about yourself or your loved one actually living at facility. Can you imagine your family member feeling comfortable? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents receptive, welcoming and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Westford, MA?

The average cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts in 2018 was $5,495 per month while the average monthly price for Westford ranges from $1500 to $10050 per month. Costs for assisted living communities can vary widely depending on amenities, neighborhood, and services, therefore if the cost is an issue consider looking into nearby areas and towns might give you more overall flexibility in your spending budget.

To find out more on assisted living costs, visit A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Cost Planner, based on the actual prices families pay when they transfer to 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 search for senior living. How to pay for senior care is definitely an obstacle for care. Many families fund a move to assisted living through the sale of a house or personal savings, but for some people, this might not exactly be an option.

Here are three other choices that will assist you finance assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies: If the senior getting into assisted living has a life insurance policy, you could be in a position to liquidate the policy and receive funds now to cover senior care costs. Different restrictions and regulations apply based on the kind of plan you have, so get in touch with a monetary advisor or eldercare attorney to find out more about your alternatives.
2. Reverse Mortgages: For senior couples who may have different care requirements, a reverse mortgage could be a good way for one person to go into assisted living while another remains in the home. A reverse mortgage allows property owners aged 62 or older to borrow against their home equity. To learn more, call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a reverse mortgage counseling agency in your area or contact the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
3. Veterans Benefits: Many veterans are unaware they are qualified to receive senior care benefits. The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit has helped many families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans must 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 can also be able to receive benefits. With the current average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it’s worth it to find out if your family member may be eligible for benefits. To find out more on benefits for veterans, see get in touch with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Affairs or check out www.va.gov.

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

5 Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Facility

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

1. How many employees are on hand to assist during the night? Some assisted living facilities provide nursing personnel around the clock, while others may have more generalized help on hand after hours. It isn't required that around the clock care be included in assisted living in Massachusetts.
2. Is there a waitlist? Here is where doing your homework can really pay off - plan ahead! Popular communities can fill up fast. If the one you like is not available, ask about the waitlist and what the community’s plan is for administering it. Many facilities will require 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 let go of a beloved yard or patio space. If accessing a gardening area, a patio or a courtyard is definitely important for your loved one, visit a facility which offers residents that space. Various larger assisted living facilities provide a range of yards, with features such as jogging paths, gardens and BBQ spaces for community get-togethers.
4. What's 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 one personal care assistant for every 23 residents. Staffing can vary widely depending on the size of the facility, so make certain to ask about the facilities you would like. Ultimately, you need to find out if this facility can provide your loved one with the support they want?
5. What services are as part of the monthly price? Understand what is included in the basic fee arrangement and what might incur additional cost before signing any deal. Some facilities employ a fee-for-service model, or a la carte pricing, which means they bill a monthly charge for rent and meals but additional charges for things like medication management. Others may use a tiered cost model where different degrees of health care are charged different costs. Eldercare lawyers can review these contracts and assist you to with any discrepancies.

Contact us for more info on what to look for when visiting an assisted living community.

What Else Should I Consider When Choosing a Community?

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

Here are a few things to bear in mind during your search:

• Focus on current circumstances. What does your loved one need right now? Do they need support bathing and dressing? Do they have special circumstances like limited vision or special diets? Think about the here and today, not what might have been their decision ten or 15 years back.
• If possible, tour at least three communities. Focus on scheduled tours and consider having a meal with the residents. If none of them seem like a good match, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more options and don’t hesitate to ask questions and take notes while you’re there.
• View the Community through your loved one’s lens - instead of your own. It could be easy to end up being swayed by the amenities and features you may decide for yourself, but ultimately it comes down to what will work best for your family member. Would they benefit from the benefits of a larger community or become more comfortable in a smaller sized, more intimate setting?

The process of selecting the right assisted living facility is often overwhelming, but we are here to guide you navigate your senior care search.

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

What Is Senior Living Like in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a beautiful state with a abundant history. Senior living residents in Massachusetts enjoy having access to big city experiences while as well as enjoying picturesque East Coast charm. The state has four distinct seasons, boasting stunning fall foliage, scenic winter landscapes, bright spring flowers, and hot summer time days to be enjoyed at the state’s shoreline.

When considering choosing senior living in Westford, MA, there are plenty of things to consider, from the amount of health care and support to standard of living, location and more. Massachusetts has many options available so you're able to make a confident and educated decision for your loved ones.