Assisted Living near Westwood, MA

Assisted Living in Westwood, Massachusetts

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is one kind of senior care that provides residents support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents in assisted living should expect to get support with ADLs that include bathing, dressing, medication management, meals and more. Not to be confused with a skilled nursing facility where people receive nursing services night and day, residents in assisted living routinely have access to personnel 24 hours a day while additionally enjoying engaging activities and a strong sense of community. In some instances, assisted living facilities give support for seniors with certain medical needs such as cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia, diabetes, or incontinence care.

Deciding what type of senior care you or your family member needs is usually a complex decision. To be sure you are selecting the proper level of care, consult with a medical professional. You can also call our Senior Living Advisors who are ready to answer any of your queries and help you discover a senior care community that meets your needs.

What Services Are Available?

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

Other amenities 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 can I Tour Assisted Living Communities?

It is strongly suggested that you tour several assisted living communities before finding the right one for you or your loved one. Touring multiple communities can help you discover what options are available, what your own preferences are, and can ultimately assist you in making a decision. Contact or contact A Place for Mom and we'll help you setup a tour at your preferred community.

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

• Are the current residents friendly and happy?
• Are there services not included in the monthly cost? If so, what exactly are they and exactly how much can they cost?
• Is a nurse usually available around the clock?
• Is an initial assessment required before admission?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how long will it be before you can move in?
• Is there a courtyard or patio for people to enjoy space outside?
• What are your apartment accommodation alternatives?
• What exactly are your billing and payment policies and procedures?
• What does the exterior of the facility look like? Is it orderly and maintained?
• What's the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the team members involved? Nice?
• What is your discharge plan?
• What is your prescription administration policy?
• What sort of know-how and training do your staff 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 a significant role in paying for some senior care.

But, it is crucial to understand what Medicare will pay for and what it will 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 up to 100 days, if your doctor recommends it.

Medicare has four main parts:

1. Part A, Hospital Insurance: This helps 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 other healthcare providers, outpatient care, many preventive care services, durable medical equipment, plus some home health care expenses.
3. Part C, Medicare Advantage: These plans can be found in many areas. People who have Medicare Parts A and B can want to receive all of 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 helps pay for prescription drugs.
Medicare covers medically necessary skilled care at a nursing home only when you need short-term skilled care for an illness or personal injury and you meet certain conditions. To find out about 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 access to its assisted living facility records through it's Executive Office of Elder Affairs website. Obtainable data includes licensed assisted living communities that are updated frequently, and details about 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 per day
• Provide assistance and help with bathing, dressing, and mobility to all residents which 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 community that is right for you as well as your family member can be one of the most crucial decisions you may make. Throughout your visit, consider the standard of attention that a loved one may receive. Your choice of “if, when and where to move” resides solely with you and your loved one, so consider what factors are ultimately important to you. You may also read through a few of the 549 testimonials about communities in the greater Westwood region. Here are some things to consider:

• Activities: It’s a good idea to try and schedule your tour together with facility events. Ask the manager if you can check out the activities or even participate. Are the activities and events well attended? Does the staff appear to be appreciating the activity as well? Check out the community calendar of events. Do they meet your loved one’s likes and dislikes? Do the activities and occasions vary in size and type? Do they incorporate outings and trips from the community? If it's important to your household, don’t forget to ask about religious services.
• Cleanliness: Will the community feel clean and healthy? Be sure to look beyond furnishings and into baseboards, corners, and windows. Ask how frequently housekeeping is given in the non-public living space. Make sure you get complete information on the types of routine service provided and the expected response times. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Request specifics on what is available and at what cost.
• Friendliness: The frame of mind and friendliness of the personnel are of the utmost importance. Make sure that you observe several workers interacting with current people. Do they listen and make eye contact? Make sure to obtain a good understanding of the staffing structure. How many people are actually involved in residents’ care? Ensure you get an introduction to the management group. This can help you understand the goals of the facililty. It is important that you trust the property’s management.
• Meals: Much like the majority of us, the dining area experience is important to seniors. When touring communities, it is important to go over entree choices and learn about dining hours, options, and procedures. Make sure you and your loved one try a meal at community. It's not only a terrific way to sample the cuisine, but it’s a great possibility to meet other people. Make sure you discuss what happens if a resident is unable to make it to the dining area for a meal.
• Reputation: Ask residents and families, past and present, for his or her honest views about the facility. Many facilities have a resident council that will be happy to answer all of your questions.
• Safety and security: Security and safety features are extremely important and offer peace of mind for the caregiver. Make sure that bathrooms are easy to get to and have grab bars in convenient locations. Ask how residents call the staff if they have a crisis in their living area. Find out about other security features available in living quarters and throughout the community. Be sure to find out about staffing routines to determine who's on-site regularly to help residents. Are there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing routines differ at night? How does facility assist or manage residents’ medication requirements?
• Trust your gut: When you are touring, make sure you think about yourself or your loved one actually living at facility. Can you imagine your loved one feeling comfortable? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents amenable, welcoming and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Westwood, MA?

The average cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts in 2018 was $5,495 monthly although the average monthly price for Westwood ranges from $1500 to $11390 per month. Costs for assisted living facilities may differ widely based on amenities, neighborhood, and services, therefore if the cost is an issue consider looking at local areas and towns might give you more overall flexibility in your finances.

To learn more on assisted living costs, visit A Place for Mom’s Senior 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 Pay for Assisted Living

Many families experience sticker shock when beginning their search for senior living. How 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 people, this might not be an option.

Listed below are three other options that may help you pay for assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies: If the senior getting into assisted living has a life insurance policy, you might be able to liquidate the policy and receive funds right away to cover senior care costs. Different restrictions and regulations apply based on the kind of insurance plan you have, so get in touch with a economic advisor or eldercare attorney to determine more about your options.
2. Reverse Mortgages: For senior couples who may have different care requirements, a reverse mortgage could be a good way for just one person to move 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, get in touch with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a reverse mortgage counseling agency near you or contact the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
3. Veterans Benefits: Various veterans are unaware that they are qualified to receive senior care benefits. The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit has helped numerous families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans have to be at least 65 years old and have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least 1 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 existing average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it’s worth it to determine if your family member may qualify for benefits. To find out more about benefits for veterans, see contact the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Affairs or go to www.va.gov.

For some more ideas about how precisely to finance your move to senior living, contact 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 facility are generally overwhelming. However, considering these five important things when considering making the move to assisted living will help you make a better-informed decision:

1. How many team members are available to assist at 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 night and day care be made available in assisted living in Massachusetts.
2. Is there a waitlist? Here is where doing all your homework can really pay off - plan in advance! Sought after communities can fill fast. If the one you like is not available, enquire about the waitlist and what the facility’s guideline is for administering it. Many communities will require a deposit and some communities have internal lists for special health care needs.
3. Is there an outdoor space? Going to assisted living will not mean you or your loved one needs to let go of a beloved garden or patio space. If having access to a gardening area, an outdoor patio or a courtyard is very important to your loved one, visit a facility which offers residents that space. Many larger assisted living communities offer a range of outdoor spaces, with features such as jogging paths, gardens and BBQ places for community activities.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25% of assisted living communities have a ratio of one personal care associate for each 23 residents. Staffing can vary widely depending on the size of the facility, so make sure to ask about the facilities you would like. Ultimately, you want to understand if this facility can provide your loved one with the help and support they need?
5. What services are as part of the monthly fee? Understand what is usually included in the standard fee arrangement and what might incur additional cost before signing any agreement. Some communities use a fee-for-service model, or a la carte prices, which means they bill a monthly cost for rent and meals but additional costs for things like medication management. Others could use a tiered cost model where different levels of care are charged different charges. Eldercare lawyers can review these agreements and help you with any discrepancies.

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

What Else Should I Consider When Choosing a Facility?

There’s no shortage of senior care options in Westwood - which 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 necessities, and personality.

Below are a few things to remember during your search:

• Concentrate on current requirements. What does your loved one need now? Do they need help bathing and dressing? Do they have special needs like limited vision or special diets? Take into account the here and now, not what might have been their choice ten or 15 years back.
• When possible, tour at least three facilities. Start with planned tours and consider having meals with the residents. If none of them seem like a good fit, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more alternatives and don’t hesitate to ask questions and take down notes while you’re there.
• See the Facility through your family member’s lens - not your own. It can be easy to end up being swayed by the services and features you might choose for yourself, but ultimately it comes down to what will work best for your family member. Would they enjoy the benefits of a bigger facility or be more comfortable in a small, more intimate setting?

The process of choosing the right assisted living community can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you understand your senior care search.

Contact A Place for Mom today - we are able to help relieve your stress while helping you save money and time, ultimately finding a place that meets your finances and care needs.

What Is Senior Living Like in Massachusetts?

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

When it comes to choosing senior living in Westwood, MA, there are various points to consider, from the amount of care and help and support to way of life, location and more. Massachusetts has many choices available so you can make a confident and informed decision for your loved ones.