FAQs

What is the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing?

Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as help with mobility, transportation, and other tasks. Skilled nursing, also known as a nursing home, is a type of long-term care facility that provides around-the-clock medical supervision and assistance with ADLs for people who are unable to care for themselves due to a chronic illness, disability, or other health condition. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer a higher level of medical care and support than assisted living facilities.

What are the benefits of assisted living?

There are several benefits to assisted living, including:

1. Personalized care: Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of services and support tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.
2. Companionship: Assisted living communities often have a social component, with activities and events that encourage residents to interact and form relationships with their peers.
3. Safety and security: Assisted living facilities have staff on site 24/7 and often have safety features such as emergency call systems to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
4. Independence: Assisted living allows residents to maintain as much independence as possible while receiving the support they need with ADLs and other tasks.
5. Convenience: Assisted living facilities often provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, and other services, which can be a major convenience for residents and their families.
6. Access to healthcare: Assisted living facilities often have healthcare professionals on staff or on call to provide medical support and assistance as needed.
7. Flexibility: Assisted living facilities often offer a range of accommodation options and services, which can be customized to meet the changing needs of residents over time.

Is senior living and assisted living the same thing?

Senior living and assisted living are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different types of care. Senior living is a broad term that encompasses a range of housing and care options for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Assisted living is a specific type of senior living that provides personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as help with mobility, transportation, and other tasks. Assisted living is typically suitable for older adults who need some level of support with ADLs but do not require the around-the-clock medical supervision and care provided in a skilled nursing facility.

What’s the difference between a nursing home and a retirement home?

A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a type of long-term care facility that provides around-the-clock medical supervision and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for people who are unable to care for themselves due to a chronic illness, disability, or other health condition. Nursing homes typically offer a higher level of medical care and support than other types of senior living communities.

A retirement home, on the other hand, is a type of housing specifically designed for older adults who are able to live independently but may want or need additional support with tasks such as housekeeping, transportation, or access to social and recreational activities. Retirement homes, also known as independent living communities, do not typically offer medical care or assistance with ADLs. Instead, they focus on providing a supportive and social environment for older adults who are able to live independently but may want or need additional support with tasks such as housekeeping, transportation, or access to social and recreational activities.

What do most assisted living facilities provide?

Most assisted living facilities provide a range of services and support to help residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as help with mobility, transportation, and other tasks. Assisted living facilities often offer the following types of services and amenities:

1. Personal care: Assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as help with mobility, transportation, and other tasks.
2. Health services: On-site or on-call healthcare professionals to provide medical support and assistance as needed, including medication management and coordination of medical care.
3. Meals: Nutritious meals served in a common dining area or delivered to individual units.
4. Housekeeping: Regular housekeeping and laundry services.
5. Social and recreational activities: A variety of activities and events to promote socialization and engagement, such as group outings, fitness classes, and cultural events.
6. Transportation: Scheduled transportation to appointments and other destinations.
7. Security: Staff on site 24/7 and safety features such as emergency call systems to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
8. Accommodation: A range of private or shared living arrangements, including apartments, cottages, or shared suites.

Assisted living facilities may also offer additional services or amenities such as beauty and grooming services, wellness programs, and access to rehabilitation or therapy services. The specific services and amenities offered may vary depending on the facility.

What questions to ask when looking for assisted living?

Here are some questions to consider when looking for an assisted living facility:

1. What types of services and support are offered?
2. What is the staffing ratio and how much individual attention can residents expect to receive?
3. How does the facility handle medical emergencies and what is the process for coordinating healthcare?
4. What is the process for addressing changes in a resident’s care needs over time?
5. What are the accommodation options and what is included in the monthly fee?
6. What is the meal service like, and are special dietary needs accommodated?
7. What is the schedule and variety of social and recreational activities offered?
8. What is the policy on visitors and how often can residents receive visitors?
9. What is the facility’s policy on pets and are there any restrictions?
10. What is the process for handling complaints and concerns?

It may also be helpful to visit the facility in person, speak with current residents and their families, and review the facility’s licensing and inspection reports.

What is the goal of an assisted living facility?

The goal of an assisted living facility is to provide older adults with the support and assistance they need to maintain as much independence and autonomy as possible while living in a safe and supportive environment. Assisted living facilities aim to provide a balance of support and independence, with a range of services and amenities designed to help residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as help with mobility, transportation, and other tasks.

In addition to practical support, assisted living facilities often have a social component, with activities and events designed to promote socialization and engagement among residents. The goal of these activities is to create a sense of community and to help residents maintain a high quality of life despite any physical or cognitive challenges they may be experiencing.

Overall, the goal of assisted living is to provide older adults with the support they need to live comfortably and safely, while also maintaining as much independence and autonomy as possible.

Am I covered by Medicare or Medicaid? What is the difference?

Neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers the full cost of assisted living. Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare does not cover long-term care services such as assisted living, but it may cover some short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center if certain conditions are met.

Medicaid is a health insurance program that is jointly funded by the federal government and state governments. Medicaid may cover the cost of assisted living in some cases, but it is generally only available to low-income individuals and families who meet certain financial and medical criteria. Medicaid coverage for assisted living is also subject to availability and may vary by state.

If you are considering assisted living, it is important to understand what types of long-term care services are covered by your insurance and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for. You can contact your insurance provider or a local Area Agency on Aging for more information on your options and how to pay for assisted living.

Do you have visiting hours?

Yes, visiting hours are 24/7, you can visit your loved one whenever you like.

Can I keep my main physician?

Yes they can keep their own physician.

Do you provide transportation to and from doctor appointments?

Yes we can transfer to and from doctors appointments.

How much does it cost to live at Millview of Latham?

Our price range is $4,265-$5,090.

Millview of Latham, an assisted living facility near Albany, NY, provides these links as a guide and is not responsible for the content of these sites.