FAQ’s
Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
When is the right time for my parents to move into a retirement community?
The best time to move to any retirement community is when residents are still active and in good health. Signature Pointe is the perfect choice for anyone who desires to continue the lifestyle they’ve come to love and also enjoy the reassurance of on-site care if needed. This exceptional lifestyle will offer your loved ones the time and opportunities to discover new talents and make new friends.
How can I help my parents transition to a retirement community?
AARP suggests an adult child ask his or her parents questions that might help start the conversation. You would not ask all these questions in one sitting, but use them as a guide for topics of conversation when the time is right.
A few examples: Is your home still appropriate for your needs? Are there stairs or security issues? Do you need help with household chores? Can you cook your favorite meals? Hear the doorbell ring? Do you feel comfortable driving? Would it be a great relief to have transportation available right at your door? Are your prescriptions current and are you taking your medications correctly? Have you seen the doctor lately? Do you get lonely, especially at mealtimes?
Can my parents decorate their residence?
Absolutely. Your parents are invited to make themselves at home by furnishing or decorating their residence as they choose.
What is offered with Assisted Living?
As the name suggests, Assisted Living offers individuals assistance with the activities of daily living, dressing, bathing, dining, medication management—while still providing every opportunity for maintaining the highest possible level of independence. At Signature Pointe, this is all delivered in an atmosphere of sophistication and hospitality. Services are tailored to match individual needs for maximum convenience and comfort.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care provides a specialized environment for residents coping with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or other dementia-related disorders. Therapeutic activities and programs help maximize existing cognitive abilities, diminish anxiety, lessen confusion, and increase peace of mind.
What advantages does Signature Pointe offer a senior facing memory loss?
A quality memory care program provides countless benefits such as safety, nutrition, and professional support. Activities and programs provide mental stimulation and interaction. Therapeutic tools such as music and art can awaken the senses and provide moments of personal success.
Will my parent’s long-term care insurance help pay for Assisted Living or Memory Care?
Most policies do help cover the costs of Assisted Living or Memory Care, but you will need to know your specific coverage to be sure. We can help—just bring a copy of your policy with you when you visit Signature Pointe. Long-term care insurance is not required to be a resident.
When is living at home no longer an option?
Watch for signs it may not be ideal—or safe—for an aging parent to live at home. For example, your loved one may stop doing a longtime hobby or suddenly withdraw from friends or activities. Sudden weight loss, a change in grooming habits, or a house in disorder may signal your parent needs assistance. If your loved one displays an inability to follow conversations, or you suspect memory loss is disrupting your loved one’s daily routine, it could be time to seek medical advice.
Is any assistance available for Veterans or their spouses?
If either of your parents is a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, he or she may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. These include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocation, rehabilitation and employment, and burial. At Signature Pointe, Veterans benefits may assist with the costs associated with Assisted Living and Memory Care. Let us help you get the answers or go to www.benefits.va.gov
Glossary of Terms
Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
- Accreditation
A seal of approval given by a governing body to a housing and/or service provider. To become accredited, the community or provider must meet specific requirements set by the accreditation entity and is then generally required to undergo a thorough review process by a team of evaluators to ensure certain standards of quality.
- Activities of Daily Living
Daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, assistance with medications, and transfers along with other tasks.
- Assisted Living
Assisted living is a senior housing option for those who cannot live independently and need help with activities of daily living, including but not limited to bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, housekeeping services and transfers.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
- Ambulatory
Describes ability to walk around and move from place to place, not bedridden or hospitalized.
- Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Often called a Life Plan Community, a CCRC offers several levels of assistance, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. These communities usually offer long-term contracts or written agreements between the resident and the community which offer a continuum of housing, services and health care system, usually all on one campus or site.
- Dementia
The severe loss of intellectual functions, such as thinking, remembering and reasoning. Dementia is not a disease itself but a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may include changes in personality, mood and behavior. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury, but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, depression, or hormone and vitamin imbalances.
- Durable Power of Attorney
Designates any proficient adult(s) to see to an individual’s affairs should they become either mentally or physically incapacitated. It is imperative to keep good, clear records of such agreements and recommended that you have a lawyer draft any durable power of attorney.
- Hospice Care
Approach to providing comfort and care at end of life rather than providing heroic lifesaving measures. Hospice care can include medical, counseling, and social services. Most hospice care is in-home, while specialized hospices or hospitals also provide these services.
- Living Will
A legal document that states the wishes of an individual who is no longer competent and able to make decisions on their own. Living wills address the use of life saving devices and procedures in the event of a terminal illness or injury.
- Long-Term Care
Care given in the form of medical and support services to someone who has lost some or all of their capacity to function due to an illness or disability.
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Insurance that pays for a succession of care giving services for the elderly or chronically ill. This care may be provided in a community or in an individual’s home with a nurse or aide.
Glossary of Terms
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- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs are trained to administer technical nursing procedures as well as provide a range of health care services, such as administration of medication and changing of dressings. One year of post high school education and passage of a state licensing exam is required.
- Managed Care
The partnership of insurance and a health care delivery system. The goal is to coordinate all health care services received to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Managed care plans use their own network of health care providers and a system of prior approval from a primary care doctor to achieve this goal. Providers include: specialists, hospitals skilled nursing facilities, therapists, and home health care agencies.
- Medicaid
A program of medical assistance designed for those unable to afford regular medical service and financed by the state and federal governments.
- Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cover specific services and care.
- Medication Management / Medication Administration
Formalized procedure with a written set of rules for the management of self-administered medicine. A program may include management of the timing and dosage for residents in assisted living, and could include coordination with a resident’s personal physician.
- Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing)
State licensed facility that provides 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and activities for convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or long-term care illnesses. One step below hospital acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. May be referred to as a Nursing Facility or Convalescent Home.
- Palliative Care
An area of health care that focuses on providing pain relief and preventing chronic suffering for patients. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life in all areas of a patient’s life including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social concerns that arise with advanced illness.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
A Registered Nurse is a nurse who has passed a state board examination and is licensed by a state agency to practice nursing. A minimum of two years of college is required in addition to passing the state exams. The RN plans for resident care by assessing resident needs, developing and monitoring care plans in conjunction with physicians, as well as executing highly technical, skilled nursing treatments.
- Rehabilitation
Therapeutic care for persons requiring intensive physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Respite Care
Temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. May be provided in-home or in a residential care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home.
- Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits (VA Benefits)
A supplemental income provided by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs available to veterans and their spouses. The veteran must have served at least one day during wartime. Resources: Guide to Using VA Benefits for Assisted Living | VA.gov
