FAQ
Assisted Living
What is assisted living?An assisted living community provides a combination of housing, supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs – both scheduled and unscheduled – of those seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication monitoring. Most states define a resident appropriate for assisted living care as one who can negotiate a pathway to safety in case of emergencies with no or little assistance from another person. These are broad definitions and each state regulates this level of care a bit differently.
Generally speaking, when an individual living at home can no longer be assisted with “scheduled care” (either by family or home health agencies) and requires more “care on-demand,” assisted living becomes an attractive option.
This would include assistance that is available 24 hours a day – whenever the resident needs it. Protective oversight, ongoing medication management, nutritional support, and personal assistance with dressing and bathing are all examples of care on demand.
Many residents live their remaining years quite comfortably in the assisted living setting. Since supportive care is provided (assistance with bathing, medication monitoring, meal preparation), living in an assisted living setting can significantly reduce the risk of serious health setbacks that might necessitate a higher level of care. In addition, Medicare home health services, rehabilitation, and even hospice services can all be accessed in an assisted living community. Certainly meeting a resident’s needs is the number one priority and should a higher level of care be required, skilled nursing (both short- and long-term) is a viable next step.
Skilled nursing care is reserved for individuals with often complex medical needs requiring the skill of licensed nurses and therapists. Skilled nursing is appropriate for seniors recovering from stroke or surgery that needs intensive, seven-day-a-week therapies. In addition, if a resident regularly requires the assistance of another to move from bed to chair, or is confined to bed due to their condition, they are generally more appropriate for the skilled nursing setting.
Of all meals, breakfast most reflects your lifestyle. We serve an informal, stroll-in breakfast. Lunch and supper are served family-style. Our menus reflect your preferences and favorite recipes. We accommodate special menu requests and prescribed dietary requirements. Our dining rooms contain intimate tables of four or more. We even offer a private dining room when you’d like to host a dinner or a family gathering.
Keeping house may not be exciting, but we do come through daily to tidy things up. And we have a regular schedule of routine deep cleaning in each room. We try to live up to your own high standards, including the laundry. We know how folks are about their clothes, and we’ll treat your wardrobe with extra care and respect.
We take fun seriously! Resident activities are created to ensure that they are healthful, fun, and purposeful. Zelevie Health’s activities philosophy comprises a wide spectrum of programs for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents. Programs are grounded in research and reflect the highest standards of recreational and therapeutic benefits with a special emphasis on maintaining mental fitness. Zelevie Health’s activities engage the mind, body, and spirit in a continuing celebration of life.
Some folks love to join right in. We strike a balance between planned programs (movies, bridge tournaments, live entertainment, etc.) and spontaneous events (current event discussions, afternoon tea on the porch, a power walk around the grounds, to name a few). We encourage togetherness but never force it. You can still actively participate in your own community, including hosting functions here with us.
Helping individuals and families find just the right services, amenities, and levels of care are vital. We also realize the importance of a safe environment and having peace of mind about the decision – for all concerned. So, we invite you to spend some time with us to discuss your options.
Let us help enhance your independence and your ability to meet life head-on by giving you just the right support at the right time. And that should make you feel right at home. At Zelevie Health, you can begin living life well.
Memory Care
What is Alzheimer’s disease and how widespread is it?Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that impairs memory and the ability to perform the activities of daily living. Over 4 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and that number is growing. Surprisingly, one out of every 10 people 65 years and older are affected and almost half of those over 85 have some form of dementia.
That used to be the case. However, more and more states are allowing assisted living communities to specialize in this level of care. More rigorous staffing, physical community and training standards must be met to fulfill these special resident needs. Today, specialized assisted living communities, like Zelevie Health, are an attractive option to those seeking care outside the home.
All the services provided in our Zelevie Health communities – from dining to nursing, to activities – are designed around the unique needs of the memory impaired. Days are quietly structured to provide a sense of order. Residents are engaged more readily in this setting through verbal cues and daily routines.
Yes. Not only is the staff-to-resident ratio higher than in a traditional assisted living setting, but all staff members are also specifically trained to work with the memory impaired. The decision to work in this level of care is an important one. We screen prospective caregivers on the front end to ensure they have both the passion and temperament to work with these special individuals.
What’s wonderful about Zelevie Health communities is that the security is there – but not readily apparent to the resident. All doors are equipped with secured entry/exits. Our outdoor living areas are also secured. Residents who may require additional oversight are given discreet monitoring bracelets.
Our research shows that residents with memory impairment do best when they are in a calm, intimate setting and know their caregivers. Our entire buildings are specifically designed for the memory-impaired resident’s special needs and comfort.
Transitional Rehabilitation (Skilled Nursing)
Do you provide therapy? If so, what type?Yes. We have our own physical, occupational and speech therapists on staff to meet all our patients’ rehabilitation needs.
Costs vary depending on the facility and on the patient’s individual situation. Talk to a social worker at the community you are interested in for further information about costs.
Yes. Our dining rooms serve the main selection at each meal with an alternative selection available for residents to choose from.
We provide transportation to and from physician appointments and other necessary medical appointments.
Yes, all of our rooms are private.
Yes. Each community has Medicare-certified beds for residents who qualify for Medicare benefits.
Yes. You can leave money with the office and it will be kept in an individual “resident’s trust fund.” The resident will have access to his or her money anytime during business hours.
Each facility has several physicians to choose from that make rounds regularly. You can also keep your regular doctor.
Yes. If any food item requires refrigeration, please speak with a staff member so that the item is stored safely and properly.
Yes, but only if the pharmacy can provide medication in bubble-pack packaging. The only exception is for veterans who receive their medications through the mail from the veteran’s administration.
Yes. Our beauty shop offers discounted prices for services.
We are able to provide a wide range of services through the following
Programs and Treatment Components:
- 24-hour nursing
- IV medications
- Enteral feedings
- Pain management
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Wound management
- Infusion therapy
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic recreation
- Patient/family education
- Community re-entry
- Counseling/planning
- Hospice
- Therapy services
We offer in-house, seven-day-a-week therapy services tailored to each resident’s needs, helping them achieve their highest level of independence.
Physical therapy focuses on leg strength, balance, and endurance for transfers and ambulation.
Occupational therapy focuses on upper body skills for independence with personal and home care.
Speech therapy maximizes communication, swallowing, hearing and thinking skills.
Team of Professionals
Our interdisciplinary team focus is on the entire well being of the patient.
The health care team may include:
- RNs
- CNAs
- Physicians
- Dietitians
- LPNs
- Therapists
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Hospice coordinators
- Administration