Assisted Living – Your Questions Answered
With aging comes adjustments, accommodations, and questions. Transitioning into assisted living can be a significant milestone in the life of everyone involved, often accompanied by a mix of emotions ranging from relief and excitement to uncertainty and apprehension. For many, this move represents a chance to embrace a more supportive environment, where daily needs are met with compassion and tender care. It also opens doors to new social opportunities and activities that can enhance quality of life. However, the journey to assisted living can also raise questions and concerns about the future – and Benchmark is here to assist in helping you understand.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living communities, also known as senior living communities or retirement homes, provide a type of residential housing for seniors who need varying degrees of assistance with daily activities. It is designed for individuals who may still live somewhat independently but require help with tasks such as cooking, medication management, bathing, dressing, or housekeeping.
Assisted Living communities provide a supportive environment where residents can maintain a level of independence while receiving the assistance they need and want. The level of care offered can vary, from living completely independently to basic support to more comprehensive medical care, depending on the community and resident’s requirements. Assisted Living offers a balance of independence and support tailored to individual needs. At Benchmark Senior Living, our goal is for our communities to become new homes, where residents are surrounded by new and old friends, fun things to do and support to age well.
Who is Assisted Living right for?
Seniors Needing Support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): For seniors who want to keep their independence but need some support, Assisted Living at Benchmark Senior Living could be the right choice. This support offered to our residents includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and more. At Benchmark Senior Living, we offer assistance with these activities based on individual needs.
Seniors Needing Support with Housekeeping, Meals and Other Amenities*: Our residents benefit from services like housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation, reducing the burden of daily chores. No matter which Benchmark community you choose, each offers amenities to make it feel like home:
- 24-hour emergency maintenance and management
- Lounge for games and activities
- Fitness room and wellness center
- Private dining rooms for families
- Library complete with computer stations and internet access
- Resident laundry rooms (housekeeping services available)
- Outdoor patio and walking paths with benches
- Ample parking spaces
Individuals Wanting Social Engagement: For many assisted living residents who don’t need extensive care, unique social programming at your fingertips is just yet another benefit. Our Benchmark Assisted Living communities provide social activities and opportunities for residents to engage with others, which can combat loneliness and isolation – the latest American epidemic, according to the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. At Benchmark, we offer social engagement designed around our residents’ interests, goals and dreams through evidence-based programs* like:
- Exercise and conditioning aiming to improve balance, posture and alignment through our Benchmark Strong program
- Indoor and outdoor concerts bringing together residents and music of all genres
- Cooking demonstrations for new and seasoned cooks
- Holiday celebrations to share traditions
- Lifelong learning seminars to keep minds stimulated
- Volunteer opportunities to encourage community involvement
- Therapeutic indoor and outdoor gardening to keep thumbs green
- Intergenerational programs to foster camaraderie with surrounding neighborhoods schools or outreach organizations
- Religious services welcoming all denominations of faith
- Book clubs for discovering old classics and new reads
- Exciting outings and trips to explore
- And much more!
Families and Caregivers Seeking Peace of Mind: Families may be seeking an Assisted Living community for a loved one to ensure they receive the care, attention and support they need when they cannot provide it themselves. At Benchmark, we work with our residents and their families together to help find the right balance for everyone.
What is the difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living?
At Benchmark Senior Living, Independent Living fosters an active lifestyle for seniors who are capable of living independently but desire a maintenance-free and socially-engaging environment. Residents in Independent Living enjoy amenities like chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and a variety of activities and outings, promoting a vibrant community atmosphere without receiving any level of care and support.
What is the difference between Assisted Living and a nursing home?
Nursing homes typically provide more intensive, round-the-clock medical care for individuals with complex health needs who may require skilled nursing services. These facilities are equipped to handle serious medical conditions and offer rehabilitation services in addition to assistance with daily living tasks in a clinical setting.
What does Assisted Living provide?
Benchmark Senior Living provides a supportive community where seniors can stay connected to the people, passions and things that matter most to them.
- Apartments*: Choose from studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments in a variety of floor plans at our Assisted Living communities. We offer private and shared apartment options tailored to meet individual needs.
- Personal Assistance: Residents receive needs-based help with activities of daily living (ADLs) determined by our nursing assessment. This includes assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, and more. Residents are evaluated regularly to ensure they are receiving the appropriate care.
- Award-Winning Programs: Our residents enjoy individualized and small group programs and trips designed to keep residents engaged and active in our Assisted Living communities.
- Healthy Meals & Snacks: Three delicious, chef-prepared meals and snacks are served restaurant-style all day in our dining room or outside on our patios, ensuring a nutritious dining experience for residents.
- Enhanced Health Support: Residents have the option to choose outside health providers or access on-site providers such as physicians and rehabilitation services, ensuring comprehensive health care support*.
- Transportation: Scheduled local transportation is provided to medical appointments, shopping centers, and community events, enhancing convenience and accessibility for residents.
- Ample Common Spaces: Our communities offer plentiful living spaces including libraries, lounges and dining areas, providing residents with areas to connect, engage in activities, and maintain wellness.
- Concierge Services: Weekly housekeeping, linen service, trash service, and assistance with appointment and transportation scheduling ensure a hassle-free living experience for residents.
- Our Culture of Caring: Benchmark associates are hired for their heart and trained for skill, dedicated to enhancing residents’ quality of life through compassionate care and personalized attention.
What levels of care are offered for Assisted Living?
All Assisted Living communities differ, but at Benchmark, we offer multiple levels of care within our communities. We provide a personalized care plan tailored to the needs of each resident, so they remain empowered as they age.
- Level I is for residents who are no longer fully independent, but whose care needs consist primarily of cueing and reminders and who require little or no physical assistance.
- Level II is for residents whose care needs consist primarily of a moderate level of physical assistance with activities of daily living. An example would be a resident who needs some physical assistance with bathing.
- Level III is for residents who require a substantial amount of physical assistance with some activities of daily living, due either to care needs or behaviors. Example would be a resident requiring substantial or total physical assistance for dining, bathing, and dressing.
- Level IV is for residents who have extensive needs, for example: a need for total care with one or several activities of daily living, or a substantial amount of physical assistance on a daily basis.
- Level V is for residents who need total assistance with all aspects of care, as well as, usage of a mechanical or electrical lift for transfers on an ongoing basis.
How much does Assisted Living cost, and how do I pay for Assisted Living?
At Benchmark, we believe in upfront pricing to help inform and ease your decision-making. We are committed to helping you understand exactly what goes into determining initial fees and monthly costs for things like our personalized, needs-based care:
- The area in which the community is located and its amenities
- The type and square footage of each apartment and its location within the community
- The amount of care and personal services that the resident requires
- Most apartments at Benchmark Senior Living are private pay
The cost of Assisted Living can vary based on a number of factors. Once you find a Benchmark Assisted Living community that’s right for you, our quick assessment will help determine your monthly costs.
The Financial Concierge Service (available for new Benchmark residents) can connect you to a third party who can provide information about bridge loans and Veterans benefits.
Do you offer any benefits for veterans seeking Assisted Living?
Benchmark has deep appreciation for the Veterans who have served our country and is committed to helping them get the financial benefits they deserve. If you are a wartime veteran, veteran’s spouse or widow, you may qualify for the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which allows for up to $25,000 to offset the cost of senior living. However, enrollment can be difficult to navigate and may take months without the right guidance. We can point you in the right direction of accredited agents who can work with the VA and help Veterans and their families get the benefits they are entitled to for Assisted Living.
Find out if you qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit in less than 5 minutes by clicking here.
How do I find assisted living facilities near me?
With over 66 communities in 8 states, Benchmark Senior Living has a community for everyone. Simply click here to enter your city, state or zip code to find a Benchmark Senior Living community near you or a loved one.
How do I know if it’s the right time for Assisted Living?
It can be difficult to know when the right time for Assisted Living is, but Benchmark Senior Living is here to help. Click the link below and answer some questions to gain insight into if it is the right time. Get personalized results in about 2 minutes by clicking here.
Choosing Assisted Living at Benchmark Senior Living depends on your individual needs and lifestyle preferences, ranging from seniors who seek a vibrant, maintenance-free environment with social engagement and amenities like chef-prepared meals and housekeeping. Those who need more personalized support with daily tasks, ensuring residents maintain their independence while receiving the care they need. With various levels of care, from minimal assistance to comprehensive support, Benchmark Senior Living is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. If you’re looking for a vibrant lifestyle or need a little extra help, Benchmark provides a nurturing and supportive community where seniors can thrive.
*Please check with the Executive Director at your community for specific and current offerings.
