About FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Our communities have relationships with pharmacies who refill and deliver resident medication. Many also offer specially created biometric safes to help ensure that medication is securely stored and taken correctly.
We have a culture of caring in which our associates are hired for heart, trained for skill and supported with opportunities to be heard and ample recognitions. They are also trained to the highest standards and are constantly pursuing excellence with additional training in areas like empathy and infection control.
Our associates love their work, and it shows in the outstanding, comprehensive and personal care they provide our residents.
However, a resident is not obligated to use our physicians or any providers that other residents use and may keep their current physician if they choose. For those who do, we provide scheduled transportation to off-site medical appointments.
Through our premier learning institution, Benchmark University, our associates are trained to the highest state standards in which we operate. Our associates are also empowered to grow with training in areas like safety, empathy, infection control, relationship-building and more. In addition, many of our associates undergo advanced training in specific disciplines or conditions. For example, most of our associates are trained in Dementia Live, in which individuals “go inside” the dementia brain, and many are Certified Dementia Practitioners.
Community Programs
Throughout our memory care neighborhoods, you will find plenty of opportunities for reminiscing—journey stations, treasure chests and engagement boxes with personally meaningful items that also help residents identify their apartments. Each and every day, residents have the option to participate in art and music therapy, gardening programs, audio programs, and much more tailored to individual interests and abilities.
Through interviews and discovery sessions, we get to know our residents and provide experiences that nurture passions, connections and enhance quality of life. Throughout each day, we offer both individual and group programs for our residents to choose from.
One of our Benchmark Signature programs is Dream Now, which is created entirely around a resident, dream, wish, or something they would like to do or learn. Offered at most Benchmark communities, this program gives residents the opportunity to make their wishes come true by entering their wishes into the Dream Now jar. At the end of each month, a wish is pulled from the jar, and our programming team works to make it come true.
In addition, each of our communities also has a resident council, which meets monthly, providing us with valuable feedback and ideas about programs, social events and other aspects of community life.
Amenities and Environment
Our assisted living and mind and memory care residents receive three meals a day and our independent living residents receive two meals served restaurant-style either in the dining room, outdoors or in-room*, if they prefer. For each meal, residents are offered a menu with always available dishes as well as daily seasonal specials, many of which take advantage of vegetables and herbs from our on-site gardens.
Our communities also offer other dining options, such as bistros and pubs with meals and snacks available throughout the day. There are also special social hours and nutrition and hydration stations stocked with snacks and beverages.
We believe that meals should be a time for meaningful connection, so we encourage family and friends to dine with us for everyday or special occasions. Many of our communities feature private family dining rooms and kitchens ideal for special celebrations or holidays. Our chefs can cater, or families are welcome to do the cooking themselves.
For residents who may require additional one-on-one attention, we also offer a Signature Services program in which Benchmark staff provide extra resident support and companionship beyond what’s provided in our care plans and community programs. This can include transportation to and assistance at doctor’s appointments, family events, trips to favorite places, personal shopping, errands and more.
Moving-in Process and Short-Term Care
Our independent living, assisted living, and mind and memory care communities do not require long-term agreements. However, most of our communities require an Assisted Living Coordination Fee upon signing the residency agreement. The Assisted Living Coordination Fee covers the preparation of the initial care plan and our assistance to help you enjoy life in our community during your first weeks as a resident. We also require 30-days written notice prior to moving out of the community.
Select continuing care retirement and independent living communities may require a long-term agreement and each community will be able to provide specific information on their requirements.
Touring and Visits
We also offer the Benchmark Financial Concierge, a central financial resource that provides financial suggestions, information and solutions. Our third party providers can offer additional resources on a number of short-term financing options, help accessing Veteran’s and insurance benefits and much more.