Frequently asked questions.
We understand choosing a senior living community is a big decision. To help make it easier, count on us for the information you need. We’ve provided answers to frequently asked questions below. But don’t hesitate to ask for more information. We’re always available to answer your questions. To learn more, call us at 1-866-754-5952.
Questions? We’re happy to provide the information you need. Get in touch.
Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Life Plan Community?
A Life Plan Community, also called a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is a retirement lifestyle that offers residents a wide variety of housing and health care options. As an independent living resident, you live in your own comfortable apartment home or villa. All maintenance, such as repairs and snow removal, is taken care of. Residents enjoy delicious chef-prepared meals in the community’s dining venues or can cook their own meals in their independent living residence. Should the need arise, residents have priority access to health services at The Arbor, including short-term rehabilitation and therapy services, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.
How do I choose an apartment or villa?
You can view floor plans right here on our website. We also offer a Floor Plan Fit Calculator to help you find a good match. To view available residences in person, call us at 1-866-754-5952 or fill out our contact form to request a personal appointment. We’re more than happy to assist you in finding the residence that’s just right for you.
Can I decorate my apartment or villa?
Yes! Your apartment or villa at Laurel Circle is your home and can be decorated to reflect your personal taste and style. A move-in coordinator will guide you through the customization process.
Can I bring my pet to live with me at Laurel Circle?
Absolutely! Your furry friend is a part of your family and welcomed by the Laurel Circle community. Contact us for more information.
How is independent living in a senior living community different from 55+ communities?
Independent living in a full-service senior living community like Laurel Circle offers more life-enhancing amenities and social opportunities, plus the peace of mind of having a plan for future health care. Most 55+ communities offer some amenities and outdoor maintenance as part of the monthly fee, but they often don’t offer health care on campus, which means you may have to move again if you or your partner needed long-term care.
What’s the best approach to downsizing?
A phased approach to downsizing is helpful when you want to declutter and organize multiple rooms in your home. Create a to-list that includes each room and closet that needs attention, and set a realistic timeline to work on each area. Designate boxes for items you want to keep, give to others, sell, donate or throw away. Consider enlisting the help of family and friends to speed the process and lighten the physical and emotional burdens of downsizing.
What is an entrance fee?
An entrance fee is a one-time, upfront fee you pay to move into the independent living part of a Life Plan Community. The amount of your entrance fee depends on the size of the residence you choose and the number of people living in the residence. A portion of your entrance fee may be refundable to you or your estate.
What’s the cost of independent living?
We offer residency agreements to match your financial goals, including partially refundable and nonrefundable entrance fee plans and a fee-for service option, to give you more choice and control of your financial future. Entrance fees range from $185,730 to $729,330, depending on the type of residence you choose and the number of people living there.
What is a monthly service fee?
A monthly service fee covers the services and amenities associated with living at the community. The amount you pay depends on the size of your residence, how many people live there, and the range of services and amenities available to you.
When does it make sense to move to independent living?
The best time to move to independent living is before a health crisis or other change in circumstances create an urgent need to move. Moving into an independent living community with a continuum of care means you’re ready for the what-ifs in life, and you won’t be forced to move due to a sudden health change. Plus, the sooner you move, the more you have to gain from taking advantage of the benefits of living in a retirement community.
What is the Welcome Home Program?
Our Welcome Home Program ensures a welcoming and smooth transition to Laurel Circle through a variety of customized services. Move-in coordination includes a Family Resource Guide and complimentary Move Management services with professional downsizers who will help pack and unpack. Before you move in, the Welcome Home Club allows you to sign up for New Resident Orientations to meet department heads, experience services and amenities, enjoy one complimentary meal per week, and have unlimited access to scheduled group activities. Once you are settled in, our Move-in Coordinator will schedule your personal Housewarming Party so you can show off your new home to 10 of your closest friends!
What is the process for moving to a different level of care?
Laurel Circle residents have priority access to higher levels of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation services. As a resident, you can seamlessly transition from one level of care to another, and these decisions are made in collaboration with you, your family and your care team.
Do all residents at Laurel Circle receive continuing care?
No. Laurel Circle offers a vibrant lifestyle for active older adults who aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. Your maintenance-free residence gives you the freedom to travel, pursue your passions, expand your social circle, and do things your way.
Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is designed for seniors who need some assistance with daily activities but don’t require care in a skilled nursing environment. If you’re having difficulty getting dressed, bathing, walking, managing medication, or some other activity of daily living (ADL), assisted living provides the help you need while still allowing the freedom to do what you please and participate in programs and activities at Laurel Circle.
How do I know when I or someone I love needs assisted living?
It’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, or that of your loved one, you can match needs to the right level of assistance. Trained professionals provide support while helping you preserve your independence.
What if my loved one needs more than what’s provided in assisted living?
At Laurel Circle, we offer a full continuum of care. In addition to assisted living, we provide memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. These levels of living provide around-the-clock care for residents recovering from illness or injury, or those needing more long-term care or support.
What is the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing?
Assisted living provides a customized level of support for each resident in the comfort of their private residence, with round-the-clock access to support from a caring team if needed. Skilled nursing is intended for those who need 24/7 medical care following a hospital stay or for ongoing medical care due to an illness, injury, or decline in health. At Laurel Circle, skilled nursing care is provided on-site at The Arbor, our top-rated health center.
What type of help is typically provided for residents in assisted living?
Assisted living is often a good choice for older adults who need help managing daily activities, such as medication management, meal preparation, bathing, dressing and more. Residents can request help as needed, while still managing most aspects of their life independently.
What’s the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides a customized level of care in the comfort of your private residence, plus the benefits of access to amenities and services right outside your door and a built-in social network that enhances your quality of life. Nursing homes, on the other hand, often feel less personal and more like a hospital or clinical setting. Nursing homes are long-term residences for older adults with chronic conditions or a decline in health that requires 24/7 care and monitoring.
How do I prepare a loved one to move to assisted living?
Focus on the positive aspects of moving to a community where they’ll have less to worry about and more time to enjoy what matters most to them. Encourage them to think about downsizing as a way to simplify their life and open the door to a new and exciting chapter in life.
Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between memory care and assisted living?
Memory care provides support for activities of daily living similar to assisted living, but also offers specialized staff, memory-based programming and a secure environment. Memory care in a community setting often can reduce the incidences of emergencies, violent behavior and isolation in those with age-related dementia.
What signs might indicate that my loved one could benefit from memory care?
People with age-related dementia tend to forget things that just happened, have trouble making decisions, get confused by things they’ve seen and heard, and may have trouble sleeping. As the condition progresses, they may not recognize familiar people and places, they may wander, get irritated easily, or need help with daily activities such as eating, dressing and bathing. A physician can do tests to see if your loved one has a form of dementia or some other condition causing similar symptoms.
What types of activities are designed to engage residents with dementia or other memory impairments?
Exercise classes incorporate music, movement, walking, and stretching to boost physical and mental health. Brain games, trivia, and jigsaw puzzles stimulate memory and sharpen cognitive skills. Singalongs and social gatherings offer opportunities for connection.
What kind of training do memory care staff members receive?
Each member of our memory care team at Laurel Circle is trained in the innovative and proven Heartfelt CONNECTIONS – A Memory Care Program®, a comprehensive program based on the latest in dementia care research and best practices.
How many residents does the memory care program serve at one time?
Our memory care neighborhood provides a supportive and engaging environment for up to 10 residents. Having a high staff-to-resident ratio allows our memory care team to provide personalized care for the unique needs of each resident. Residents also enjoy opportunities to connect socially with one another and feel a sense of belonging in a close-knit community.
Do residents of the memory care neighborhood receive personalized support?
Our highly trained care team gets to know each resident’s background and interests to create opportunities that help residents reconnect to memorable moments and engage in meaningful activities. Activities and programs are designed to complement individual needs and enrich their daily lives.
Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing is for seniors who need more care than assisted living provides but who don’t need to be hospitalized. They may be recently discharged from the hospital and need post-acute care to regain their strength and function. Or they may need long-term care for a chronic condition. At Laurel Circle, we provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care on-site at The Arbor, our top-rated health center. We also offer social and recreational activities geared to resident interests, along with a variety of wellness and exercise programs.
Is skilled nursing at The Arbor Medicare certified?
Yes. We’ll work with you to optimize individual Medicare and long-term care insurance coverage.
Do you accept direct admission?
Yes, The Arbor accepts direct admissions for skilled nursing. Please contact us for more information at 1-866-754-5952.
What is the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing?
Assisted living provides a customized level of support for each resident in the comfort of their private residence, with round-the-clock access to support from a caring team if needed. Skilled nursing is intended for those who need 24/7 medical care following a hospital stay or for ongoing medical care due to an illness, injury or decline in health. At Laurel Circle, skilled nursing care is provided within private suites on-site at The Arbor, our top-rated health center.
Is a skilled nursing area of a senior living community like a hospital?
Skilled nursing care in a senior living community provides the high-quality care you’d expect from a hospital in a homelike, residential community setting. At Laurel Circle, residents feel right at home in our well-appointed private suites at The Arbor. With a high staff-to-resident ratio, each resident receives the personal care and attention they deserve.
Rehabilitation Frequently Asked Questions
What is physical therapy?
Our physical therapy program concentrates on building strength, improving balance, and increasing range of motion and endurance. It can help reduce pain, restore mobility and shorten recovery time after orthopedic surgery.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people do specific daily activities that have become difficult because of a disorder or injury. For example, occupational therapists help people develop their motor skills to make activities such as eating or dressing easier. They may also use adaptive strategies to help people compensate for impairments so they can restore independence in daily activities.
What is speech therapy?
Our speech therapy program helps people articulate words, improve memory, and restore cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and time management. Speech therapy also teaches safe feeding and swallowing techniques.
Do you accept direct admit patients for rehabilitation therapy?
Yes, The Arbor accepts direct admissions for inpatient rehabilitation. Please contact us for more information at 1-866-754-5952.
When is senior rehabilitation necessary?
Rehabilitation services help you recover and regain abilities after an illness, injury or surgery. This short-term stay bridges the gap between hospital and home so you can focus on your recovery. Treatment may combine physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as other specialized medical services. The Arbor, our top-rated health center, partners with a nationally recognized rehabilitation center.
How long is a typical stay in short-term rehabilitation?
A short-term rehabilitation stay typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, but may be longer or shorter depending on your individual situation. Every person receives an individualized treatment plan based on their specific rehabilitation needs and input from their doctor.