Difference Between Retirement Homes and Hospice
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Written by webtechs

When Is The Right Time For Hospice?

The decision to transition to hospice care is a highly personal and emotional one. It’s typically made when a person is facing a life-limiting illness or condition and the focus of care shifts from curative treatments to providing comfort, pain management, and support for both the patient and their family. The right time for hospice care is influenced by several factors:

  1. Physician’s Recommendation: The primary care physician or specialist involved in the patient’s care often plays a crucial role in making a hospice recommendation. They assess the patient’s medical condition and prognosis and may suggest hospice care when curative treatment options are no longer effective.

  2. Life-Limiting Illness: Hospice care is most appropriate for individuals with a life-limiting illness or condition, such as advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, advanced Alzheimer’s disease, end-stage renal disease, or other terminal conditions. The patient’s prognosis is an essential consideration.

  3. Declining Health: When a person’s health is steadily declining, and they experience frequent hospitalizations, a decline in functional abilities, or worsening symptoms, it may be an appropriate time to consider hospice care.

  4. Frequent Hospitalizations: Repeated hospitalizations and emergency room visits can be physically and emotionally taxing for the patient and their family. Hospice can provide care in the patient’s home, which may lead to a more comfortable and peaceful environment.

  5. Refusal of Further Treatment: When a patient decides to discontinue aggressive or curative treatments and focus on comfort and quality of life, this may be an indication that hospice care is the right choice.

  6. Prognosis: The patient’s life expectancy is an important factor. Most hospice programs require a prognosis of six months or less to live, although this is not an exact science, and patients can sometimes live longer than initially anticipated.

  7. Patient and Family Wishes: It’s essential to consider the patient’s wishes and those of their family. Open and honest discussions about end-of-life care preferences are vital. The decision should align with the patient’s goals and values.

  8. Palliative Care Needs: If the patient requires comprehensive pain and symptom management to improve their quality of life and comfort, hospice care can be beneficial.

  9. Emotional and Spiritual Support: Hospice care offers not only medical care but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for patients and their families, which can be invaluable during this challenging time.

  10. Quality of Life: When curative treatments are no longer effective and the focus shifts to maintaining the patient’s comfort and dignity, hospice care can enhance the patient’s quality of life.

It’s important to have open and honest discussions with the patient, their family, and their healthcare providers about the appropriateness and timing of hospice care. Choosing the right time for hospice is a deeply personal decision, and the patient’s comfort, dignity, and wishes should be at the forefront of the decision-making process.

Memory Care At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

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Difference Between Retirement Homes and Hospice
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Written by webtechs

Difference Between Retirement Homes and Hospice

Retirement homes and hospice care are two distinct types of facilities or services that cater to different needs and stages of life, particularly for seniors. Here are the key differences between retirement homes and hospice care:

Retirement Homes:

  1. Purpose: Retirement homes, also known as senior living communities or assisted living facilities, are designed for older adults who are generally healthy and can live independently but may require assistance with some daily activities.

  2. Independence: Residents in retirement homes typically live in private or semi-private apartments or rooms. They have the freedom to manage their daily routines, including meals, medications, and social activities, with varying degrees of assistance available as needed.

  3. Amenities: Retirement homes often provide a range of amenities and services, such as dining options, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities. Some facilities may offer on-site medical care or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

  4. Social Engagement: These communities promote social engagement and interaction among residents, with organized activities, events, and communal spaces for socializing.

  5. Cost: The cost of living in a retirement home can vary depending on factors like location, level of care required, and the amenities provided. Residents typically pay for their accommodation and services.

Hospice Care:

  1. Purpose: Hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are nearing the end of their life, particularly those with a terminal illness. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for the patient during their remaining time.

  2. End-of-Life Care: Hospice care is usually provided when curative treatments are no longer effective, and the emphasis shifts to palliative care, pain management, and emotional support.

  3. Location: Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s own home, a hospice facility, a hospital, or a nursing home. The choice of location depends on the patient’s preferences and needs.

  4. Comprehensive Care: Hospice care involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. They work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.

  5. Cost: Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. It is intended to be cost-effective and focuses on the comfort and well-being of the patient, not curative treatments.

  6. Emphasis on Dignity: Hospice care places a strong emphasis on preserving the patient’s dignity and providing compassionate end-of-life care that respects their wishes and choices.

In summary, retirement homes are suitable for older adults who are relatively healthy and independent but may need assistance with daily tasks, while hospice care is provided for individuals with terminal illnesses in need of end-of-life care and pain management. These two types of care serve different purposes and cater to distinct stages of life.

If you are searching for “questions to ask about assisted living“, you’ve come to the right place! This is a list of the 15 most important questions needed to determine which assisted living community best suits your needs.

Questions To Ask About Assisted Living Facility

You or your loved one(s) needs to feel comfortable in their assisted living facility or community. The community is where residents can meet new friends, enjoy excursions and a variety of activities.

1. How are the activities chosen for the residents?

2. What are the usual activities?

3. How many residents generally participate in the activities?

4. What are the menu options for daily meals?

5. What is the social experience in the community like?

6. Where do residents spend the majority of their time?

Questions To Ask About Care

Care should be the number one thing each resident has on their mind. Do not settle for an assisted living facility. Make sure the facility can cater to all your specific health-related needs.

Ask the staff these questions:

7. What care services are included?

8. How many staff members are on site compared to the number of residents?

9. If comprehensive care options are needed, how can my loved one transition?

10. How do your competitor’s care services differ from yours?

11. Are services available a la carte?

Questions To Ask About Costs

Knowing what the costs are and what is included in monthly agreements is crucial.

Make sure to ask these questions regarding costs and administration:

12. What is included in the monthly fee(s)?

13. What circumstances might warrant an increase in costs?

14. What are the emergency handling procedures in place?

15. Where does the funding come from for the community?

Here are the average costs of assisted living in Arizona:

Per Day Cost: $127

Per Month Cost: $3,863

Per Year Cost: $46,350

Arizona Assisted Living Cost

What Is Assisted Living?

Simply put, assisted living facilities are perfect for senior citizens with few medical issues. Of course, problems can arise in the future, but for the time being assisted living may be the best choice for the healthy senior citizens. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be unfortunate and inevitable parts of life.

Assisted living arrangements will provide activities and care to help stave off or limit the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most facilities will assist in basic daily functions, with senior citizens suffering from dementia generally offered extra help performing these tasks.

Assisted living arrangements can vary based on whatever the prospective resident desires. Most will offer private and/or studio apartments, with 24-hour staff available for any assistance or guidance. This is the perfect living style for those who are mostly independent but will require help with some activities.

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Below is an assisted living tour checklist to help you in knowing what to look for when taking a tour of the facility.

❒ Pay close attention to the level of cleanliness.

❒ Watch a community activity or event.

❒ Do their staff members appear friendly and approachable?

❒ Check out the outdoor area or courtyard, is it well kept and maintained?

❒ Ask their security and staff questions, how do they respond?

❒ Eat a meal with the residents, does it seem okay?

❒ Speak with some residents. Do they like the facility?

❒ Ask some questions about personal care.

❒ Ask more about the move-in and move-out criteria.

❒ Follow your gut.

More Assisted Living Interview Questions:

Assisted Living Questionnaire 

Interview Questions

Memory Care At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

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Difference Between Retirement Homes and Hospice
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Written by Brian B

15 Questions To Ask About Assisted Living

If you are searching for “questions to ask about assisted living“, you’ve come to the right place! This is a list of the 15 most important questions needed to determine which assisted living community best suits your needs.

Questions To Ask About Assisted Living Facility

You or your loved one(s) needs to feel comfortable in their assisted living facility or community. The community is where residents can meet new friends, enjoy excursions and a variety of activities.

1. How are the activities chosen for the residents?

2. What are the usual activities?

3. How many residents generally participate in the activities?

4. What are the menu options for daily meals?

5. What is the social experience in the community like?

6. Where do residents spend the majority of their time?

Questions To Ask About Care

Care should be the number one thing each resident has on their mind. Do not settle for an assisted living facility. Make sure the facility can cater to all your specific health-related needs.

Ask the staff these questions:

7. What care services are included?

8. How many staff members are on site compared to the number of residents?

9. If comprehensive care options are needed, how can my loved one transition?

10. How do your competitor’s care services differ from yours?

11. Are services available a la carte?

Questions To Ask About Costs

Knowing what the costs are and what is included in monthly agreements is crucial.

Make sure to ask these questions regarding costs and administration:

12. What is included in the monthly fee(s)?

13. What circumstances might warrant an increase in costs?

14. What are the emergency handling procedures in place?

15. Where does the funding come from for the community?

Here are the average costs of assisted living in Arizona:

Per Day Cost: $127

Per Month Cost: $3,863

Per Year Cost: $46,350

Arizona Assisted Living Cost

What Is Assisted Living?

Simply put, assisted living facilities are perfect for senior citizens with few medical issues. Of course, problems can arise in the future, but for the time being assisted living may be the best choice for the healthy senior citizens. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be unfortunate and inevitable parts of life.

Assisted living arrangements will provide activities and care to help stave off or limit the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most facilities will assist in basic daily functions, with senior citizens suffering from dementia generally offered extra help performing these tasks.

Assisted living arrangements can vary based on whatever the prospective resident desires. Most will offer private and/or studio apartments, with 24-hour staff available for any assistance or guidance. This is the perfect living style for those who are mostly independent but will require help with some activities.

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Below is an assisted living tour checklist to help you in knowing what to look for when taking a tour of the facility.

❒ Pay close attention to the level of cleanliness.

❒ Watch a community activity or event.

❒ Do their staff members appear friendly and approachable?

❒ Check out the outdoor area or courtyard, is it well kept and maintained?

❒ Ask their security and staff questions, how do they respond?

❒ Eat a meal with the residents, does it seem okay?

❒ Speak with some residents. Do they like the facility?

❒ Ask some questions about personal care.

❒ Ask more about the move-in and move-out criteria.

❒ Follow your gut.

More Assisted Living Interview Questions:

Assisted Living Questionnaire 

Interview Questions

Memory Care At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

More Articles About Senior Living

Assisted Living, assisted living communities
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Difference Between Retirement Homes and Hospice
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Questions For Assisted Living Interviews

If you are searching for “questions for assisted living interviews“, you’ve come to the right place! This is a list of the 15 most important questions needed to determine which assisted living community best suits your needs.

Questions To Ask About Assisted Living Facility

You or your loved one(s) needs to feel comfortable in their assisted living facility or community. The community is where residents can meet new friends, enjoy excursions and a variety of activities.

Consider asking these questions when at the facility:

  1. How are the activities chosen for the residents?
  2. What are the usual activities?
  3. How many residents generally participate in the activities?
  4. What are the menu options for daily meals?
  5. What is the social experience in the community like?
  6. Where do residents spend the majority of their time?

Questions To Ask About Care

Care should be the number one thing each resident has on their mind. Do not settle for an assisted living facility. Make sure the facility can cater to all your specific health-related needs.

Ask the staff these questions:

  1. What care services are included?
  2. How many staff members are on site compared to the number of residents?
  3. If comprehensive care options are needed, how can my loved one transition?
  4. How do your competitor’s care services differ from yours?
  5. Are services available a la carte?

Questions To Ask About Costs

Knowing what the costs are and what is included in monthly agreements is crucial.

Make sure to ask these questions regarding costs and administration:

  1. What is included in the monthly fee(s)?
  2. What circumstances might warrant an increase in costs?
  3. What are the emergency handling procedures in place?
  4. Where does the funding come from for the community?

Here are the average costs of assisted living in Arizona:

Per Day Cost: $127

Per Month Cost: $3,863

Per Year Cost: $46,350

Arizona Assisted Living Cost

What Is Assisted Living?

Simply put, assisted living facilities are perfect for senior citizens with few medical issues. Of course, problems can arise in the future, but for the time being assisted living may be the best choice for the healthy senior citizens. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be unfortunate and inevitable parts of life.

Assisted living arrangements will provide activities and care to help stave off or limit the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most facilities will assist in basic daily functions, with senior citizens suffering from dementia generally offered extra help performing these tasks.

Assisted living arrangements can vary based on whatever the prospective resident desires. Most will offer private and/or studio apartments, with 24-hour staff available for any assistance or guidance. This is the perfect living style for those who are mostly independent but will require help with some activities.

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Below is an assisted living tour checklist to help you in knowing what to look for when taking a tour of the facility.

  • Pay close attention to the level of cleanliness.
  • Watch a community activity or event.
  • Do their staff members appear friendly and approachable?
  • Check out the outdoor area or courtyard, is it well kept and maintained?
  • Ask their security and staff questions, how do they respond?
  • Eat a meal with the residents, does it seem okay?
  • Speak with some residents. Do they like the facility?
  • Ask some questions about personal care.
  • Ask more about the move-in and move-out criteria.
  • Follow your gut.

More Assisted Living Interview Questions:

Assisted Living Questionnaire 

Interview Questions

Memory Care At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

More Articles About Senior Living

Assisted Living, assisted living communities
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Regular Post
Written by webtechs

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

If you are searching for “what is an assisted living facility?” you may have questions for you or your loved ones. This post should point you in the right direction.

If you have started your search for an assisted living community for your loved one, then you might be unsure about what living in one means or what it is. Many people feel that assisted living is a retirement home or nursing home. However, senior living designers and professionals have worked more than 3 decades to revolutionize these communities to make them feel just like home.

Things That Aren’t Known About Assisted Living

It has stated that there are over 6,000 assisted living communities that are professionally managed in the United States with over 480,000 apartments.

We talked to staff members who work at assisted living communities who have knowledge about these communities and they provided a lot of insight for those looking into assisted living.

1. Assisted Living Provides Various Care Levels

Because there isn’t a nationwide definition for assisted living even though it is regulated within the United States. There are senior facilities that refer to themselves as assisted living communities who will offer various levels of care. They offer cost effective, residential approaches to delivering most of the same services that are available in nursing homes, or provided by personal care staff or home health services.

Not all assisted living communities are going to be the same. Some will provide only light care and then there are some that will provide care for those who are bedridden or who need help eating while staying in assisted living instead of a nursing home. It will really depend on the licensing for the community. Most states will have a tiered system for licenses where communities that have a higher degree licenses can provide higher care.

2. Each Community Will Be Unique

Besides care, the feel and look of assisted living will vary. Some communities will have a traditional, formal design while others have a more down to earth, homey feel. Some communities may have art deco décor while others have mid century modern designs. Communities will come in various shapes and sizes. They can be tower apartments located in a city center, intimate cottages, sprawling complexes located in the suburbs or communities that only have a small number of residents. There isn’t a standard size, but most assisted living communities will be licensed to care for 20 people, but it may have hundreds of residents.

Each community will have a different personality. You can visit different communities that are just down the street from each other that will offer the same care options and services, they can look identical, but that they will feel very different. Just because your loved one liked one, does not mean that the next one you visit will not feel right to them.

3. Yes! Pets Are Accepted!

Senior communities will have different pet policies with certain weight limits and breed restrictions, so it is vital that you do your research. For instance, there are communities that will have a pet interview to determine if your pet is going to be right for the community, while others will allow pets that are under 20 pounds. Fish and birds are often welcome in many communities, and there are some communities that will have pet coordinators that will care for the pets. So, check with the communities of choice and ask about their pet policies.

Be sure to learn more about the health benefits of pets and why many communities have started to allow pets into care programs in other blogs like Pet Therapy. For more in-depth information about the benefits that a senior will get from a pet, read Companion and Healing Pets at Senior Living.

4. Some Of The Living Costs Are Much Lower Than You Think.

Assisted living is cheaper than nursing homes or home health care in the same areas. You can use the Care Cost calculator on A Place for Mom that can help you find the cost for assisted living for your state and area. You can even compare it to the cost of maintaining a home or even having full time home care aides.

Additionally, there are more seniors that purchase long term care insurance that can help to finance their long term care. Veterans and their spouses may have VA benefits that can offset the cost of assisted living. You can often find guides about financing senior care which will have details about making financial plans that make care more affordable. Those who are considered to be low income, they may need to use Medicaid to pay for senior care. To explore this option, you will need to contact your local Area Agency on Aging office, which you can find here: www.eldercare.gov.

5. This Care Type Is Not Like A Nursing Home.

Research has shown that most families believe that a nursing home is needed for their senior loved one when they only need assisted living. Having an assessment done by a medical professional or adviser is the best way to find out what type of care is needed, but for some general indicators that can be drawn between a nursing home and assisted living. For example:

  • Nursing home residents need fully staffed and skilled nursing attention daily, while assisted living doesn’t need ongoing attention medically, and are more stable.
  • Nursing home residents normally have a semi-private or single room, while assisted living residents have a one bedroom or studio apartment.
  • Assisted living residents are mobile, while those who are in a nursing home are often bed ridden.
  • Assisted living residents are normally independent, but may need some help with daily living activities such as dressing and bathing, while nursing home residents need 24-hour assistance with daily living.

6. They Have Culturally Diverse Options

There is an increasing number of communities that have been designed to meet unique dietary, lingual, religious based, and cultural needs for the local population. On the west coast, there are a lot of Asian senior living communities like Fremont Hills located in Fremont, CA, and there are more on the way. There was recently ground broke for a new community that has been designed to meet the needs of the predominantly Chinese population in our area.

Jewish communities are also very popular, especially in Florida. Most communities will serve kosher food and there are some that have certified kitchens for kosher food, that will celebrate various types of Jewish holidays as well as have local Shabbat services. The Five Star Residence of Boca Raton is a Jewish community in the United States.

There are some communities that have multiple religious, dietary and cultural options. Beverly Hills Loving Care has an equal share of Persian and Jewish residents and have staff that speak both Yiddish and Farsi.

As the United States ages and diversifies, we have even seen a demand for niche communities which include LGBT oriented communities, golf-oriented communities, and some communities that have themes that no one has even thought of yet.

7. Assisted Living Also Offers Specialized Dementia Care.

The latest figures and facts have shown that more than 5 million Americans have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and need specialized dementia care treatments.

There are multiple assisted living communities that offer specialized memory care programs for Alzheimer’s which have been designed to improve the quality of life and decrease agitation. Normally, residents who have early stage dementia or Alzheimer’s are able to live with regular residents in the community, but whenever the condition starts to become advanced or worsens, the residents are then transitioned into the memory care unit of the community. Memory care is considered to be a form of specialized assisted living that is made secure to protect the residents and it is also equipped with a staff that has been specially trained to care for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

8. There Are Some Communities Who Will Place Couples Together.

If you are worried about the needs of one parent who needs more assistance than the other, but you are unsure how their needs will be met in a community. You will need to contact the communities with your questions about their needs early.

There are many communities that will work to place couples together by putting them in double occupancy apartments, but the price is often more costly. Research the space that your parents need, and then consider the individual needs versus shared needs that they will have, and then plan for their future health changes. The process of arranging care for couples is often more difficult than planning for a single resident, but it is worth the legwork to keep your parents from being separated.

Assisted Living In Peoria by Desert Winds Retirement

Desert Winds Retirement Community is an assisted living facility located in Peoria, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-294-5590.

 

assisted living communities, Assisted Living Community, assisted living facility
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Regular Post
Written by webtechs

Assisted Living El Mirage

Assisted Living Facility in El Mirage

If you are searching for “Assisted Living Facility El Mirage”, while looking for assisted living facilities in El Mirage, Arizona, then Desert Winds Assisted Living is the Retirement Community is for you! For More information about our assisted living facility or to schedule a tour, please call 623-294-5590. Gorgeous sunrise, sunset and mountain views are available from all of our apartments.

Assisted living that’s close to El Mirage

Here at Desert Winds we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and also Independent Living services. We can be found near the border of El Mirage, Arizona. We also offer several different options for retirement living, which gives us the capability to meet your retirement needs.

Conveniently located close to El Mirage, and we are near great shopping places, good restaurants, sports arenas, golf courses, cultural centers, and even health and medical offices, all of which are within a few mike radius from our facility.

Reasons why we are considered the best assisted living facility:

The community here was built for the seniors of the world today, making it the best choice in El Mirage for assisted living. For those seniors who are interested in living a lifestyle that is going to be stimulating, interesting, and active, one that allows flexibility in their daily routines and schedules. With different types of retirement care to offer, such as assisted living and memory care which also includes independent living as well. Below you can find more to read on the different kinds of retirement facilities available.

Here’s more on our assisted living facility located close to El Mirage

Desert Winds Assisted Living Community is simply gorgeous and located near El Mirage, Arizona, and it is next to everything anyone could need within less than a two-mile radius. We provide spacious and 2-bedroom apartments, as well as studio apartments. All studio’s and apartments offer lots of space to accommodate all the residents’ personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture, and their personal items. The focal point for most of the activities are held in the beautiful courtyard, which also serves as a scenic view from all the apartments. Our courtyard has been designed with a lovely lush garden setting. Another wonderful view that all the apartments has is of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, as well as the fantastic mountains.

Floor plans for various assisted living apartments

There is a variety of different floor plans offered at Desert Winds. We can provide floor plans for those with assisted living needs and we can also provide floor plans for those what have an independent lifestyle. Seniors will be able to have an active lifestyle at Desert Winds, located near El Mirage, Arizona. Find out which of our facilities floor plans works best for you by clicking on this link.

Our Assisted Living Facility offers tours – schedule yours today!

Searching For Assisted Living In Peoria or Assisted Living In Sun City West? Desert Winds can help! We offer the highest standard of assisted living services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. For More information about our assisted living facility or to schedule a tour please call 623-294-5590. View our other assisted living facility in El Mirage, Arizona.

Read More about why Desert Winds Retirement Community is the best place to retire in Arizona.

assisted living communities, Assisted Living Community, assisted living facility, retirement communities
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