| Q: What is
the difference between independent living and assisted living? Q: What are the accommodations
like? Q: What kind of personal assistance
is available in assisted living? Q: Is transportation available? Q: What kinds of social and recreational
programs are available? Q: Can residents entertain family
and friends? Q: What is the difference
between independent living and assisted living?
A: Independent living is for active older
adults who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle while assisted living
is for persons who may require some support and assistance to maintain
an independent lifestyle. Basic services in independent living include dining options (typically
continental breakfast and choice of lunch or dinner daily) housekeeping,
building and grounds maintenance, a calendar of activities and scheduled
transportation.
Independent living is for older adults who are:
| • |
|
Capable of residing alone |
| • |
|
Able to recognize their own health, medical, financial
and legal needs |
| • |
|
Capable of performing everyday tasks independently |
| • |
|
Looking to free themselves of the responsibilities
of home ownership and maintenance |
Assisted living is a lifestyle that benefits older adults who can
no longer live alone, but who don't need the intensive services of
a nursing home. At an assisted living community residents enjoy the
independence and pleasure of living in their own home, with the added
comfort of 24-hour supportive services, if needed.
Persons may benefit from assisted living if they:
| • |
|
Wish to maintain their independence, but can't
manage alone |
| • |
|
Need some assistance with everyday activities,
like dressing, bathing or grooming |
| • |
|
Need help managing their medications |
| • |
|
Desire companionship and social interaction |
Q: What are the accommodations
like?
 A:
While specific accommodations vary from community to community, residents
typically can select from a variety of private studio, one- and two-bedroom
apartments. Residents furnish the apartment with their own belongings,
ensuring all the comforts of home. Each apartment is complete with
wall-to-wall carpeting, window treatments and individually controlled
heating and air-conditioning. Safety features include smoke detectors
and sprinklers as well as safety-assist bars in the bathroom(s). Independent
living apartments have complete kitchens with modern appliances. Assisted
living apartments have kitchenettes that typically include a sink,
microwave and a mini-refrigerator. Beyond their apartment doors, residents
will find a multitude of common areas — both inside and out —
at their disposal for socializing, entertaining family and friends,
pursuing hobbies or simply relaxing. Q: What kind of personal assistance
is available in assisted living?
A: While regulations vary from state to
state, Parkside's staff can assist with a variety of personal care
needs and everyday living activities. Services may include help with
bathing, grooming, dressing, medication monitoring and reminders for
meals and activities, depending on the specific needs of each resident.
In addition, our staff takes care of routine household chores like
cooking, cleaning, and building and grounds maintenance. Our Director
of Resident Services develops a personal care plan to determine the
level of service each resident needs before he or she moves in. This
plan is flexible, and can change as the resident's needs change. Q: Is transportation available?
A: Parkside communities have vehicles
that make regularly scheduled trips to local establishments such
as stores, banks, medical facilities and places of worship. Vehicles
are also used for planned social and recreational events. For an additional
fee, individually scheduled transportation may be available.
Q: What kinds of social and
recreational programs are available?
A: There is an assortment of programs
and events for residents' enjoyment from book reviews to movie classics,
theatre outings to gardening, exercise classes and art instruction.
However, because we promote personal choice and independence, there's
never any pressure to participate. Residents will receive a monthly
calendar of events. Programs vary from community to community based
on the interests of the residents. Q: Can residents entertain
family and friends?
A: Of course - we encourage it! For special
occasions, residents can reserve the private dining room and arrange
for the dining services department to cater the event. Guests are
also welcome to dine in the dining room at any time or stay overnight.
|
