The “A’s” for your “Q’s”
Considering a move into a CCRC (continuing care retirement communities such as Crestview) is a big decision. Whether you are just getting started on your journey or circling back to review the basics, we hope you’ll find the following information to be helpful. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and other information that has proven to be valuable to others.
INDEPENDENT LIVING FAQ
As a resident, how much influence do I have within the community?
The community’s resident council is organized and run by residents. Those who have ideas to share are encouraged to approach the council. And anyone so inclined is further encouraged to join the council. Diversity of perspectives is welcome and has a beneficial influence on how the community organizes activities, program and outings.
If I’m healthy enough to stay in my home, why would I need Independent Living?
For many people, aging at home has the one inescapable reality: With fewer and fewer points of contact with a social network, your world shrinks. And there are health consequences related to isolation. In contrast, life in an independent living community delivers a world of friendship, social activities, educational programs and available fitness right outside your door. The benefit is almost immediately felt, with many new residents observing that they didn’t realize how isolated they had become. Families appreciate the community life too, because they know the on-site staff is available 24/7 to keep you safe.
Who can visit me after I move in?
You can welcome guests into your home whenever you like. And as your guests, they can indulge in most of the amenities — same as you do. The grandchildren — or great-grandchildren — may especially appreciate the opportunities they find to amuse themselves. Overnight guest rooms are available too — ask about our flexible reservation and rental policies.
Do I own my Independent Living apartment home?
Call it the best of both worlds. Your refundable entrance deposit will make living here feel like a safe investment – much like owning your own home. But on the other hand, because maintenance is provided, you’ll discover the simple joy of maintenance-provided living. Crestview owns and maintains the property, and you enjoy the many perks and benefits of community life. Plus, because you aren’t the homeowner, you won’t pay property taxes or property insurance. PS: One last note on your deposit and fees. Check with your tax advisor to see if a portion is tax-deductible as a medical expense.
What will I pay to enter the community?
Your Entrance Fee likened to the average home value in the Bryan-College Station area. Plus, you can count on the estate protection because 90% of the fee is refundable. And in the meantime, a portion of your Monthly Service Fee may be tax deductible as a medical expense. Check with your tax advisor.
How is my monthly fee calculated?
Your Monthly Service Fee will be competitive with those at other communities in the Bryan-College Station area. The total is determined by the apartment you choose and the services and amenities you need. What’s more, a portion of your Monthly Service Fee may be tax-deductible as a medical expense — check with your tax advisor.
What if I live to be 100 and I run out of savings? Tell me the truth, please.
We’ve never evicted a resident for nonpayment due to no fault of theirs (long life isn’t a fault), and we don’t intend to start now. As a non-profit organization, we fundraise in order to extend financial support to elders in need. We call this our Resident Covenant Fund, click here to learn more.
Health Services FAQ
What kinds of medical professionals are on site?
The staff includes physicians, registered nurses, licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, plus physical, occupational and speech therapists. Staff are on site 24/7 to support assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.
How do I know which level of health services is right?
Begin with a physician’s evaluation. When your loved one seems to be unable to live independently successfully and safely, an assessment of medical and daily living needs by a professional will help you know what’s needed next. And when you’re ready, our professional team can answer questions and provide further information that will help you and your loved one reach the decision that’s right for everyone.
How’s Assisted Living different from Independent Living?
Assisted Living is ideal for people who need a little extra assistance with the daily tasks — including taking their medication, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and bathing and dressing — but are otherwise able to live independently. Assisted Living provides a dedicated apartment home that makes independence easier, and also surrounds the resident with available individualized support 24/7. Independent Living means you’re on your own; Assisted Living means that with a little help, you can be independent.
What’s a Skilled Nursing neighborhood?
In a Skilled Nursing neighborhood, residents who require intensive therapies to manage well-being and health receive professional, compassionate support from licensed medical professionals, including RNs, LPNs, certified nurse aides and certified medication aides. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.
Assisted Living FAQ
How do I know if I need Assisted Living?
This neighborhood is ideal for someone who may benefit from help with one or more ADLs or “activities of daily living” (traditionally bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulation, eating and medication management) in addition to maintenance-free living, 24 hour emergency response and daily general oversight.
Are the Assisted Living apartment homes furnished?
No. You’re free to furnish and decorate to suit yourself. Bring your treasured furniture and belongings from your Independent Living apartment or from home, or start new with a fresh outlook.
Are there activities for Assisted Living residents?
Of course! The calendar is filled with activities designed for building friendships by enjoying new experiences and entertainment, socializing, sharing educational activities and taking advantage of the life-enriching amenities and services in our community.
Can I still go shopping? To movies? Are there other chances to get out and about?
Absolutely! In addition to scheduled transportation for physician visits and other needs, plan on frequent group shopping, dinners out and entertainment excursions to popular on- and off-campus venues.
What if my loved one needs more help than Assisted Living can provide?
The Crestview complete continuum of care provides 24/7 support for residents recovering from illness or injury, or who need more long-term supervision. Whether the best location will be Memory Support, Skilled Nursing or Rehab will depend on your loved one’s circumstances, diagnosis, reasonable expectations and goals. Regardless, how comforting to know that you’ll never be far away.
Memory Support FAQ
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functions (such as thinking, reasoning or the ability to remember) that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia itself isn’t a disease, though it often accompanies diseases like Alzheimer’s. When it’s caused by drugs, alcohol, depression or imbalances in substances such as hormones or vitamins, dementia may be partially or fully reversible. When it’s caused by disease or certain injuries, it’s irreversible. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80% of dementia, per WebMD and others. One in eight Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s, which affects women more than men. It’s a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects parts of the brain that control memory, thought and language.
Is Memory Support staffing different?
Yes, in two ways. Not only are they specially trained, but those selected to provide services within Memory Support have something of a knack. Person-centered to an unusually high degree, they’re carefully screened, selected and trained. Each of these caregivers not only has a certain compassionate temperament, but also exceptional gentleness, patience and a passion for consistently providing respectful and dignified care to residents and their families.
Skilled Nursing FAQ
What are Short-term and Long-term Skilled Nursing?
Short-term Skilled Nursing — which can range from days to even months — usually refers to completed treatment which results in the resident returning home and may often incorporate Rehabilitation services. It can result from a hospital stay, surgical procedure, need for I/V antibiotics or to transition from intense hospital care to a slightly lower level of nursing care. Long-term Skilled Nursing, in contrast, is for the prolonged treatment of acute illness.
How do I know if my loved one needs Skilled Nursing?
When home care and/or outpatient care are inadequate to the demands of care for an acute illness, injury or post-op condition that doesn’t require hospitalization, Skilled Nursing is appropriate. Examples include:
- Cardiac failure
- COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Severe osteoarthritis
- Stroke
- Other major illness, event or surgery
How is Skilled Nursing charged? How is it typically paid for? What does is typically cost in Texas?
Short-Term Skilled Nursing is charged by the day and typically paid by one or more of the following: Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, however, there is specific criteria that must be met, along with a limit of up to 100 days before the benefit expires. For Long-term Skilled Nursing (Long-term Care), you can expect to pay privately or, if you qualify, you can utilize Medicaid or VA benefits. Additionally, some may have a long-term insurance that may make payments towards care, depending on the policy.
Medicare and Medicaid are so confusing! Help?!
The complications of Medicare and Medicaid can be overwhelming. The first step to understanding your options is to contact our admissions team directly. With a wealth of knowledge matched only by an eagerness to help, we promise to help you navigate these choppy waters.
Rehabilitation FAQ
Who is involved in a resident’s care?
Each team starts with the resident and includes a doctor, nurse, dietician, social worker, family members (as the resident is able and willing to approve), plus the therapists who will direct and provide care, partner with the resident and work with the family members.
What is occupational therapy?
Whereas both occupational and physical therapy work to restore strength and mobility, occupational therapy focuses on helping adapt to the resident’s social and physical environment. This typically includes training or retraining the resident on how to dress, bathe, eat and groom; memory, orientation and cognitive integration; and on maintaining normal joint movement to reduce the effects of arthritis or other conditions.
What does speech therapy include?
With aging, two major medical concerns that can emerge are eating challenges and swallowing dysfunction, the former caused or exacerbated by poor teeth or dentures, the latter by post-intubation trauma. Our skilled speech and language pathologists create treatment plans that address each resident’s specific abilities, provide precise exercises and other tactics and when appropriate, offer diet recommendations in support of the treatment plan medical recommendations.
How often is therapy recommended?
Every treatment plan is individualized to address each specific condition and rehabilitation needs, based on medical certification by a physician. After admission, the therapy team meets to review the treatment plan and recommend an appropriate service schedule. It is not unusual for a healthy post-operative 64-year-old woman (for example, after a hip replacement) to have an hour each of physical and occupational therapy, 5 times per week for 3 weeks. In contrast, a frail 88-year-old man recovering from the same surgery might recover much more slowly, and a schedule of 20 minutes per day of either physical or occupational therapy — alternating days if he is too fatigued or until he can build up his strength — may be more appropriate. The therapy team works quite closely with the single most important team member: the resident.
