Senior Living
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear when building relationships with seniors and their families.
When do I know it is the right time for Memory Care?
There are many reasons why you may be asking this question. Has your loved one experienced an incident that is jeopardizing his or her safety and well-being? Are you experiencing the effects of family caregiver stress and realizing that the quality of life is diminishing for everyone surrounding your loved one?
Second guessing whether a loved one should continue living on their own or if they should be in Assisted Living, is a key sign that it may be time to explore what memory care can offer.
What are the costs?
Independent and Assisted Living residents pay monthly rent which includes a variety of lifestyle-enhancing amenities and use of common areas. If needed, the cost for assisted living care is in addition to the monthly rent. These services include nursing care and a range of assistance with the activities of daily living. A personalized plan is developed through an assessment with the resident, our nursing team, and family as appropriate.
Memory Care residents pay a mostly all-inclusive monthly rent which includes the majority of daily care, services & amenities. For select specialty care services, such as diabetic care or enhanced behavioral support, there is an additional fee that is determined by a nursing assessment.
All Fieldstone communities offer apartments on a month-to-month rental basis. There is no long term lease or buy-in required.
When can residents have visitors?*
Though our communities have typical business hours, residents may have visitors whenever they wish. Families are required to follow all visitation guidelines, including signing in and out to help ensure that we know who is in the community at all times. Family interaction is so important to the initial transition and ongoing quality of life for our residents.
*Visitation, outings & activities may be limited at times by the local health jurisdiction
Are we able to take our loved one outside of the Memory Care community after they move in?*
Absolutely! To help make this process as safe as possible, we require a Power of Attorney document on file for each resident. The individual with POA determines who a resident is able to accompany outside of the community. We feel it is important for each resident to spend meaningful time with friends and family. We also welcome family to join in our activities, like our family dinners. This is a great way to meet other family members and see how your loved one interacts with residents and staff.
*Visitation, outings & activities may be limited at times by the local health jurisdiction
Does Medicare cover any costs?
Medicare plans can be hard to understand and wading through the fine print can be daunting. Though Assisted Living and Memory Care services and housing costs are not covered under Medicare, certain medical needs such as pharmacy, hospitalization or physician visits may be covered under select supplemental plans.
In the event that a hospital admission exceeds a certain number of days and the resident discharges to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Medicare may cover their stay in this higher level of care facility.
How big are your apartments and are they furnished?
Fieldstone Communities offer a variety of apartment homes ranging in square footage.
Most of our independent and assisted living apartment homes are between 406 and 807 square feet.
Memory care apartments vary from 297 – 543 square feet. Shared apartment options are also available.
All apartments are unfurnished to allow residents to bring their cherished belongings to help create a familiar environment. If you need help furnishing an apartment for yourself or a loved one, our team will gladly work to the best of our ability to meet your needs.
What do we need to bring when we move into a Fieldstone Community?
Our goal is to make the move-in process as seamless and efficient as possible. While the state of Washington requires us to collect a wealth of information about our future residents, we see this as an opportunity to get to know who they are, the pastimes that are important to them and how we can best support them once they become part of the Fieldstone family. When our team learns about the life history of our residents, we are better able to create a unique experience and help our residents feel special.
Independent and Assisted Living Residents:
Congratulations on your move! Before arriving, take a moment to file a change of address with USPS. You can do it online at: USPS.com or visit your local Post Office branch.
Come move in day, please bring with you important personal information and legal documents such as: identification cards, insurance cards, emergency contacts and any paperwork provided to you by the Community Relations Director.
Since your apartment is unfurnished make sure to bring along some of your furniture and any personal items for decoration. Also bring along your TV as our apartments come equipped with cable services. Take this opportunity to make this space completely yours!
Memory Care Residents:
You’ll need to provide copies of essential legal documents for your loved one, such as: Power of Attorney or Guardianship, insurance cards, copy of a will, Medicare cards, and emergency numbers, as well as any paperwork provided by the community.
For your loved one’s apartment, think of when you went away to college and only bring along the things they truly need. It’s important to bring personal belongings and familiar hygiene items to help them acclimate to their new environment. If they have always used a particular scent of lotion, encourage them to keep doing so!
If your loved one enjoys watching television, be sure to bring along the TV since our apartments come equipped with cable services.
Free Resources!
Which type of care is best for you or your loved one?
Alzheimer’s Symptom Tracker
This checklist is designed to help you track the type and frequency of your loved one’s symptoms and behaviors. Although Alzheimer’s and dementia affect people differently, there are some commonalities to watch for.
Is it Time for Senior Living?
If you have a growing concern for your loved one’s safety or their overall happiness and wellbeing, this checklist can help you or your loved ones get a better sense of their specific needs and check for safety concerns.
Am I Ready for Senior Living?
This checklist can help you get a better sense of your needs and your feelings. The more Yes responses you’ve selected, the more ready you are for the comfort and convenience of senior living.