EBERHARDT VILLAGE ASSISTED LIVNG FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What is Assisted Living?

 A:  Assisted Living is designed for people who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), but wish to live with as much independence as possible.  Assisted Living exists to bridge the gap between independent living and living in a nursing home.  Assisted living facilities offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing and assistance with medication, just to name a few.  Assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home.  It is a step in between living alone at home and having to move to a nursing home, which is appropriate for many Seniors.

Q:  How does an Assisted Living Facility differ from a Nursing Home?

 A:  Nursing homes are designed to care for very frail people that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements.  Assisted Living Facilities are designed to assist elderly persons who are able to care for themselves except for a few activities. 

 Q:  How do I know if my loved one needs Assisted Living?

 A:  There are many indicators that may mean your loved one could benefit from Assisted Living.  Is your loved one keeping up with the responsibilities of living on their own, including housekeeping duties and home repairs?  Is your loved one still able to shop for and cook food correctly?  Does your loved one take their medication on time and in the right amount?  Do they keep a regular bathing schedule?  Do they use home appliances safely, including operation of the stove and thermostat?  If you answered no to any one of these questions, then your loved one may be appropriate for assisted living.  Please feel free to contact us and we will help you with making your decision. 

 Q:  Do you allow Pets?

 A:  We do allow small pets at Eberhardt Village, Assisted Living.  The animal has to have all of their shots current and be treated for fleas twice a year.  The apartment has to be treated for fleas twice a year as well.  The pet cannot be any bigger than 20 pounds and the Senior needs to be able to take care of the pet.

 Q:  Do I have to sign a lease?

 A:  We have two different kinds of Lease.  For those intending to stay for a short term (less than 1 year), we offer a month to month lease for any number of months.  For those making Eberhardt Village Assisted Living their new home, a one year lease is recommended.  In either case, the lease carries the option to change or discontinue with a 30 day notice.

Q:  How do you screen your employees?

 A:  All staff are interviewed by our leadership staff.  Personal and professional references are thoroughly checked.  Prospective staff are also screened for criminal history through the state police.  We also verify licenses for licensed personnel such as RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s, etc.  Each person’s skills and knowledge are routinely evaluated to assure only the most capable staff are employed to serve our Seniors.

Q:  Are the Suites furnished?

 A:  The Suites are not furnished, so that you may bring your own furniture from home.  You are also encouraged to have our Maintenance staff hang pictures in your Suite so that it becomes your new home.

 Q:  My Mom can no longer drive.  Do you offer transportation services?

 A:  We offer transportation to and from appointments.  Transportation services are coordinated between both Eberhardt Village and The Arthur Home, so we strongly encourage early reservations.  There is a charge for transportation services based on the destination. 

 Q:  My mom likes to walk during the summer months, but can’t do this when it gets cold outside.  Do you have an indoor exercise program?

 A:  We have a wellness group that meets every Wednesday and Friday.  We have an exercise routine and then we walk through the halls of the building when it is cold outside.  When it is warm outside the Seniors are given the option to walk outside or inside.

 Q:  What if I want my loved one to take a vacation with us?

 A:  You are encouraged to take your loved one out on trips and outings any time.  Your loved one may come and go as they please, for any length of time they choose.

 Q:  My Dad values his independence, but needs to be monitored.  Will your staff be respectful of his privacy?

 A:  We aim to provide our Seniors with the opportunity to be as independent as they can be, while assisting them when necessary.  We can check in with your Dad in such a way that he may not even notice we are monitoring him.  We routinely check in on our Seniors for meals, medication management, and reminders for activities, just to name a few. 

 Q:  Do I have to come at a certain time to visit my loved one?

 A:  No.  We do not have set visiting hours.  You may come at any time that is convenient for you and your loved one.

 Q:  Is Assisted Living tax deductible?

 A:  Under IRS guidelines, the entire cost of Assisted Living may be deductible.  Please check with you accountant, financial planner, tax professional or attorney for your particular situation. 

 Q:  I am not sure that we will be able to afford Assisted Living.  Are there any state programs that will offer financial assistance?

 A:  At this point in time there are no state programs that offer financial assistance for Eberhardt Village Assisted Living.  There are Federal Veterans Programs that may offer assistance for Veterans and their spouse.  Contact us for more information.

 Q:  Does Medicare cover the cost of the monthly fee?  What about Health Care Insurance?

 A:  Medicare does not cover any of the cost for Assisted Living.  It is possible that some long-term care insurance policies and health care insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost.  To find out if your insurance company would cover the cost, contact us and we would be more than happy to help.

 Q:  What happens if my mother or father needs more care for a short time?

 A:  We reevaluate each Senior’s needs on an as-needed basis and at least annually.  If you, or one of us, notice a significant change or the Senior has been hospitalized, we will reevaluate and determine the Senior’s needs.  If their condition has changed, then we would make a change in the level of care.  If we can no longer meet their needs, or they need temporary nursing home placement, we would hold their Suite until further notice.  Eberhardt Village Assisted Living is physically connected to The Arthur Home and many of our Seniors utilize these services when necessary for either short-term or more permanent stays.  Many staff are shared by both Eberhardt Village Assisted Living and The Arthur Home.

 Q:  How do your prices compare to a nursing home?

 A:  We are generally much less expensive than a nursing home.  We assess each Senior only to determine the level of care necessary.  This ensures you are paying for the services that are needed.

 Q:  Can I join my loved one for meals when I am available?

 A:  Absolutely.  The Senior may have guests for meals at any time.  When it is possible we ask that you notify us of your intention.  We know that this is not always possible, so feel free to drop by as well.  There is a charge for guest meals.

 Q:  I seem to have a lot of questions.  Do you have additional information that I can review.