What Is Assisted Living?

As you start the decision-making process to move to an assisted living community, you’ll face many questions. Whether you’re moving from your own home or from an independent living apartment, you’ll be making decisions at every turn.

Assisted living is defined as, “housing for the elderly or disabled that provides nursing, meals, and housekeeping as needed.” These types of communities can provide help with activities of daily living such as bathing and medication management. In general, assisted living includes more care than you’ll find in independent living, but less than skilled nursing or memory care communities.

Seniors transitioning into assisted living may have many questions and uncertainties. They may feel overwhelmed by the physical demands of moving, let alone the downsizing part.

The ideal time to make the move to assisted living is while your health is at its most optimal. That allows you to have more time to tour several different communities and make a well-informed choice. Once you’re moved in, you can relax and settle into your new home knowing you made the best transition possible to ensure your quality of life. That eases the stress not only for you, but for your family, too.

IS ASSISTED LIVING COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Medicare will not pay for assisted living. But the right community will be able to offer you valuable suggestions to help qualify for benefits and find financial options. If you have long-term care insurance policy, it should cover assisted living. An advocate at the assisted living community can be helpful in contacting the insurance company and discussing your needs in order to get approval. Life insurance can also offer financial support. Your insurance agent can advise you about cashing out your policy, and accelerated or living benefits.

Once you know how assisted living works financially, you can begin your search. Decide on what matters most to you right now – and equally important – what will become necessary in the future.

WELLNESS IS A PRIORITY

Your health and well-being are a number one priority. When you move to Mission Chateau assisted living community, we’ll put together an individualized care plan in collaboration with your personal physician, specialists and family members. If you incur health changes or mobility issues, the plan can be modified. You want to eliminate unnecessary hospital stays and readmissions. Look for trained, experienced staff who will be alert to any warning signs should your health be impaired or change. Your assisted living care team should include the expertise of:

• A medical director
• Licensed clinical nursing staff
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists

PERSONAL CARE REQUIRES EXTRA HELP

Our assisted living services provide help with bathing, dressing, mobility, incontinence and medication reminders. Our services are customized to your needs and built on the idea of maximizing your independence. It’s important to know if your community provides:

• On-site licensed and certified nursing staff 24/7
• Personal care assistance available around the clock
• An emergency call response system

HIGHER CARE AFTER ASSISTED LIVING

It can be daunting enough to think of moving from complete independence to a residence with care, let alone to consider your next move at the same time. As you graduate through different stages of life, it pays to look at the bigger picture and to consider what’s coming after assisted living.

At Mission Chateau, our assisted living is part of a larger continuing care community. We also offer memory care on campus. So, if your care needs change, or care changes for your spouse, you don’t have to move from our community or be separated from each other.

PROPER NUTRITION

Chances are, you’re not eating as healthily as you used to, especially if you have mobility issues or are just cooking for one. As your body ages, your ability to absorb nutrients lessens, which makes good food choices even more important. Poor nutrition weakens your body and puts you at higher risk for chronic diseases. We offer:

• Three meals served daily prepared with fresh, locally sourced food
• Restaurant-style dining
• A registered dietitian
• Allowances for special dietary needs

FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Even if you’re not a person who regularly exercises, having a dedicated fitness room and fun, guided group classes can change that. Our community accommodates seniors of all abilities with special training geared to your fitness level. Look for:

• Spacious fitness rooms with modified equipment for seniors
• Refreshing pool and Jacuzzi
• Yoga and fitness programs
• Therapy gym classes
• Landscaped outdoor areas for walking

SEEK OUT SECURITY

You want to feel safe and secure in the retirement community you select. Make sure the assisted living community you choose includes:

• 24-hour front desk staff
• After-hours controlled access
• Enclosed, gated, locked courtyards
• Documented emergency plans and procedures
• Working emergency call systems
• Building modifications throughout for easy access and mobility
• Clearly marked exits
• Sprinkler systems
• Documented emergency plans

 

ENHANCE YOUR SOCIAL LIFE

One of the best aspects of senior living is the ability to enrich your social life. Our luxurious surroundings are perfect for gathering with family and friends or socializing with neighbors. Getting to know fellow residents and our friendly staff will boost your mood and sense of well-being. Look for assisted living communities with:

• Cultural, social and educational activities that interest you
• Common areas with well-appointed furnishings for planned and spontaneous visiting
• A choice of dining venues with delicious cuisine
• Resident/family activity calendar
• Landscaped outdoor areas for gathering
• First-class wellness programs

MAINTENANCE-FREE LIFESTYLE

Our assisted living community gives you the gift of freedom. You no longer have to worry about chores and home repairs. Important services like these are covered in your monthly rent:

• Housekeeping, laundry and linen service
• On-site maintenance
• Concierge, valet and transportation services

OUTSTANDING AMENITIES

Our community has invested in programs and amenities that enhance your quality of life. We have some of the most impressive accommodations, common areas and grounds in the Prairie Village area. When you’re looking for the ideal community, it should include these assisted living services:

• Heated pool
• Game rooms
• Creative studios
• Gardens and outdoor spaces
• Fully equipped exercise room
• Massage therapy
• Beauty/barber shop
• Computer lab

CONVENIENT LOCATION

You may prefer to stay close to the neighborhood you have resided in for years. You may want your doctors, banks, barbershops, restaurants and other services to be familiar. Or you may want to search near the locations of your family and friends for the perfect retirement community. If you want to widen your search, consider communities located near medical facilities, shopping and entertainment.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?

We know the genuine love pet owners feel for their furry companions. We’re a pet-friendly community with outdoor areas for walks.

TAKE A TOUR, GET ANSWERS

Contact us to learn more about our assisted living apartments. We invite you to set up a personal tour, join us for a meal and meet the friendly staff and residents who work and live here in our Prairie Village, Kansas setting.