FAQs
You have questions about senior living. We have answers. Let us help you and your loved ones navigate this decision. Click below to see our responses to some of the most frequently asked questions.
On this page:
Senior Living
What is senior living?
There are many forms of senior living, with benefits geared towards a variety of lifestyles. Among them are Independent Living, Assisted Living/Personal Care, and Memory Care Living. All of these services are available at rental communities and communities that offer a buy-in feature, commonly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC).
What is the difference between a senior living community and a CCRC?
Many traditional senior living communities offer a monthly rental arrangement that typically includes a community fee upfront. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) usually require an upfront down payment that can range from five to seven figures, and is refundable should you leave the community. CCRC’s also typically charge a monthly rental fee.
Independent Living
What is Independent Living?
Independent Living is for seniors who wish to live independently while benefiting from the advantages of an enhanced social, cultural and educational lifestyle. Independent Living residents are free from the burdens of home-ownership and maintenance as well as the social or recreational barriers living alone or relying on loved ones may introduce. With services like restaurant dining (that fits your schedule), weekly housekeeping & laundry service, complimentary transportation and more, Independent Living residents are free enjoy the things they love. In addition, Independent Living residents do not require daily assistance or care services.
What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
Assisted Living residents enjoy a private apartment and all of the amenities that Independent Living residents do, but they also have the option of availing themselves of a range of services including assistance with dressing & bathing, mealtime escort, medication management and more.
Assisted Living
Are assisted living costs potentially tax-deductible?
Typically assisted living costs are not tax-deductible.
How does Personal Care differ from Assisted Living?
In Pennsylvania, “Personal Care” is the term used for communities that would be considered “Assisted Living” throughout much of the country. Personal Care communities offer private apartments, meals and help with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, medication management and others. In addition, many communities like ours offer sophisticated memory care services in secured, private neighborhoods to help residents with many forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease.
Assisted Living communities in Pennsylvania offer more-medical, skilled nursing services often associated with nursing homes in addition to some of the things listed above.
If my spouse has memory loss and needs to be in a memory care neighborhood, am I able to move in with them?
Most communities offer accommodations for couples with different needs. Once a person’s dementia progresses to a high-acuity, it is usually best for them that they move into a secured memory care unit within the facility. In those cases, the healthier partner will either remain in assisted or independent living, or possibly move to a private residence.
How much care is included in rent?
The amount of care that is included in rent varies from provider to provider. At LCB, it is included in the price of assisted living and memory care accommodations.
Do you have a nurse on-site 24/7?
Typically, assisted living communities have nurses on staff; either 24 hours or on-call overnight.
How do you know when you need memory care?
If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, you should see your physician at the earliest convenience. Memory loss is very common as we age, and does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. However, you should get professional advice if you are worried.
What are the signs of dementia?
There are many types of dementia, and the diagnosis can be complex. A number of the symptoms of dementia are also normal as we age, so it’s important to get the opinion of a professional if you are concerned.
Costs
What amenities or services are offered in rent?
There are many factors that go into the cost of senior housing. In addition to day-to-day needs, a quality community will provide a variety of social benefits, services that promote independence and freedom, and a variety of intangibles that are difficult to quantify in dollars.
What is the one-time Service Initiation Fee or Community Service Fee?
Community fees are routinely charged in senior housing. Typically, these fees cover the cost of redoing apartments before you move in, and a variety of other services surrounding your transition into the community.
Will I pay real-estate taxes or need to carry home/renters insurance?
In rental communities, the answer is no. In many CCRC’s and other independent living situations, you may be responsible for taxes, utilities, insurance, etc.
Is payment monthly, yearly, or can we choose?
Most communities are eager to accommodate whatever makes the most sense for you.
Will veterans’ benefits pay for senior living?
Yes. We recommend you speak to one of our financial advisors.
Will veterans’ benefits pay for independent living, assisted living, or memory care?
Yes. We recommend you speak to one of our financial advisors.
Downsizing & Moving
Are there downsizing services we can utilize while making the move?
Yes. Most communities offer assistance to residents when they are moving in.
What should I bring with me when I move in?
Imagine you are moving into a new apartment. You might have to downsize from your old home, but you’ll want to bring along all of the things that are special to you.
Do I have the option of moving into an already furnished apartment?
LCB does offer a limited number of “suitcase” apartments in most communities. These will include all of the basic furniture that you will need.
Care Plans & Safety
Is there a personal emergency response system at your assisted living community?
Emergency response systems are universally employed at senior housing communities. You should not consider a community that does not have one.
What will happen if my health and care needs change?
We work continuously with residents and families to monitor changing needs and circumstances. Depending on acuity, you can increase the services that you receive, including care, until you come to a point where you might be better served by a higher acuity provider.
Visiting
Are there restrictions on visiting hours?
In an LCB community, there are no restrictions on visiting hours. This is your home, you and your guests may come and go as you please!
Can visitors stay overnight?
Yes of course, this is your home.
Can I have someone move into my senior housing apartment with me?
In LCB communities, a monthly “second person” fee allows a second person to move into an apartment.
Who decides if a resident needs Assisted Living services or needs to move to Memory Care?
LCB’s on-site nurses are continuously assessing residents as to their health needs. Should there come a point when a person cannot safely remain in Assisted Living, we will recommend to them and their family that they should move into a memory care neighborhood.
Tours
How can I arrange a visit to a community?
You can select a community and arrange a visit by clicking here.
Short Term Stays
What is the minimum stay requirement for short-term or respite stay?
In LCB communities, the minimum stay is 60 days.
Amenities
Are pets allowed in senior living communities? Can I bring my dog or cat with me?
At LCB, we love our pets, so you should feel free to bring yours.
Dining/Food
How does the dining program work? Are residents limited to 3 meals per day?
At LCB communities, three meals a day are provided for all residents. Between meals, there are a variety of snacks and beverages available.
Is dining included in rent?
At an LCB community, yes.
Can residents only eat during specified meal times?
Most senior living communities do have specified meal times. However, at most LCB communities, residents can chose when to dine throughout the course of the day and evening.
General
Are senior living communities licensed?
Depending on the services offered, most senior living communities receive state licensure. These licenses differ from state-to-state, but most are designed to protect the resident and their rights.
Is parking included in rent or available?
At LCB communities, parking is included with rent.
Do assisted living communities allow you to bring your car?
At LCB communities, all independent and assisted living residents are allowed to bring their car.
Do independent living communities allow you to bring your car?
At LCB communities, all independent and assisted living residents are allowed to bring their car.
Who are the best assisted living companies?
There are a number of excellent companies providing senior living services. We welcome you to explore LCB Senior Living, but also do your research to make sure you find the place that makes the most sense for you and your family.
Who are the best independent living companies?
There are a number of excellent companies providing senior living services. We welcome you to explore LCB Senior Living, but also do your research to make sure you find the place that makes the most sense for you and your family.
Who are the best senior living companies?
There are a number of excellent companies providing senior living services. We welcome you to explore LCB Senior Living, but also do your research to make sure you find the place that makes the most sense for you and your family.
Who are the best memory care companies?
There are a number of excellent companies providing senior living services. We welcome you to explore LCB Senior Living, but also do your research to make sure you find the place that makes the most sense for you and your family.