Assisted Living 101: Who Provides Assisted Living (and More)?

At a certain point in our lives, we all need a little extra help with daily living tasks. No one understands that better than our senior care staff at Village Walk. Seniors and families: if you’re thinking about assisted living — or who provides assisted living — you’ve come to the right place. Our expert team of senior living advisors, recreational staff, and caregivers have heard your questions, and we have answers. In this article, we’ll discuss: Grab your favorite beverage and note-taking device. This is Assisted Living 101. Services provided with assisted living Caregivers, recreational therapists, nursing staff, culinary chefs, and nurse aids provide the bulk of the following assisted living services: Senior living staff in an assisted living facility provide the above-mentioned care services. The staff at an assisted living facility can also contract out services, should a resident need specialized care or support with activities of daily living. Choosing an assisted living facility As part of a better understanding of who provides assisted living and what assisted living can provide, older adults and their families should note that the potential for needing assisted living exists in all of our lives. The following suggestions can help make searching for a safe, secure, comfortable, and caring assisted living facility more tenable. Getting a feel for an assisted living unit’s reputation What’s more, when trying to understand the level of care that assisted living offers — and the reputation of the facility — consider the following three tips: Assisted living costs Assisted living costs less than nursing homes. The costs depend on the type of services, caregiving, and living arrangements present. Assisted living facilities tend to charge a base cost and extra costs for extra services. Residents and their families should note how much each extra service costs because fees can add up. In general, in the U.S., assisted living residents and their families can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to as much as $100,000 or more per year for assisted living. Depending on the state, certain long-term care insurance policies and plans can cover some of the costs. Alas, the federal Medicare program doesn’t cover the costs of care that assisted living communities offer. But, in some states, Medicaid can pay for some assisted living services. More resources about assisted living For older adults and their families looking to learn more about their options for assisted living, they can contact their local area agency on aging (AAA). Aside from AAAs, We’ve also compiled a few websites and personal resources about assisted living communities that might help: Did you know? If you or a loved one is a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, financial assistance is available and may cover the cost of assisted care. Our senior living facility has held webinars on this hot topic in the past. Learn more here on our Facebook page. Village Walk’s assisted living care specialists can help Every facility is different. With every assisted living facility, expect a wide range of services and opportunities, everything from occupational therapy to speech therapy to fitness and music. The short answer to the question, “Who provides assisted living?” is: many people. After all, it takes a village to build something beautiful. To learn more about what our Village offers — or to inquire about personal care and residential care at an assisted living facility near you — don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to get to know you and see how we can help! Frequently asked questions about what assisted living provides 1. Who provides care in assisted living facilities? Assisted living care communities are comprised of a team of care specialists who provide many diverse services. For example, the specialists who provide care in our facility include: Many retirement communities and senior life space communities provide similar services. Nevertheless, the goal of assisted living community staff members is to assist residents with their care needs. 2. How do assisted living staff provide personalized care? Before move-in day comes, assisted living residents must be assessed. According to state regulations, the level of personal care a resident receives is determined by a health assessment. Throughout the year, a resident is reassessed to make sure that the care they receive is in line with their needs. A more involved assessment procedure exists for those in memory care units and/or for those living with memory loss. 3. What are activities of daily living? Activities of daily living (ADLs) is a term used to describe the basic skills that all individuals need to live in life. Some of these ADLs include: Individuals looking for assisted living care tend to need help with at least two or more ADLs.  “Feels like they’re at home, not in a home” “My mother had been living in an assisted living facility upstate, but as she got older, I felt it was time to move her closer to where I lived. Armed with a list of about 30 pivotal questions, I interviewed 10 different facilities on Long Island. As I continued to interview other facilities, Village Walk became the place I was comparing them to, and I found that nothing really did compare. I moved my mother in three days before her 91st birthday and she just loved it. She eagerly got involved in arts and crafts, went on all of the outings to museums, restaurants, shows, parties on the roof, prom, etc. I loved talking to her every evening to find out what wonderful things she did that day. I often told my friends that my mother was living her best life — and she was! She became very close with the staff and  thought of them as family. I think that’s one of the things that sets Village Walk apart, the care of the staff, which is the heart of any assisted-living facility. I highly recommend Village Walk If you were looking for a place where you want your loved one to feel like they’re at home, not

What to Know About Assisted Living Facilities that Accept Medicaid

If you’ve ever tried to find assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid, you know how challenging it is. After all, a national database doesn’t exist for assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid. Moreover, many states have databases that note which assisted living facilities accept Medicaid, but it’s worth noting a few important points: We’re here to deliver some good news, though. Medicaid can be used to pay for care in an assisted living facility, even if the facility doesn’t accept Medicaid as a form of payment for the facility itself. Village Walk Senior Living here: we provide memory care and assisted living solutions to people of all different backgrounds and financial needs. We understand what it’s like to look for the right care for a loved one that won’t break the bank — and that’s covered by Medicaid. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why finding assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid can be challenging. We’ll also provide helpful information about Medicaid and assisted living for you and your loved ones on the journey ahead. Join us! Let’s chat about Medicaid and assisted living. Why finding Medicaid assisted living facilities is so challenging Some assisted living referral agents provide services to families to help families find assisted living residents. What you may not know is that these organizations receive compensation from assisted living facilities when a new resident moves into the facility. As such, assisted living residences won’t provide compensation to a referral agent for Medicaid beneficiaries. The result? Most placement agencies will include a clause on their website asking if people need “public assistance.” While most placement agencies care about and genuinely want to help people find the right care for their needs, unfortunately, the contact information provided to these facilities can fall into the wrong hands. As such, people sometimes take advantage of low-income seniors and their families. If you need help — or consider yourself low-income — when it comes to paying for assisted living, having a lengthy phone conversation with a referring agent can be more of a rarity than a common practice. But in the best case scenario, the assisted living residence and/or placement agency works with the senior and family to provide care services that are within the senior’s financial and Medicaid-related needs. Key information to help with finding assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid Families and seniors: before searching for assisted living residences that accept Medicaid, you’ll want to keep in mind four key pieces of information — or news — about Medicaid and assisted living facilities: We’ll dive into greater detail about each of these pieces of information in the sections below. Medicaid only covers assisted living care That’s right. No room and board or “rent” coverage, alas. Medicaid beneficiaries are responsible for covering the cost of housing in an assisted living community. The facts are that a private room in a nursing home costs, on average, $10,025 a month (Statista, 2024) — and care costs are expected to continue to rise in the next 25 years (Statista, 2024). Given that 50% of the cost of assisted living is allocated to care services and the other 50% to room and board, the good news is that many states and facilities offer different ways to make room and board more affordable. For example, where we’re located in Patchogue, NY, our state offers waiver programs and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Waiver programs and PACE help seniors who may need financial assistance to better afford the cost of care in our assisted living facility. Seniors and families: if you’re thinking of assisted living, check with your state’s local healthcare organizations, or the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), for more comprehensive information about Medicaid coverage for assisted living. You have discretion with how you use your Medicaid funds With Medicaid, you’ll have options for how funds are disbursed. For example, assisted living residences either have a direct relationship with Medicaid where the Medicaid program pays the residence for care, or Medicaid pays a 3rd-party caregiver to deliver care. What that means for you is that if you ask most assisted living facilities if they accept Medicaid, they may not always say yes (see the above sections for reasons why). But, a “no” answer doesn’t mean you can’t have a direct relationship with Medicaid when it comes to your assisted living needs. For example, a caregiver not associated with an assisted living residence can come to the assisted living residence and provide long-term care to a resident. Thus, Medicaid pays the caregiver — and not the assisted living residence. In other words, Medicaid beneficiaries can choose and hire their own caregiver to come to an assisted living facility. In short, you’ll have options with how you use Medicaid funds. Multiple Medicaid programs exist for assisted living The other bit of great news about Medicaid is that you’re not locked into one Medicaid program. Two different types of Medicaid programs provide financial support for assisted living services. With that said, each offers different benefits and has different limitations and criteria for eligibility. The two types of programs are: HCBS waivers are for individuals using Medicaid for nursing home-related needs. People using the Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers should be aware that due to their popularity, a person can expect to be placed on a long wait list as part of the HCBS waiver enrollment process. In contrast, with ABD Medicaid programs, people aren’t often placed on a waitlist. If eligibility criteria are met, a person can be enrolled in an ABD Medicaid program, and the program must provide benefits to that person. You have options for determining eligibility for Medicaid “Speaking of eligibility criteria, how do you determine eligibility for Medicaid?” You might be wondering. You can check your eligibility for Medicaid aid by doing any of the following: Once you’ve equipped yourself with the right information, you can then determine

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Patchogue, NY (2025)

How much does assisted living cost in Patchogue, NY? The answer is more complex than it may seem. And with so much information these days, finding the right information can be downright dizzying. Not to worry. We have your back. For more than 30 years, Village Walk has helped families and older adults break down the cost of assisted living and memory care solutions for older adults. In this comprehensive think piece, we’ll provide the following: Paying for assisted living costs: influencing factors People are motivated to choose to pay for and relocate to assisted living for three main reasons: The last reason — the economy and finances — is worth paying greater attention to. The research is important because it points out the importance of the economy (and finances at large) when selecting help with assisted living. After all, older adults and families can’t ignore that assisted living comes with significant costs. But, we’ve found that assisted living can be more affordable than other senior care options. We’ll share why in the rest of this article, as we discuss the costs of assisted living. How Village Walk calculates assisted living costs Our senior care advisors are committed to providing clear, transparent, and complete information to older adults and their families in their quest to find the right senior living information. To provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information on the cost of assisted living here in Patchogue, NY, and across the United States, our caregivers have: Some of our caregivers have served the Long Island, NY region for more than 30 years, so we have a finger on the pulse of the Patchogue, NY assisted living market. Speaking of the Empire State, let’s take a look at how much assisted living costs in New York. How much does assisted living cost (Patchogue, NY)? According to a recent Genworth (2023) survey, assisted living costs $5,350 per month. Because state level authorities regulate assisted living facilities, services and costs might vary. For example, according to the same Genworth study, the average monthly cost of an assisted living facility in 2023 in New York City, NY was $6,508. And the price rises to $12,471 for a semi-private room in a nursing home facility. Compare these numbers to $4,888 a month for an Oklahoma-based assisted living facility, and $5,748 a month for assisted living facilities in Los Angeles, California. As you can see, the base price of assisted living in New York tends to be higher than the rest of the nation. Adding on different services and pricing tiers will yield different results. We turn to this topic in our next section. Understanding assisted living price tiers Most assisted living facilities include a base rate for services. This rate includes room and board and other monthly fees based on the level of care residents need. As a general rule of thumb, the more care needed, the more expensive the assisted living plan will be. Before moving in — or concurrently with enrollment — assisted living facilities have residents take an assessment. Why an assessment? The assessment provides a resident with the right level of care for their needs and ensures that the assisted living facility can provide the care the resident needs. Each assessment is different, but generally, seniors can expect to be tested on the following criteria: After the assessment, most assisted living facilities will include a general pricing structure with three levels: Note: most facilities test residents often to determine the best level of care for each resident at any given time. Know that the price of assisted living can increase as the need for more caregiving increases. Hidden fees involved in assisted living costs Every assisted living facility asks residents and their caregivers to sign a contract. Overlooking key parts of the contract can lead to issues, which at their worst, can lead to distrust in staff, discharge for nonpayment, and stress for all parties involved. We recommend asking questions about the following fees before signing on with an assisted living facility: Hiring an elder law attorney and/or asking key questions to staff members will help you better pay for assisted living facilities and assisted living options that meet your needs. How to locate assisted living arrangements The internet can be your best friend for locating assisted living facilities. You can browse dedicated websites with extensive directories of assisted living communities. Websites listing assisted living communities explore the monthly cost of assisted living and average cost of assisted living communities in each state across the continental United States. Most of these websites allow you to filter based on locations, levels of care needed, amenities, and costs of add-on care services. Best of all, these websites allow you to speak with senior care advisors to assess needs, navigate options together, and find the right resources to help you afford assisted living. Factors that affect the cost of assisted living Speaking of affording assisted living, several factors affect the average monthly cost of assisted living. These factors influence how much you’ll pay for assisted living. To make an accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay for assisted living for different senior living options, the following factors influence the cost of assisted living services: We’ll take a closer look at each in the next sections. Assisted living levels of care Assisted living levels of care influence the total cost of monthly assisted living fees. Some services cost $300 a month, whereas others can cost $1,700 or more. As you or a loved one transition into assisted living, keep in mind what level of care you think is best for your and your loved one’s needs. Amenities and services Consider the cost of hiring and compensating assisted living staff for the services they provide. Physical, speech, and occupational therapy incur extra fees beyond the base cost of assisted living. Assisted living costs vary by facility. As such, you’ll want to do your due diligence before picking your or

Comparing Home vs. Inpatient Hospice Care (Pros and Cons)

When you or a loved one are dealing with a terminal illness, making the right decision for end-of-life care can be heart-wrenching and challenging. Most important, though, is knowing whether to choose inpatient hospice vs. home hospice. This choice requires extensive research and preparation. After all, ensuring the highest quality of life is paramount. With each choice, you want to make sure you’re making the most informed and compassionate decision for yourself. To help you take the guesswork out of the decision-making process, we created this cross-comparison article that dives deep into inpatient hospice vs. home hospice. Our caregivers have more than 30 years of experience providing dedicated and compassionate memory care and assisted living solutions to seniors. If you’re wondering what the difference is between inpatient and home hospice, this article was made for you. Join us as we explore the difference between inpatient and home hospice care. Defining “hospice care” Hospice care is a form of medical care for patients who have about six months or less to live. This type of care can be offered in a home, hospital, or treatment center-style facility. The goal of hospice care isn’t to cure a disease. It’s to provide comfort and quality care to people in the final days of life’s journey. In hospice care, the focus is on improving the quality of — not the quantity of — life for those in need. Breaking down the 4 levels of hospice care With hospice care, each level offers different value to the hospice patient. The four levels of hospice care include: Routine home care includes daily visits from a nurse or social worker to help support a patient with activities of daily living (such as bathing, grooming, medication management, and eating). Inpatient care is similar to routine care, but with inpatient care, patients are tended to 24/7 by professional caregivers in hospital-like settings. Continuous home care is similar to inpatient care, but caregivers provide care in the comfort of a person’s home. Finally, respite care provides relief to primary caregivers by providing different levels of care to the patient either in a facility or at the patient’s home. The goal is to relieve the primary caregiver of their responsibilities for a short, designated amount of time. The difference between inpatient hospice vs. home hospice One of the key differences between inpatient hospice care and home hospice (also called outpatient hospice care) is that the services are provided in a licensed medical facility, such as a nursing home, board and care, or memory care facility. At an inpatient facility, caregivers and family members can return to work or to their homes to complete daily tasks. Inpatient hospice caregivers provide therapy, nutritional counseling, pain management, incontinence support, and more. With home hospice, caregivers stay in a patient’s home throughout the patient’s end-of-life journey. Patients receive the same above-mentioned services, but from the comfort of their homes. Both inpatient and outpatient home hospice services share similarities in that licensed medical professionals provide care from start to end for the patient’s end-of-life journey. Did you know? Both inpatient and home hospice share the same goals: to provide comfort, relief, and quality support as a patient navigate the latter stages of their terminal illness. For example, at Village Walk, our signature Meet Me Where I Am approach places patients at the center of their treatment. We provide round-the-clock, 24/7 attention to seniors with terminal illnesses as they navigate their end-of-life journey. We do our best to offer comfort, relief, and joy in the final stages of their journey, empowering patients to keep us posted on their needs 24/7. To get a better idea of the ways we let our patients guide our caregiving, check out our Facebook photo gallery here. The goal of long-term hospice care Whether navigating inpatient or home hospice care, the goal is always the comfort, dignity, support, and well-being of the person receiving care. Hospice patients are kept as comfortable as possible. They’ll receive regular visits from nurses, aides, social workers, and community members to help ease pain, discomfort, and other uncomfortable symptoms. At Village Walk, we also provide a suite of therapy services to make the final days of the journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Whether providing physical therapy for our older adults, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or counseling with our hospice social workers and psychiatric team, we’re all about nourishing emotional, physical, social, and mental well-being in our hospice community. Table: Inpatient hospice vs. home hospice Inpatient Hospice Home/Outpatient Hospice Location Private nursing care facility, skilled nursing facility, or resident hospice facility In a patient’s home Supervision 24/7 dedicated monitoring and emergency care Scheduled visits & 24/7 on-call emergency care and support Caregiver support Professional medical team with trained and licensed caregivers Family support with contracted caregivers and hospice support Environment Apartment-style neighborhood setting with medical support designed for comfort and dignity A patient’s home Cost Flexible payment plans and affordable options; can be covered by insurance (depending on the insurance) Often covered by insurance Village Walk: compassionate and quality inpatient hospice for seniors When it comes to palliative care, you have options: inpatient or outpatient (home) hospice care. But only with a memory care inpatient facility can a patient rely on the 24/7 dedicated support and community of like-minded residents and caregivers for all their needs. At Village Walk, our memory care community treats each patient like family. We treat our patients as if they were our own family — because they are. Our patients are an extension of family. With more than 30 years of end-of-life caregiving experience, we’re all about making the final days of seniors’ journey as comfortable and dignified as possible. To learn more about what our cozy Village can do for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re more than happy to explain our hospice offerings to you and your loved one. FAQ: Inpatient hospice vs. home hospice What makes hospice “inpatient” vs. “outpatient”?

Three Golden Rules of Dementia Care: Communication Dos and Don’ts

Don’t ask direct questions, listen and learn, and don’t contradict. That’s the TL;DR summary of the three golden rules of dementia. But applying them in the wrong context — and not knowing what to expect at each stage of dementia — can make using these rules much more challenging. After all, one person might need direct questions, while another might need short, concise directives. So, how do you know where each golden rule applies? The short answer is that it depends on which stage — and which sign or signal — the person shows. And we’re about to show you just that. At Village Walk, we’re all about empowering you, the caregivers. Our dedicated senior concierge staff, caregivers, therapists, and healthcare professionals have more than 30 years of experience providing dedicated assisted living and memory care support to seniors, their families, and their caregivers. If you’re hoping to empower yourself with knowledge for the road ahead, including what to say and not to say to someone with dementia, read on. Here’s a brief introduction to dementia, including the three golden rules of dementia communication. The stages of dementia: what to expect Dementia progresses at different stages for each person. Since each person experiences dementia in different ways, breaking down dementia into different stages can be helpful when understanding how to best help people live and thrive. The dementia stages can be broken down as follows: Signs/signals: when a person with dementia needs memory care For someone with a progressive memory-related condition such as Lewy body dementia, you’ll notice warning signs indicating the extent of their condition. If you notice any of the below changes, signs, or signals of dementia, you should consider enlisting the help of a licensed and accredited assisted living or memory care facility. With the above-mentioned signs and signals, the golden rule here is that the sooner that a person with memory loss can receive the help they need, the better they’ll be able to manage a quality of life. Whether that support takes the form of assisted living or memory care is up to each individual. There’s no doubt, though, that having a professional team of responsive caregivers can help all parties maintain a higher quality of life. Peace starts with three golden rules of dementia Caregivers and family members: armed with knowledge, you’ll be better positioned to provide exceptional care for your loved one. But that’s just the half of it. The other half lies in quality communication. We rely on the SPECAL method — Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer’s — to inform how we communicate with people living with dementia. Here are three golden rules of dementia when communicating with people living with dementia: Did you know? Many people think that Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same. People use the terms interchangeably. But, there are distinctions between the two. It’s important for effective treatment and management to know these differences. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch support and care for seniors and their families impacted by both diseases. To see how we’re supporting our seniors with memory loss, check out our photo gallery on social media! Table: The three golden rules of dementia Rule Detailed Explanation 1. Don’t ask direct questions.2. Listen and learn from the person living with dementia.3. Don’t contradict.  1. Avoid asking questions that rely on memory recall. Instead, frame your questions in ways that make the person feel comfortable and relaxed. Be receptive to what the person is asking, and try to take their perspective. Ask yourself: what’s the best way to answer their question given their perspective? 2. Frame the information you provide them in a way that makes the person feel heard and accepted for who they are. 3. Avoid arguments, fact-checking, or trying to correct them. Our job is to meet them where they’re at and avoid disrupting the world they’re trying to make sense of. We need to follow them with grace and kindness. Provide comfort and compassion for people with dementia In addition to the three golden rules of dementia care — not asking direct questions, listening and learning, and not contradicting a person with dementia — compassionate care is key. After all, we simply don’t know what it’s like to have dementia. So, we must always deliver care services from a place of compassion and love. That’s our ethos at Village Walk. Our signature Meet Me Where I Am program is centered on understanding and adapting to the moment. By joining individuals in their current reality, we navigate memory loss with empathy and respect. Whether you’re considering assisted living or memory care for a loved one — or if you’re hoping to learn more about how to help your loved one thrive — we’re here for you. For all your memory-related questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly caregiving team would be more than happy to support you along your journey. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about dementia What are the three golden rules of dementia? The three golden rules of dementia as spelled out according to the Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer’s (SPECAL) method include: Can a person with dementia live at home? They can, yes. Worth noting is that each individual case of dementia is different. Some people with dementia need more resources than others. While some people live with dementia for decades, others find that their condition can deteriorate more quickly. For the latter, receiving professional caregiving assistance at an assisted living and memory care facility may be best for that individual. Note: If you ever come across someone in public who you believe may have dementia, and they appear lost and confused, follow Rochester, NY Police Department’s C-05-07 protocol on Communicating with Persons Exhibiting Dementia. You never know: you could save someone’s life. What should I look for to determine a dementia diagnosis? While many signs and signals exist that reveal the onset of dementia, the following are the most common: “My loved one is in a loving,

The 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia Explained (Chart Included)

Living with vascular dementia is challenging. But, even less discussed is the issue of caring for people who are living through the seven stages of vascular dementia. Families and friends who know are caring for an individual with vascular dementia: we understand that living with and caring for someone with vascular dementia is tough. The progression of the condition differs for each individual, which means a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for all. And with the lifecycle of the disease differing for each person, being prepared to help loved ones can feel more like a burden than a privilege. We get it, and we’re here to help. For more than 30 years, the expert caregivers and senior living team at Village Walk have been providing assisted living and memory care solutions for individuals, families, and friends living with vascular dementia. If you’re wondering what to expect at each of the seven stages of vascular dementia, you’re not alone. Join us! We’ll lighten your load by providing helpful information about what to expect at each of the seven stages of vascular dementia. Defining vascular dementia: what is it? Before we dive into the specifics of stages of vascular dementia, we need to understand what vascular dementia is. Vascular dementia is a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, usually from a stroke or mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)). When the lack of blood flow causes brain damage, vascular dementia can occur. Since the prevalence of strokes among the 60-year and older community nearly doubles by the time a person hits 80 years old, according to a Statista.com dataset, we’ll want to understand the difference between blood-flow-related vascular dementia and other memory-loss-related conditions. Vascular dementia vs. Alzheimer’s disease vs. dementia While some forms of dementia — such as Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body dementia — are caused by excess protein build-ups and tangles in the brain, vascular dementia is different. Vascular dementia is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain as a result of another condition, such as a stroke. But, both vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s progress through several stages that last several years. Medication, occupational therapy, and group activities can be used to help soften the side effects of severe dementia and Alzheimer’s. The combination of these treatments helps stimulate the brain and keeps the brain active for as long as possible. So, while vascular dementia may develop over several years, a person can live a long, happy, and healthy life with the help of the right treatments, assisted living, and in-home care. Symptoms of vascular dementia With all three of these forms of dementia, but especially vascular dementia, a person can experience the following: What’s more, people with vascular dementia often encounter mobility problems. Mobility problems occur as a result of damage to the brain caused by decreased blood flow. Of course, mobility issues don’t always occur. With that being said, certain risk factors predispose individuals to experience mobility problems and vascular dementia as a whole. Risk factors for being diagnosed with vascular dementia Those who are most at risk for being diagnosed with vascular dementia include people with the following conditions and health histories: The following lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of a dementia diagnosis: While there’s no sure-fire way to prevent dementia, living a healthy lifestyle can decrease the chance of damaging blood vessels in the brain thereby reducing the risk of blood clots and other blood-related conditions in the brain that can lead to vascular dementia. The 7 stages of vascular dementia explained While scientists haven’t found a way (yet) to prevent dementia, you can help your loved one slow cognitive decline by understanding what’s involved in the seven stages of dementia. Let’s take a look at each of the vascular dementia stages in greater detail. Vascular dementia chart: The 7 stages of vascular dementia 1. Typical cognitive behavior/ no cognitive impairment (pre-dementia) Of the seven stages of vascular dementia, stage one presents the least noticeable symptoms of the seven stages. In this early stage of dementia, dementia patients exhibit normal behavior. You — and the person with vascular dementia — likely won’t notice the dementia, because the person doesn’t seem to present any visible symptoms. But, changes in the brain happen in stage one. In other words, though cognitive decline hasn’t yet occurred, early dementia can start years before any symptoms present themselves. 2. Extremely mild cognitive decline (forgetfulness) In stage two, the first signs of early dementia occur. People with vascular dementia experience general forgetfulness during this stage. Whether a person forgets where they placed items in the house or forgets other details, many people chalk the forgetfulness up to old age. While mild cognitive decline is common with age, we can’t emphasize enough how crucial checking with your trusted healthcare team is to ensure that this forgetfulness is attributed to old age instead of the onset of early dementia. 3. Mild cognitive decline (increased forgetfulness) As a person progresses through the seven different stages, mild cognitive decline occurs. While stage three is still considered early-stage dementia, memory loss starts to increase. For example, in stage three, a person might forget appointments that they made and misplace items around the house. Even so, a dementia diagnosis isn’t always made in stage three because the forgetfulness doesn’t always appear to be dementia-related. 4. Moderate cognitive decline (diagnosis stage) The fourth stage of vascular dementia is when most people receive a dementia diagnosis. That’s because dementia symptoms become more apparent. For example, people in stage four may find counting money to be challenging, forget to pay bills, or have a tough time remembering what they ate at their last meal. Stage four dementia tends to last a couple of years. Yet, vascular dementia progresses at different rates depending on the person. Some people progress to stage five slower than others. In short,

Are Assisted Living Expenses Tax Deductible for Senior Living?

Fact: A private one-bedroom space in an assisted living community cost $5,350 a month on average in the United States in 2023, according to global data intelligence platform Statista.com. If you’re a caregiver — or a senior — looking at paying for assisted living, you’re justified in wondering, “Is assisted living tax deductible?” Seniors and families: we understand. Assisted living costs can be confusing, but they don’t have to if you plan right. But don’t worry, because the short answer to your question is yes. Assisted living is tax deductible, and we’re here to explain why. At Village Walk, our goal is to provide you with exceptional assisted living care and resources to ensure you live your most vibrant life well into your golden years. In this article, our senior living advisors draw on their 30+ years of experience to help unpack the many questions around assisted living expenses and their tax implications. Join us as we answer the question, “Is assisted living tax deductible?” How the internal revenue service (IRS) categorizes assisted living Before diving into whether assisted living is tax deductible, we’ll want to know more about the organization that works with assisted living tax deductions: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS considers assisted living as a form of tax-deductible long-term care when certain conditions are met. When those conditions are met, the costs of select medical expenses are tax deductible. Specifically, if an assisted living resident needs help with basic activities of daily living (ADL) — such as bathing, dressing, or eating — the IRS may classify assisted living expenses as medical costs. What’s more, if a doctor certifies that a resident has a chronic illness, services provided in assisted living can fall under the umbrella term of tax-deductible medical care. But, not all costs associated with assisted living are eligible for tax deductions, so you’ll want to understand which assisted living and memory care expenses are tax deductible — and which aren’t. Assisted living expenses that are (and aren’t) tax deductible To start, assisted living expenses related to personal care — including services such as help with daily activities or medical support — may qualify as tax-deductible medical expenses. To be eligible for deductions, the medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of a person’s adjusted gross income (AGI). Senior living expenses like room and board are generally not tax deductible. Unless a resident chooses to live in an assisted living or memory care community where the community’s facility exists to provide the bulk of the person’s medical care, living fees associated with these communities tend not to be tax deductible. Unsure of whether your expenses would qualify for a deduction? We recommend reaching out to one of our senior living advisors or consulting with a tax professional to understand which medical expenses can be written off for tax purposes. Parents’ assisted living expenses that are tax-deductible But perhaps you’re not the one receiving assisted living care. If you’re paying for your parent’s assisted living, you may be able to claim your parents’ expenses as a tax deduction. To ensure assisted living expenses are tax deductible: Furthermore, you’ll also need to keep detailed records of expenses and ensure your expenses exceed the 7.5% AGI threshold. For tax preparation purposes, taking the time to organize receipts and medical certifications can help ensure you maximize your chance of receiving the most amount of eligible deductions possible. Did you know? Did you know that aging in place can be more expensive than moving to a senior living community? All these home-care expenses add up. To learn more about what senior living looks like in a community — a community where caregivers meet you where you are, love you for who you are, and help you be who you are — take a look at what’s happening in our little Village. How to deduct assisted living expenses If you follow the IRS’ guidelines, deducting assisted living expenses is very simple. To determine the tax deductibility of assisted living, follow these three easy steps. To avoid any tax issues, make sure you’ve gathered all relevant receipts, bills, and doctor’s statements to ensure your records are accurate and complete. Of course, if you’re unsure about any part of the process, we recommend consulting with a tax advisor to ensure all your t’s are crossed and your i’s are dotted. How to calculate tax deductions for assisted living expenses Calculating tax deductions for assisted living expenses involves careful attention to total medical costs and adjusted gross income (AGI). To deduct the medical portion of your AGI, you’ll want to identify which assisted living services qualify as deductible medical expenses. Expenses like personal care or medical supervision often fall under the category of deductible medical expenses. Once you have your total medical costs, subtract 7.5% of your AGI from that number. And voila! The remaining amount is your potential deduction. To avoid errors in calculations, we always recommended tracking all expenses throughout the year and consulting a tax professional for accurate reporting. Table: Common assisted living expenses that are tax deductible Medical services that are tax deductible Non-medical tax deductible expenses 1. Medications needed2. Help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, continence, transferring from one area to another, and meal preparation3. On- and off-site therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more4. Transportation-related to medical care 1. Equipment that will be used over many years (it may only be deducted in the tax year it was purchased)2. Laboratory-related fees3. X-rays4. Wheelchairs5. Select service-provider fees Assisted living expenses are tax deductible — but it depends In short, most assisted living expenses that are tax deductible include the following: However, only medical expenses that are more than 7.5 percent of a person’s adjusted gross income (AGI) are able to qualify for the medical deduction, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Assisted living expenses that aren’t eligible for deduction include room and board, meals, and other activities. You’ll want to reach

Review: 13 Healthy Leg Strengthening Exercises for Seniors

Seniors: “Your body is a temple,” as the saying goes. All the more reason to take care of it as you age. That’s why we wanted to create this roundup review of some of the best healthy leg-strengthening exercises for seniors. Seniors: we get it. Nothing’s worse than becoming injured, especially as we slow down in older age. After all, ideally, we want to coast into our golden years with our health intact. At Village Walk, we’re all about empowering you with tips, habits, and knowledge about your mind and body that allow you to be your best. If you’re looking to maintain the health and vitality of your lower body throughout your sunset years, this article is for you. We’ll discuss 13 of the best leg-strengthening exercises for seniors and how to keep your lower body strong throughout your golden years. Grab a resistance band, your favorite exercise clothing, and a pair of dumbbells. Let’s get our exercise on! Seniors: learn the consequences of a fall/leg injury Before we muscle up, we’ll want to make sure we understand why we’re exercising in the first place. At their best, falls can cause a small bruise, but at their worst, falls can result in a cracked or broken bones. Sometimes, falls can even be fatal. When a senior has a terrible fall, dire consequences result. Examples of some of these consequences include: While men aged 65 years and older tend to fall more often than women of the same age range (Statista, 2021), both genders can benefit from regular leg-strengthening exercises. Let’s take a look at some of the best leg-strengthening exercises. Table: The 13 best leg-strengthening exercises for seniors  Leg exercises Muscles addressed Seated leg extensions Quadriceps Seated chair squats (quads) Quadriceps Side leg raises Quadriceps and hips Leg curls Hamstrings Standing knee lifts Quadriceps, hips, and hamstrings Walking heel to toe Ankles and calves Ankle circles Ankles Resistance band workouts Multiple leg muscles Resistance pedaling Multiple leg muscles Toe taps Ankles, hips, and hamstrings Marching in place Multiple leg muscles Stair step-ups Hamstrings, hips, and quadriceps 1. Seated leg extensions (quads) To kick off our tour of leg exercises for seniors, we have the seated leg extension. Seated leg extensions are great for seniors who are new to leg-strengthening exercises. These exercises are helpful with walking and standing up from seated positions. To perform a seated leg extension, practice the following: 2. Seated chair squats (quads) Next, we have seated chair squats. These leg exercises are perfect for strengthening quads and glutes. Practice these exercises to improve balance and support with activities of daily living. To perform a seated chair squat, do the following: At Village Walk, our on-staff certified physical therapists provide physical therapy for seniors to ensure our residents are performing each exercise with accuracy and consistency. With our physical therapists’ help, our seniors continue to stay strong — and live long — well into their golden years. 3. Side leg raises (quads and hips) Side leg raises help improve hip and quad strength, allowing for better balance. To perform this exercise: 4. Leg curls (quads and hamstrings) These exercises can be performed with or without equipment. To perform a leg curl: 5. Calf raises (calves) This exercise is great for those smaller, lower leg muscles, specifically the calves. Strengthening calves can help with walking, climbing stairs, and reaching for items above the head. To perform a calf raise, try the following: 6. Standing or sitting knee lifts (quad and lower abdomen muscles) For those who need a little help with coordination and balance, standing knee lifts work wonders. To perform a standing knee lift, make sure you’re in a comfortable position and have plenty of space around you for movement. 7. Walking heel to toe (ankles and calves) If balance is the issue, heel-to-toe walks can help your loved one maintain the strength and balance needed to walk with independence. To do a heel-to-toe walk, step forward by placing one foot in front of the other. Make sure that the heel strikes first, followed by the mid-part of the foot, and finally the toes. Walking in a straight line from heel to toe for 10 minutes a day can help seniors maintain balance and coordination well into old age. Try it out, and watch yourself make progress with balance day by day. 8. Ankle circles Another way to maintain body strength is by activating those smaller muscles closer to the feet. In other words, preventing slips and falls starts with low-impact exercises aimed at improving flexibility and blood circulation. Cue ankle circles. To do an ankle circle:  9. Resistance band workouts (whole-body) It’s never too late to get acquainted with resistance bands. One of the easiest ways to build strong legs without cumbersome weight equipment is with therapeutic resistance bands. Resistance bands can help improve balance, enhance mobility, and help seniors develop leg strength. Best of all, they can be used for the entire body — shoulders, arms, legs, the whole enchilada. At Village Walk, we work with our residents’ primary care physician and care team to incorporate resistance band workouts into our residents’ overall physical activity regimen. That way, our residents can strengthen their legs with a team that’s all on the same page. Meet Village Walk’s Dr. Amir Amrami, PT, DPT We aim to ensure our residents live in an environment that will give them the autonomy, functionality, and independence they deserve. We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Dr. Amir Amrami PT, DPT, Owner and CEO of Achieve at Home Physical and Occupational Therapy! With Dr. Amir and his therapists working within the community, our residents can enjoy all the benefits of therapy in the familiarity and comfort of their own homes. Located on the third floor of our community, our newly renovated physical therapy studio invites residents to put their health and safety first while continuing to build strength and mobility. For more information about our senior care services, amenities, and

How Many Steps Should A Senior (80-Year-Old) Walk Each Day?

Seniors: exercising is crucial as we age. We can empathize, though: as we age, our joints begin to ache, and our bones become more brittle. But how many steps a day should an 80-year-old take? How are we supposed to know what the right amount of exercise is each day? How many steps should we take each day to ensure optimal health? Not to worry. Village Walk here. Our team of senior living professionals has more than 30 years of experience helping seniors live healthy, happy, physically active, and vibrant lives. If you’re wondering how many steps are needed to live your best life, join us! We’ll cover the recent research on how many steps a senior should walk each day. Whether you’re 60, 80, or even 100 years old, discover the right number for you. Let’s get a move on! Conventional wisdom on steps says… You know the old adage, the one that suggests walking 10,000 steps per day? Research suggests that 10,000 steps may not be the most accurate and up-to-date guideline for seniors. The truth is that having a number such as 10,000 steps can help us, but may not be the most accurate for each age group. With that said, setting a step count goal can help us move towards more intentional physical activity. And exercise definitely helps us live longer. Let’s take a look at what up-to-date research says on the recommended steps needed per day. Recent research in the last decade says… 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day: the Lancet Public Health (2022) found this range helped lower mortality risks for adults sixty years and older. The sweet spot appears to be 4,500 steps to 7,500 steps for adults 61 and older, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). JAMA also found that there wasn’t a strong relationship between how intense the steps were and how long a person lived. Whether you’re walking 6,000 steps or 10,00 steps, both step counts and intensities offer health benefits. Here’s a more detailed look at each age group: Older adults can reap the health benefits of walking by finding hobbies in retirement that boost physical activity. Engaging in walking programs and wellness programs can all help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Even if you don’t have the physical capacity for high-intensity exercise, so long as you’re not walking less than 4,400 steps daily, you can help increase longevity. The road to a better life really does start with a single step. Table: number of steps by age Note: these numbers are an approximation. The exact number that’s best for you will depend on your lifestyle and your healthcare team’s recommendations. Age Number of steps 4-17 years old 10,000- 15,000 steps per day on average 18-59 years old 7,000- 10,000 steps per day on average 60 years and older 6,000- 8,000 steps per day on average We walk to end Alzheimer’s! Each year, #Teamvillagewalk is proud to participate in the East End Alzheimer’s Association walk at the Suffolk Farm. This past year, we even had the opportunity to go for a tractor ride after the walk! Check out the pictures here! Seniors: take the first step, and walk with a community In a nutshell, sedentary individuals who take under 2,700 steps per day are at greater risk for all-cause mortality. In other words, the less you walk, the more likely you are to die from different causes, as morbid as that sounds. If you’re finding walking challenging, not to worry. Take the first step and increase your step count little by little each day. Whether you choose to increase your steps through a stroll through the park, a vigorous hike up a mountain, or one of your favorite retirement hobbies, know that you’re never alone. Our Village Walk community has helped countless seniors to increase their physical fitness. Through physical therapy, health and wellness programs, and daily outings, our assisted living neighborhood community welcomes you to join our active bunch! Seniors: if you’re looking for a community that prioritizes health and wellness, we can help. Village Walk’s staff have helped seniors move and groove for more than 30 years. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about senior health and walking How many steps should a 60- o 80-year-old take each day? The research suggests that 6,000-8,000 steps per day can help reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in seniors 60 years or older. No connection was found between the intensity of the steps and how long a person lived. In other words, the intensity of steps wasn’t related to whether a person died earlier in life. Why the new research on walking and steps? It’s true. Many studies suggest that the more steps you take, the less likely you are to develop diseases and physical conditions. But over the last decade, those numbers have changed. While the risk of contracting a variety of diseases and conditions may lower, the risk of dying from them may not. The new research on this topic is important because it suggests that shooting for a range of steps is just as important — if not more important — than meeting a 10,000-step benchmark. What’s more, each age group has a different range. For these reasons, we thought exploring the new research was important to ensure the well-being of our senior population. What’s the best way to determine how many steps I should take daily? With fitness tracking devices like FitBit becoming more and more widespread,  you couldn’t have picked a better time to track your daily step count. We’re blessed to live in a time with so many step-counting devices to keep track of our daily step counts. Whether you choose a fancy pedometer, a sleek and stylish Apple watch, or a fitness tracker on your favorite mobile device, you have options when tracking your daily step goal Seniors: the best way to determine how many steps you should take each day is by

A Quick Guide to Acute vs. Subacute Rehab Programs

After a serious injury or chronic condition occurs, doctors often prescribe various care programs — such as acute or subacute rehabilitation programs — for healing. But what is sub acute rehab and acute care? We get it: understanding each type of care  — let alone choosing the right level of care — can be challenging. Especially when you’re trying to heal, making that decision is that much harder. Although many hospital members can help lay out options for acute and sub-acute rehabilitation programs, you know what’s best for you. When it comes to making your decision, you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Village Walk here. Our team of medical and assisted living professionals has more than 30 years of experience caring for seniors who live with chronic and acute physical and memory-related conditions. We’re here to help you make your decision a little bit easier. In this article, we’ll describe the differences between these sub-acute and acute care. We’ll also discuss the role skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities play in the process. Let’s dive in! Defining acute rehabilitation services Acute rehabilitation aims to deliver high-intensity, caring, in-patient therapy. With acute rehab, patients regain basic functionality and independence with daily life. In most cases, acute care involves three or more hours a day of therapy, five to seven days a week. Most therapy sessions include a combination of physical, occupational, and speech-therapy-related treatments. Many elderly patients living with physical ailments and memory-related issues — such Lewy body dementia — receive medical management with acute care. Many times, acute care treatments involve several health professionals. Let’s take for example a senior who’s taken a fall. This senior may receive physical therapy and rehabilitation from physical therapists, physiatrists, and occupational therapists. With acute care, medical professionals work together to help a patient recover and move forward.Acute care is for people who’ve experienced, for example, the following conditions: For patients who can’t withstand the intensity of acute care, sub-acute programs can help. Defining sub-acute rehabilitation services Sub-acute rehabilitation tends to provide less vigorous therapy schedules. This type of rehabilitation helps patients who are transitioning from an acute rehabilitation facility or who can’t tolerate the intensity of the schedules for acute care. Some subacute care patients opt to stay with an enhanced assisted living facility as part of their healing process. At Village Walk, we accommodate these patients. At our facility, patients have access to: With subacute rehab, patients receive therapy for about one to two hours each day. Subacute care is for: Conditions that might warrant subacute care include: If subacute care sounds all-encompassing, it is! It’s meant to help patients return to daily life with as high a level of strength, comfort, and functionality. You’re invited! Did you know we teach a community college class in the local Patchogue, NY, community? Contact us today, or check out our Facebook events page to learn more! Table: The difference between acute and subacute rehab Acute rehabilitation Subacute rehabilitation Summary Acute therapy lasts three or more hours and involves almost daily therapy sessions. Subacute therapy is for people who need long-term care to help maintain a quality of life. Therapy lasts about one to two hours per day. It’s for patients who need a less intense version of acute therapy. Length of sessions 3 or more hours of therapy per day 1-2 hours of therapy a day Type of therapy A combination of physical, occupational, speech, psychological, and physiotherapy with a multidisciplinary team A combination of physical, occupational, speech, psychological, and physiotherapy with a multidisciplinary team Applicable medical conditions Serious medical issues warranting short-term intervention, such as:1. Brain injuries2. Amputations3. Heart attacks4. Debilitating pneumonia5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease6. Intensive orthopedic surgeries7. Strokes8. Spinal cord injuries9. Failed out-patient treatments10. And more Medical issues that involve long-term care, such as: 1. Dementia2. Spinal cord injuries3. Terminal illnesses4. Persistent health Conditions related to strokes5. Neuromuscular conditions6. And more Recover strength and vitality at Village Walk’s assisted living facility To recap, acute care is an intensive form of rehabilitation for people who’ve completed a hospital stay but need more help with their condition. Subacute care is for people who can use a less intensive form of acute therapy — or have already completed acute therapy — to regain full functionality. When it comes to recovery, we understand how important making the best decision possible for your loved one and your family can be. If you or a loved one have experienced a serious illness or injury, why not give us a call? Our senior living concierge staff are here to help you make the best possible decisions for the journey ahead. Our “Meet Me Where I Am” program is based on understanding your needs and adapting to the moment. We join individuals in their current reality and help them chart the course of their condition with clear, compassionate, and personalized health programs that enhance quality of life. To learn more about what our Village can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable and caring senior concierge staff. We’d be happy to see you through the healing process ahead. Frequently asked questions about acute and subacute care What’s the difference between hospital, acute, and subacute care? The difference between an inpatient/outpatient hospital stay, acute rehabilitation, and subacute care lies in the intensity and frequency of care. With a short-term hospital stay and acute rehab, patients engage in a vigorous and intense therapy schedule. In contrast, subacute rehab tends to be for patients who are moving from an acute rehab facility or hospital to a skilled nursing home facility, memory care facility, assisted living facility, or their home. Subacute care patients may be getting better or need less intense rehab services. Who qualifies for subacute care? Patients who qualify for sub-acute rehab and care may have experienced the following: What are the benefits of choosing an assisted living facility for subacute care? As hospitals continue to surge with new patients, the market for post-acute