Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home: When Do You Choose Each?

For those considering assisted living and nursing homes, you’ve likely heard of these terms before. Not knowing the difference between these two types of senior care can lead to confusion about which is better — and most suited to a senior’s needs. And with so many different types of senior care facilities available — memory care versus nursing homes, assisted living versus memory care, and more — you’re now faced with more decisions than ever. Choosing between more care options is a great problem to have. We’re here to help you simplify the decision-making process, so you can focus on spending more quality time with your loved one and less time worrying about the level of care they’ll receive. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between assisted living versus nursing homes, this article is for you. Join us! In this article,  we’ll discuss: Assisted living and nursing homes: 5 key differences Assisted living Nursing homes 1. Assisted living facilities provide help with activities of daily living2. Restaurant and pub-style dining — plus happy hours3. A full social calendar of activities, outings, and in-house events4. Apartment-style options including one-bedroom and club suite living arrangements5. Less medical attention needed 1. Skilled nursing care specialists provide extensive, 24-hour medical care to nursing home patients2. Significant help with meals and feeding Increased safety features3. Private and shared rooms4. More medical attention needed Let’s take a deeper look at assisted living communities Assisted living communities: these are long-term housing arrangements for older adults who are active but need some support with activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, and medication management). Assisted living facilities tend to provide opportunities to live a social lifestyle for seniors who are active but need help with everyday tasks. The strong sense of community can be a huge selling point for those looking for community-style living with comprehensive amenities and benefits that won’t break the bank. And let’s explore nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities In contrast, nursing homes are for seniors and older adults who need full-time monitoring and medical support. Nursing homes offer some of the highest levels of medical care for individuals who don’t need full-time hospitalization, monitoring, or medical support. Comparing services in assisted living and nursing homes Assisted living communities offer services and amenities to keep residents healthy, engaged, and independent. Whereas the main focus of nursing home care is to provide round-the-clock medical care to monitor involved health issues. Skilled nursing care is a key feature of nursing homes. In skilled nursing facilities, medical professionals are available 24/7 to help support older adults and seniors. Nursing homes are best suited for individuals with serious medical conditions, and individuals who need specialized care from a licensed healthcare professional. While assisted living can provide healthcare, its main focus is on the activities, entertainment, socializing, and light help at meal times. In contrast, nursing homes focus on providing activities that nourish residents and patients who are ill or need more medical support. Common services and amenities in assisted living communities Common services and amenities found in assisted living communities include the following: A few assisted living facilities that provide enhanced medical care also offer the following: Common services and amenities in nursing homes In contrast, nursing homes offer some of the same services as assisted living facilities. But, the scope of medical care at a nursing home is often greater than at an assisted living facility. Some of the services provided include the following: At nursing homes and many assisted living facilities —for patients who’ve been in the facility for a long time — external companies contracted by the facility provide medical care services. Individuals who need more extensive medical care from nurses and physicians can qualify for a nursing home. Individuals who’ve had major strokes, disabling falls, or chronic diseases may qualify to stay in a nursing home. The benefits of assisted living and nursing homes While nursing home care tends to focus on people with chronic medical conditions, assisted living services tend to serve active seniors looking for a community that offers a social lifestyle and help with everyday tasks. Nursing homes are ideal for seniors who need higher levels of care or who live with chronic or severe health problems. Note: A loved one’s physician should always be included when any type of care placement is discussed. Some assisted living facilities state that bloodwork or chest X-rays are conditions for admission. In fact, nursing homes state that a physician must determine a person’s eligibility. Older adults who are self-sufficient but need a little extra help staying safe, socializing, and taking care of light housekeeping tend to benefit from assisted living. Whereas a person with significant challenges with activities of daily living — that is, people with severe or chronic illnesses — can benefit from the medical care and supervision offered in a nursing home. In sum, assisted living benefits those seniors who may: Nursing home care benefits those seniors who may: Entry criteria for assisted living versus nursing homes When deciding between assisted living and nursing homes, consider that each has different criteria for entry. While assisted living communities mention that residents need to meet certain health standards and functional requirements, nursing homes are different. One of the only entry requirements to confirm that a senior is eligible for a nursing home is that they need a higher level of care. For example, assisted living communities tend to say that residents need to be able to eat and transfer from a bed or wheelchair without much help. What’s more, assisted living communities may also not accept residents with severe cognitive impairments and behavioral issues. To enter a nursing home and qualify for ongoing medical care, prospective residents must complete an assessment. Most states mention that seniors must complete a physical assessment per a physician’s order to be eligible to receive care from licensed nursing homes. And, as always, a senior must meet each state’s criteria to enter a nursing home.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? What You Need to Know

Medicaid, Medical, and Medicare: these government-funded programs all help people cover the costs of dementia care. But is memory care covered under Medicare? At Village Walk, our senior care concierge team answers this question more than you know. The short answer is yes — but only somewhat. Nothing’s worse than paying for medical services you’re not completely familiar with, which is why we’re here to shed light on the role of Medicare with memory care. If you’re looking for answers about whether Medicare covers the cost of memory care, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll discuss the following: What’s covered (and not covered) by Medicare Services covered by Medicare Services not covered by Medicare 1. Cognitive assessments to confirm a diagnosis of dementia2. Up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following an event like a hospital stay3. Planning for continued care and counseling4. Prescription medication for dementia5. Other custodial services depending on the case or situation 1. Room and board, and rent, associated with memory care or assisted living2. Long-term memory care Long-term help with activities of daily living (ADLs)3. Non-western-style therapies like acupuncture or herbal medicine Making sense of Medicare and memory care Medicare sounds like Medicaid, but the two programs are very different. Let’s make sure we have our definitions straight. Americans age 65 and older — and some younger people who live with a qualifying disability or health condition — are eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that covers a wide range of services, including inpatient hospital care, outpatient doctor visits, and more. Medicaid is a public health insurance program administered by each individual state. The goal of Medicaid is to help reduce barriers to care for low-income people of all ages. Finally, memory care is a type of residential long-term care service for people with Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia. In memory care neighborhoods, in-house caregivers provide services to keep residents safe and supported. Continuing care communities — like assisted living and memory care neighborhoods — provide a smooth transition from one community into the next. For older adults who need a higher level of support, the senior care staff at continuing care communities can transition older adults from assisted living to memory care with ease. Skilled nursing facilities, stand-alone memory care centers, adult day services, and board and care homes: these facilities all provide memory care support to those living with dementia. What’s more, a person can receive memory care services within the comfort of their home. But, in-home and facility-based memory care is different from assisted living and independent living. With the latter, any older adult can apply and sign up. A person is only eligible for memory care if they’ve been assigned an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis by a medical professional. Did you know? Did you know that our community often holds informational seminars about the A, B, C, and D’s of Medicare? Check us out on social media for more details. Medicare coverage for memory care expenses “Medicare may cover some memory care expenses, right?” You might wonder. Yes, that’s right. If someone with dementia is 65 years or older and enrolled in Medicare, Medicare may cover some of the health care related to dementia care and long-term nursing home care. The three main forms of Medicare that can cover memory care expenses include: We’ll detail how each can cover memory care costs in the following sections. Original Medicare provides limited coverage for memory care With original Medicare — often called Medicare Part A and Part B — original Medicare won’t pay for rent or other living costs associated with staying in memory care units. However, Medicare Part A and Part B may cover services that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia would need as part of a hospital or inpatient stay. Coverage under Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care and skilled nursing facility care, includes: Coverage under Part B, which covers medical preventive services for routine healthcare conditions, includes: Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and memory care costs Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage includes private health plans that contract with Medicare to offer the same services that Medicare Part A and Part B offer. “Why not choose Part A and Part B coverage instead?” you might be wondering. Well, many different Medicare Advantage plans exist. Some plans offer more coverage for popular healthcare services like dental, vision, and hearing care. Other Medicare Part C plans offer prescription drug benefits through Medicare Part D, the Medicare program responsible for providing prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and memory care costs Medigap is optional. This coverage plan is purchased through private insurers. Medigap bridges the gap between what Medicare Parts A and B cover and what those services cost out-of-pocket, that is, any deductibles, copays, and coinsurances owed by the insured. Similar to Medicare Part A and Part B, Medigap won’t cover most long-term memory care costs. They will, however, pay for the services that Medicare Part A and Part B offer. Understanding payment options for memory care We’ve covered Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D (briefly), and Medigap. Now, does memory care cost the same throughout the U.S.? As you guessed it, costs depend on the geographical region and type of facility providing memory care. For example, memory care in states in New England and along the Western end of the United States, like New York, Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii, tends to cost more than in southern states like Alabama and Georgia (Statista, 2024). Since Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, seniors and their loved ones should do their research to discover how to pay for dementia care room and board costs. Fortunately, financial assistance for memory care is available. People often use financial assets, long-term insurance, personal savings, and other benefits to cover care services provided in a memory care facility. Let’s take a look at some of the ways people

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