Finding a senior care facility is a first-time experience for many senior citizens and their families. Therefore, it’s unsurprising when they have several questions about matters like senior placement, types of care facilities, and the application process.

As a result, Senior Living Placement Specialists, a leader in the industry, aims to proactively answer client’s most frequently asked questions to enhance their knowledge in the process.

We have direct connections with the best providers in Pennsylvania, New York, and surrounding states, from assisted living facilities to luxury independent/personal care communities, respite care centers, and hospice services. As a result, our senior placement specialists are incredibly versatile in terms of knowledge, resources, and experience.

1. What is Senior Placement?

Senior placement is the process of finding new homes for individuals who require temporary or long-term supervision and care. Senior Living Placement Specialists is a leading senior placement agency that works directly with seniors and their families to find the best facilities for their needs in Pennsylvania, New York, and surrounding states.

2. What is a Senior Care Facility?

A senior care facility is a housing facility for seniors who cannot or choose not to live independently and people with limitations or illnesses that require specialized care.

3. What are the Main Types of Senior Care Facilities?

The main types of senior care facilities are assisted living facilities, independent living/personal care communities, and Alzheimer/Memory Care services. These facilities are distinguished based on the type of residents they serve and the amenities, services, and level of care they provide.

For instance, independent living communities provide physical independence through apartments or detached homes to seniors by taking care of upkeep, meal preparation, laundry, and other daily chores while providing a host of activities and amenities in a secure, connected environment.

In contrast, memory care homes offer specialized care, equipment, and activities in a centralized environment to offer round-the-clock supervision, meal preparation, medication management, cognitive therapy, and social activities, among other services.

4. How Do You Know When Your Loved One Needs Specialized Care and Supervision

• They need help with daily living activities, such as bathing, cooking, dressing, taking medications, etc., and could benefit from having 24/7 assistance.
• They’re afraid to be alone, and you have other priorities, such as work, errands, etc.
• They cannot manage their finances due to declining age or impaired judgment caused by illness.
• They’re traumatized by certain events, such as loss or accidents, and require a social environment.
• They ocassionaly forget names, things, and events.
• They have difficulty recalling information or finding the right words during a conversation.

5. How Do You Determine the Most Appropriate Living Situation for Each Client?

Each person’s lifestyle, health, and financial situations are unique and prone to changes over time. Therefore, our senior placement specialists help clients evaluate their current care needs based on their situation and accommodate them according to their changing requirements.

6. What Is the Difference Between an Assisted Living Facility and an Independent/Personal Care Facility?

Assisted living facilities and independent/personal care communities are quite similar in terms of the services they provide. The key difference lies in the level of care. For instance, independent living facilities are similar to retirement homes, offering a permanent residence with meals, housekeeping, recreational activities, and other amenities.

Assisted living facilities offer the same amenities and services but in a more controlled, centralized environment. More importantly, they offer additional health care services to assist with activities of daily living, making these facilities ideal for residents with advanced health issues and age-related limitations.

7. What Is the Cost of Senior Placement Services?

At Senior Living Placement Specialists, we don’t charge any fee for our placement services.  Our services are at no cost to the clients we serve. We are compensated directly by the care facilities.

8. How Long Is the Placement Process?

Depending on the urgency and clients ‘ specifications, the placement process can take anywhere from a few hours in emergency cases to a few days. We take our time to thoroughly assess each situation to find the best options for your needs in terms of the level of care, budget, location, and preferences. However, we can accommodate whatever timeline you’re faced with.

9. Can Clients Choose Their Care Provider?

Of course! Clients are in full control of who cares for them. Our senior placement specialists will provide a list of recommended facilities based on your needs assessment following the consultation. Moreover, we’ll also coordinate facility tours to evaluate different options and choose the one that meets your expectations.

If you have a facility in mind, you can let us know, and we can have our team fast-track the placement process and take care of all the other requirements.

10. Do Health Insurance or Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

Unfortunately, most health insurance companies, including Medicare, do not cover assisted living. In most cases, their coverage is limited to hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, treatments, and physician’s fees.

However, our placement specialists are here to locate the best facilities that meet your needs. We will negotiate on your behalf. Our specialists are also trained to research for additional State and Federal assistance, Veteran and Spouse of Veteran’s benefits, and individual facility promotions.

11. What Type of Care Is Received in Memory Care and Assisted Living Facilities?

Staff in assisted living and memory care facilities undergo extensive training to provide the level of care needed to help residents improve their lifestyles and maintain their physical/mental health. To work in memory care homes, medical directors, social workers, nurses, aides, therapists, and activities staff receive special dementia training.

12. What Is the Difference Between Hospice and Respite Services?

Hospice is a specialized care program that focuses on terminally ill patients to keep them as comfortable as possible during the last phases of their lives and attend to their physical and emotional needs. In contrast, respite services offer seniors or people with limitations temporary residences to give their primary caregivers a relief from their care duties.