Q. What is a (SNF) skilled nursing center?

A. SNF provides 24-hour licensed nurses with physician oversight.

Q. What is the difference between a skilled nursing center and assisted living facility?

A. Assisted Living may or may not have a licensed nurse 24 hours per day. They are not allowed to administer medications.

Q. How can I determine if my loved one needs a skilled nursing center?

A. If your loved one is unable to independently perform daily care activities, administer meds, or prepare meals, etc.

Q. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

A. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for 65+years and disabled and is accessible when a person has a 3-midnight stay at an acute care setting. Medicaid is a state-funded financial assistance program.

Q. Who pays for SNF?

A. Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance, Private

Q. What is assisted living?

A. Assisted Living combines housing and supportive health care services for those who cannot or prefer not to live alone and don't need the 24-hour skilled medical care of a nursing home. It is specifically designed to provide assistance to those who still want their independence but need help with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication. Assisted living bridges the gap between the independence of retirement living and the total reliance upon long-term nursing care and promotes maximum privacy, security, respect, and, most of all, independence.

Q. How will we know when it's right to move ourselves or our loved one into an assisted living residence?

A. The decision to move into an assisted living residence is often difficult. Our staff will assist you in any way we can to help make that decision a little easier.

Q. Is there cable TV and phone service available?

A. Both cable television and phone service are available.

Q. Are any of my expenses tax deductible?

A. As a resident of a retirement community some or all of your personal care expenses or Assisted Living expenses may be tax deductible as medical expenses if you and/or your family meet certain criteria. For more information, refer to IRS publication 502. This publication can be accessed at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-3676.