Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a retirement community is an important decision. Following are questions frequently asked about Stratford Companies and continuing care communities.
What is a continuing care retirement community?
Continuing care retirement communities, also called CCRC's offer licensed programs for increasing levels of assistance designed to meet the changing health and service needs of residents -- all on the same campus.
What is a congregate care retirement community?
This is another term for Continuing Care Retirement Community.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is for residents who need more help with the activities of daily living but do not require nursing care. Friendly, trained staff is available 24 hours a day to help with meals, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, medications, laundry, and housekeeping. Assisted Living is a special combination of housing, personalized care and health care designed to respond to the individual needs of those who require help with the activities of daily living. Staff is available 24 hours to meet both scheduled and unscheduled needs.
Who benefits from Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is appropriate for someone who needs help with the "activities of daily living" but does not require the services that a nursing home provides. Stratford's Assisted Living services are tailored to meet the specific needs of those residents who require additional support services. Assisted Living is appropriate for someone who can no longer live at home or who wants extra support.
What types of services are offered in Assisted Living Residences?
The services that are available in an Assisted Living community usually include:
- Three meals a day
- Housekeeping
- Transportation
- Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
- Access to health and medical services
- 24-hour security and staff availability
- Emergency call systems in each resident's unit
- Health promotion and exercise programs
- Medication management
- Personal laundry services
- Social and recreational activities
Isn't continuing care expensive?
It is really a matter of values. If security and stability are important to you, then your investment will prove to be extremely efficient. When you consider that continuing care may offer you the ability to enjoy a more active retirement than if you lived alone, and your changing needs can be met through assisted living and nursing care on the same campus, continuing care can be a prudent use of your income and assets. If you have an average retirement income and own a home, you will probably qualify for residency.
How will I know if I have enough money to live in this community?
Please call us or send an e-mail to the contact listed for the community of your choice for a current fee schedule and explanation of entrance and monthly fees for that community. Our sales and marketing director is ready to assist you in analyzing your finances and projecting the necessary assets and income.
How does the community use our fees?
Entrance fees are used to cover major capital improvements in the community, fund any operating deficits, and fund reserves needed for future expenses. Monthly fees cover a wide range of amenities and services and your pro-rated share of the community's actual operating expenses. This fee may vary over time with changes in the general economy. The Stratford Companies is dedicated to utilizing funds wisely and carefully for each of our communities.
How will I go about making this important choice?
We urge you to visit our communities. Take a tour, meet residents, and ask your questions. We will welcome your visit and be glad to assist you however we can!
What is Senior Living?
Senior living is for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living among people their own age in a sound environment with access to wonderful services and amenities like chef-prepared meals, fitness programs, transportation and housekeeping. Senior communities vary in size and in type of living environments offered. Features and amenities can include meals, transportation services, common spaces like libraries and activities rooms and fitness programs. Residences vary in size and style and range from two-bedroom bungalows to three bedroom apartments.
Are Senior Living Communities rental properties or do you buy them?
Typically, a Seniors community is a rental community with a month-to-month lease; however, some communities have residents purchase a home or participate in an endowment or "buy-in" program. The Stratford Communities are not these types of communities.
What is the typical age qualification for "Senior Living?"
Typically, senior living starts at age 62.
What does "Special Care" or "Memory Care" mean?
Special Care usually refers to specialized services delivered in a secure area for memory-impaired residents. Special care staff members have expertise in caring for residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia with patience and compassion. Everything from stimulating activities to the simplicity of the building layout and design is created with the Alzheimer's residents' special needs in mind.
Do senior living communities typically offer transportation?
Transportation services are often provided to scheduled locations that have a broad appeal. Some communities offer "Personal Express" services that are available for local transport with advance notice. All Stratford Communities provide transportation services.
What types of activities are offered in a Stratford Community?
Activities programs vary by community. Programs can include:
- Exercise classes
- Art classes
- Movies
- Reading groups
- Day trips
- Computer classes
- Tai chi classes
- Fitness Centers
- Wellness programs
- Resource centers
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