Transitioning to senior living can be difficult for the senior, as well as for their family members. There are lots of questions about the future, and answers can be tricky to find. We’ve compiled a list of senior living FAQs as a resource for your family.
If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Financial Planning
How much does assisted living cost? And what’s included?
Costs vary depending on the level of care and the apartment style selected. Our monthly fees typically include a private apartment, three daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, activities, and access to care services.
How can I pay for assisted living?
There are several ways to pay for assisted living, including private funds, long-term care insurance, veteran benefits, and other programs. Our team can walk you through your options and help identify the best plan for your family.
Does Medicare cover assisted living?
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of assisted living, but it may cover certain healthcare services residents receive while living in our communities.
How often do I make payments to live at The Arbors and The Ivy Assisted Living Communities?
All of our residents sign an initial one-year lease to create a sense of stability. After that time, the lease will automatically transition to a month-to-month agreement. You and your family can decide to terminate residency at any time with a 30-day written notice.
Assisted Living FAQs for Family
When can I visit my parent or loved one? Are there any visitation restrictions?
Do you offer short-term stays?
Yes. We offer respite care for short-term stays, which can range from a few days to several weeks. Respite care is temporary care provided for older adults who need support while their primary caregiver is unavailable. This is a great option if a caregiver is away, if your loved one wants to try out community life before making a longer commitment, or if you need a break to prevent caregiver burnout.
Do you offer specialized memory care?
Yes, we do. Reflections is a community here at The Arbors and The Ivy dedicated to senior residents with memory concerns, including Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our staff are specially trained to provide compassionate, personalized care in a secure and supportive environment.
What if my parent has a medical emergency?
Resident safety is a top priority in all our communities. Depending on the location, residents may have access to emergency call systems, such as pull cords in bedrooms and bathrooms, or wearable pendants. In our memory care neighborhoods, we focus on proactive safety measures—such as regular wellness checks, overnight hourly rounds, and thoughtfully designed programs that keep residents engaged, supervised, and supported throughout the day.
What happens if my parent’s health needs change over time?
We offer tiered levels of care to meet changing health needs. Whether your loved one needs more support with daily tasks or additional healthcare coordination, we’re here to help.
How can I stay informed about my loved one’s care?
Family involvement is a core part of life at The Arbors and The Ivy. We maintain regular communication with families and encourage loved ones to reach out directly to our care teams at any time. Some communities also offer family events and service plan meetings to stay connected and informed.
Life at The Arbors and The Ivy
What are your dining services like? Can you accommodate specific dietary needs?
Yes! We offer a variety of options at each meal to accommodate dietary needs. Meals can also be adjusted in consideration of allergies or modified due to medical needs. Meals are served three times a day in a restaurant-style dining room, and all of our communities have a pub open 24/7 for snacks and drinks.
Do you have nurses or medical personnel on staff?
Yes. Each community has:
- Medication management support, including assistance with self-administered and limited administration medications
- Nursing staff on-site seven days a week and available after hours
- 24/7 staffing and emergency call systems
- On-site and third-party healthcare visits, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and podiatry
Can I bring my pet?
Can I bring my own furniture?
Absolutely! We want our residents to feel comfortable and at home, and we encourage everyone to personalize their apartment with their own furnishings and décor. Each apartment comes with standard features, including a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and sink, as well as large, easy-to-access bathrooms with walk-in showers. You’re welcome to make the space your own and create a home that reflects your personal style.
How much privacy do residents have in their apartments?
Do you offer transportation services?
Yes. Our Watertown, Ellington, and Dracut centers provide scheduled weekly transportation for activities and medical appointments. Each of these locations also offers transportation to local healthcare visits by appointment, using a dedicated van and driver. Appointments can be scheduled through the front desk.
All of our communities have a larger van available for regular shopping trips, grocery runs, and group outings.
At our other locations, residents can access transportation through local services such as PVTA, MBTA (with senior cards), or town-specific programs like “The Ride.” We’re happy to help coordinate and provide more information about these options.
Touring Our Communities
How do I schedule a tour? Do you offer virtual tours?
Scheduling a tour is easy. You can book an in-person or virtual tour online or by calling your preferred community.
What happens during a tour?
During your visit, you’ll meet with a member of our team, explore the community, see apartment options, and get your questions answered. You’ll have the chance to experience the energy and warmth of our residents and staff—and understand why so many families choose The Arbors and The Ivy.
Reach Out to Us Today and Get Your Senior Living Questions Answered
As you’re determining where your loved one should spend their golden years, these are the questions you should ask the senior living communities you may be considering.
For more information reach out to us at 860.698.8613. It’s our pleasure to discuss any additional questions you may have.