Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is assisted living and why can it be a better option than home care?
  • What is independent living?
  • What is memory care?
  • What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
  • How do I know if Stacy’s Helping Hand can help and will be a good service for our family?
  • What kinds of care options are available?
  • Do facilities and communities have any medication management programs?
  • What if my elderly loved one has a medical emergency?
  • Is there access to a full time nurse?
  • How much does it cost to live in facilities?
  • Can someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia live in assisted living or independent living?
  • What type of care is needed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
  • Is there a security deposit required or an entrance fee?
  • Can I bring my own furnishings to my apartment?
  • Can I bring my pet to facilities and/or communities?
  • Is smoking allowed at facilities or communities?
  • How is the food at the facilities and communities?
  • Will I have privacy at a facility or community?
  • Can we move in as a couple?
  • How do I arrange a visit?

Assisted living communities can provide more oversite or offer on-demand assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) for a resident. These communities also offer independence, come in all sizes, are socially oriented models, and many provide a high level of care.

Independent living communities are primarily designed for seniors who are capable of living independently. Many times a senior does not want to have the responsibility of owning a home or the responsibilities of everyday life. These communities provide oversite, offer meals, may offer transportation and have an array of social activities that are enjoyable to the resident.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia communities are secured and reserved for those who have memory impairments that limit their ability to care for themselves on a daily basis. Residents live in either private or semi-private settings and are supervised by trained staff who provide structured activities and personal care.

Independent Living can provide scheduled care with a home care company. Assisted Living provides on-demand care. An assisted living in a smaller setting also provides more eyes-on care which can be helpful if a resident is a fall risk or has dementia.

Independent Living becomes a concern if you need assistance toileting or are a fall risk. The staff at the community cannot help you – only the home care company you have hired to help can assist you with any activities of daily living.

To see if we are good service for your family you can give us a call for a free consultation. Together we can discuss how we can help you. Regardless of whether you choose to use our service, we can talk about your care options.

Below is what Families tell us about our service:

  • Their family saved countless hours of time and stress because we had done the leg work by touring and inspecting more than 300 Denver Metro facilities.
  • Together we quickly ruled out dozens of facilities that wouldn’t be a good fit because of our high level assessment and deep understanding of their loved one’s needs.
  • Educating them about what may lie ahead gave them a sense of relief just knowing.
  • By working with us they avoided spending thousands of additional dollars each month on care.
  • They felt assured knowing we were there and it made the transition seamless and easier.
  • Having us as their liaison for 3 months or longer gave them peace of mind. They felt relieved that if there were any issues we would be there to advocate for them.

There are many types of care options available: Assisted Living facilities, Independent living communities, Alzheimer’s/Dementia facilities, Continuum of Care communities, Nursing Homes, Home Care, Adult Day Centers, and Respite Care.

Yes, communities do offer medication management. Most large communities charge an additional fee to provide you with medication management. Smaller communities/homes include the medication management with the care cost.

A plan can and should be in place for your loved one’s wishes. If a medical emergency arises, the facility will contact you and/or may send them to the hospital. If they send them to the hospital, ask if they will be accompanied.

It depends on the facility and community whether they have a full time nurse. We can discuss which communities do have a full time nurse.

The cost for a community or facility varies greatly and depends on the type of facility and the level of care needed. Generally it can range from $2,700 to $12,000 per month. The average facility ranges between $4,500 $9,000 per month.

Yes, a person with Alzheimer or dementia can live in Independent Living and Assisted Living, but it depends on the level of their dementia and what type of facility. Long term many times it is not a good fit or advisable for someone to live in Independent Living or a larger Assisted Living.

Generally, a smaller setting is better for someone with more moderate to advanced dementia. In addition, staff trained to understand dementia is advisable so they understand how to approach and care for the person.

Some communities ask for a security deposit. Most times a community asks for a non-refundable “move in fee” or “community fee.” An entrance fee is only applicable to some of the Continuum of Care Communities.

You will bring your own furnishings in an apartment setting, whether it is Assisted Living, Independent Living or a Continuum of Care Community. Smaller Assisted Living Facilities can generally provide furnishings, if you wish.

Most communities do not allow large pets. If the community does allow pets, generally it is a cat or a small dog. Give us a call and we can discuss which communities allow pets.

Today it is much less common for facilities and communities to allow smoking. Give us a call and we can discuss which communities we know allow smoking.

The food can be very good. We suggest you eat at the community and see what you think before you choose the community.

You will have privacy. The only type of care facility where it is difficult to have privacy is a nursing home.

Of course you can move in together. We do find that it is hard to find a community that is a great fit for both couples, but we can try our best.

If you are working with us, then we will schedule the tour and accompany you. You can also drop in. If it is your first time visiting, we suggest you call ahead because you are more likely to get answers to all your questions.

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