10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in South Boston, MA

Assisted Living in South Boston, Massachusetts

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is one type of senior care that provides residents support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents in assisted living can expect to get support with ADLs that include bathing, dressing, medication management, meals and more. Not to be mixed up with a skilled nursing community where occupants receive nursing services night and day, residents in assisted living routinely have access to staff 24 hours a day while likewise enjoying engaging activities and a solid sense of community. Occasionally, assisted living communities have support for seniors with particular medical needs such as cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or a related type of dementia, diabetes, or incontinence care.

Deciding what type of senior care you or your family member needs can be a challenging decision. To make certain you are choosing the right level of care, speak with a medical professional. You may also call our Senior Living Advisors who are standing by to answer any of your questions and help you find a senior care community that meets your preferences.

What Services Are Available?

Amenities and services offered in assisted living can vary greatly in each community. Generally, most communities give a variety of accommodation types, meal plans, transportation, and more.

Other services often found in assisted living include:

• Medical services
• Physical and rehabilitation therapies on-site and off-site
• Activities and entertainment calendar
• Exercise and nutrition programs
• Housekeeping services
• Medication administration
• Transportation services

How Do I Tour Assisted Living Communities?

It is highly recommended that you tour multiple assisted living communities before choosing the best one for you or your loved one. Touring several communities can help you discover what options are available, what your own preferences are, and will ultimately help you make a decision. Phone or contact A Place for Mom and we will help you setup a tour at your desired community.

Below are a few of the top questions you’ll want to be ready to ask during your tour:

• Are the current people friendly and cheerful?
• Are there any services not included in the monthly rate? If so, what exactly are they and exactly how much can they cost?
• Is a nurse usually available night and day?
• Is an initial assessment required before admission?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how long might it be before you can move in?
• Will there be a courtyard or patio for residents to enjoy space outdoors?
• What are your unit accommodation alternatives?
• What exactly are your billing and payment policies and procedures?
• What does the outside of the community look like? Is it neat and tidy?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the team members involved? Friendly?
• What is your discharge plan?
• What is your prescription administration plan?
• What kind of know-how and schooling do your staff possess?

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

As the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease, Medicare can play a necessary role in paying for some senior care.

But, it is vital to comprehend what Medicare can pay for and what it will not. If the beneficiary has been in the hospital for at least three days, Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care linked to hospitalization for 100 days, if your physician recommends it.

Medicare has four main parts:

1. 1. Part A, Hospital Insurance: This can help pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing community (following a hospital stay), home health care and hospice care.
   2. Part B, Medical Insurance: This helps pay for services supplied by doctors and different healthcare providers, outpatient care, many preventive care services, durable medical equipment, plus some home health care expenses.
   3. Part C, Medicare Advantage: These plans can be found in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all their health care services, including Part D prescription drugs if a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) is selected, through among these provider organizations under Part C.
   4. Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage: This helps pay for prescription drugs.

Medicare covers medically necessary skilled care at a nursing home only if you need short-term skilled care for an illness or injury and you meet certain conditions.

How Can I See Assisted Living Inspections and Ratings in Massachusetts?

The state of Massachusetts offers great usage of its assisted living community data through it’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs website. Obtainable data includes licensed assisted living communities that are updated frequently, and details about assisted living licensing and violations.

In the state of Massachusetts, assisted living communities are required by law to:

• Provide enough staff to care for residents, but aren’t required to have a nurse on staff 24 hours per day
• Provide assistance and oversight with bathing, dressing, and mobility to all residents who have these activities in their service plan
• Provide each resident with a written service plan that includes a doctor s evaluation and evaluation

How Do I Choose the Right Assisted Living Community?

Choosing the assisted living community that’s right for you as well as your loved one is definitely one of the most important decisions you can make. During your visit, consider the caliber of attention that a family member may receive. The decision of if, when and where to move resides solely with you and your family, so consider what factors are actually important to you. You can also read through some of the 698 reviews about communities in the greater South Boston region. Here are some things to consider:

• Activities: It s a good idea to try and schedule your tour in conjunction with community activities. Ask the manager when you can watch the activities as well as participate. Are the activities and events well attended? Will the staff appear to be having fun with the experience as well? Take a look at the community calendar of events. Do they match your loved one s interests? Do the activities and get-togethers vary in size and type? Do they incorporate outings and trips from the community? If it’s important to your household, Don’t forget to check out faith based services.
• Cleanliness: Does the community feel clean and healthy? Make sure to look past the furnishings and into baseboards, edges, and windows. Ask how often housekeeping is given in the personal living space. Make sure you get full information on the types of routine service provided and the expected response times. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Obtain specifics on what’s obtainable and at what expense.
• Friendliness: The attitude and friendliness of the personnel are of the most importance. Make sure that you observe several staff members interacting with current people. Do they listen and make eye contact? Be sure to receive a good knowledge of the staffing structure. How many people are actually involved in residents care? Ensure you get an introduction to the management group. This can help you understand the goals of the community. It is important that you have confidence in the property s management.
• Meals: Much like most of us, the dining room experience is important to seniors. When visiting communities, it is necessary to go over entrée choices and find out about dining hours, choices, and procedures. Be sure you and your family member enjoy a meal at community. Not only is it a terrific way to sample the cuisine, but it s an excellent possibility to meet other residents. Be sure to discuss what goes on if a resident is not able to make it to the dining area for a meal.
• Reputation: Ask residents and families, past and present, for his or her honest opinions about the community. Various communities have a resident council that’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
• Security and safety: Security and safety features are incredibly important and offer reassurance for the caregiver. Be sure that bathrooms are easy to get to and have grab bars in convenient spots. Ask how residents contact the staff if they have an emergency in their living area. Find out about other security features available in living quarters and throughout the community. Make sure you learn about staffing structures to determine who’s on-site continuously to assist residents. Are there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing schedules differ at night? How does community assist or manage residents medication needs?
• Trust your gut: As you are visiting, make sure you think about yourself or your loved one actually living at the community. Can you imagine your family member feeling contented? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents open, welcoming and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in South Boston, MA?

The typical cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts in 2018 was $5,495 monthly while the average monthly cost for South Boston ranges from $6,033 to $9,268 monthly. Charges for assisted living communities may differ widely based on amenities, specific location, and services, consequently if the cost can be an issue consider looking into local suburbs and towns might offer you more versatility in your spending budget.

To find out more on assisted living costs, visit A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Cost Planner, based on the actual prices families pay when they move into assisted living and it is the only cost index of its kind.

How to Finance Assisted Living

Many families encounter sticker shock when beginning their hunt for senior living. How exactly to finance senior care is definitely an obstacle for care. Many families pay for a move to assisted living through the sale of a home or personal savings, but for some persons, this might not exactly be an option.

Here are three other choices that may help you pay for assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies: If the senior getting into assisted living has a life insurance policy, you may be able to liquidate the policy and receive funds today to cover senior care costs. Different constraints and regulations apply depending on the kind of coverage you have, so get in touch with a financial advisor or eldercare lawyer to discover more about your options.
2. Reverse Mortgages: For senior couples who may have different care requirements, a reverse mortgage could be a good approach for one person to move into assisted living while another remains in the home. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 or older to borrow on their home equity. For more information, get in touch with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to look for a reverse mortgage counseling agency in your area or contact the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
3. Veterans Benefits: Various veterans are unaware they are qualified to receive senior care benefits. The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit has helped many families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans are required to be at least 65 years old and have served at least 3 months of active duty, with at least one day during what the Veterans Administration considers “active” wartime periods. Qualifying widows and widowers of veterans may also be able to receive benefits. With the existing average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it s worth it to determine if your family member may qualify for benefits. To learn more about benefits for veterans, see contact the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs or check outwww.va.gov.

For more ideas about how exactly to finance your move to senior living, get in touch with A Place for Mom to speak to a Senior Living Advisor today.

5 Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living community

There s no question that choosing an assisted living community can be overwhelming. However, considering these five things when thinking about making the move to assisted living can help you make a better-informed decision:

1. How many staff are on hand to assist at night? Some assisted living communities provide nursing personnel around the clock, while others may have more generalized help on hand after hours. It is not required that around the clock care be included in assisted living in Massachusetts.
2. Is there a waitlist? Here’s where doing your homework can really pay off – plan in advance! Popular communities can fill fast. If the one you like isn’t available, ask about the waitlist and what the community s policy is for handling it. Many communities will ask for a deposit and some communities have internal lists for special care needs.
3. Is there an outdoor space? Going to assisted living will not mean you or your loved one needs to give up a beloved garden or patio space. If accessing a gardening area, a patio or a courtyard is definitely important for your loved one, visit a community that offers residents that space. Various larger assisted living communities offer a range of yards, with features such as jogging paths, gardens and BBQ spaces for community activities.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25% of assisted living communities have a ratio of one personal care assistant for every 23 residents. Staffing can vary widely depending on the size of the community, so make sure to enquire about the communities you would like. Ultimately, you need to understand if this community will give you your loved one with the help and support they need?
5. What services are included in the monthly cost? Understand what is normally included in the standard fee structure and what might incur additional cost before signing any agreement. Some communities employ a fee-for-service model, or a la carte pricing, which means they bill a monthly payment for rent and meals but additional costs for things like medication management. Others may use a tiered pricing model where different levels of services are charged different charges. Eldercare attorneys can review these contracts and assist you to with any discrepancies.

Contact us for more information regarding what to search for when visiting an assisted living community.

What Else Should I Consider Think about choosing a Community?

There s no shortage of senior care options in South Boston – which is why we have Senior Living Advisors prepared to help. They are experts in helping match seniors to the communities that are the best fit for their budget, care requirements, and personality.

Below are a few things to remember during your search:

• Focus on current necessities. What does your family member need today? Do they need support bathing and dressing? Do they have special circumstances like limited ability to see or special diets? Think about the here and now, not what might have been their choice ten or 15 years back.
• If possible, tour at least three communities. Start with planned tours and consider having a meal with the residents. If none seem like a good fit, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more options and Don’t hesitate to ask questions and take notes while you re there.
• View the community through your family member s lens – not your own. It could be easy to be swayed by the services and features you might choose for yourself, but eventually it comes down to what will work best for your family member. Would they benefit from the benefits of a bigger community or become more comfortable in a small, more intimate setting?

The process of deciding on the best assisted living community can be confusing, but we are here to guide you navigate your senior care search.

Call A Place for Mom today – we can help relieve your stress while helping you save money and time, ultimately finding a place that meets your finances and care requirements.

What Is Senior Living Like in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a lovely state with a wealthy history. Senior living residents in Massachusetts enjoy access to big city experiences while also enjoying picturesque East Coast charm. The state has four distinct seasons, boasting stunning fall foliage, scenic winter landscapes, bright springtime flowers, and hot summer time days to be enjoyed at the state s shoreline.

When considering choosing senior living in South Boston, MA, there are various points to consider, from the amount of health care and support to lifestyle, location and more. Massachusetts has many options available so you’re able to make a confident and informed decision for your loved ones.