How is an assisted living community different than a nursing home?
An assisted living community and a nursing home are different options available to older adults and those with health conditions who can no longer live independently or choose to live in a more communal setting. Assisted living offers an enhanced residential experience and is not a medical environment, whereas nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing assistance and intensive therapies for those who have ongoing complex or unstable medical conditions. Assisted living provides resident-centered, apartment living with freedom of choice, independence and a quality of life experience often similar to previous living arrangements with the option to bring in skilled nursing care for those who need it. This distinction is often why people choose assisted living.
How are assisted living communities regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts assisted living communities are designed, operated, and regulated as resident-centered apartments with personalized care and supportive services. Personal care services offered in assisted living cover a broad range of activities of daily life to assist the resident in maintaining the highest level of dignity and independence possible. An individualized, functional assessment and service plan are developed for each resident and are revised as new needs arise. The individualized assessment and service plan identify and monitor resident needs and implement plans to meet those needs.
Do assisted living residences offer special services and programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia? What are Special Care Units?
Please see services provided by our Eisenberg’s Keepsake Unit.
What is the role of the family in assisted living?
At Eisenberg Assisted Living, residents select and make arrangements for the services they may want or need, and may include family members in the decision making, service planning and service delivery process. For residents with memory loss, family members may play a greater role. However, there may be circumstances, i.e., if a resident is determined to be incompetent to make decisions and direct care, when a legal guardian or representative must be appointed. Regardless of the resident’s level of cognitive ability, families can be an important part of the “service package” – coordinating healthcare appointments, driving residents to doctor’s offices, even providing some of the direct care, such as help with bathing.
Is there a nurse on duty?
Eisenberg has a licensed nurse available as needed. Assisted living providers are not required to employ a full-time nurse.
If my health needs change while living at Eisenberg Assisted Living, will I automatically have to move into a skilled nursing facility?
Not necessarily. Some residents receive physical therapy, home care services, and even hospice in their home at Eisenberg Assisted Living. Others return from brief hospitalizations or rehabilitation stays. With any changes in your health condition, the Eisenberg team helps to determine if remaining in your residence is possible.
Does Eisenberg Assisted Living have visiting hours?
When you live at Eisenberg Assisting Living it is not different than living at home. You are free to welcome and entertain guests as you desire. The only exception is for those residents with memory impairment who live in our Keepsake Neighborhood. There access is limited for their safety and protection.
May I bring my own furnishings?
Absolutely. This is your home and we encourage all the comforts and furnishings to which you are accustomed.