Personalized Matching to Your Perfect Senior Home.
What is the senior living search guidance that Guidingly provides?
Initially, we will be hands-on and involved in your search, saving you time and stress, handling the research and legwork, allowing you to focus on your loved one. All at no cost to you. Our advisor will meet with you and your loved one over the phone or in person, to understand your specific situation, including health needs, budget, lifestyle, location, and social preferences. As well, we accompany you on tours to provide guidance and ask key questions.
Additionally, our advisors have deep knowledge of the local senior living market, including facility reputations and amenities, which is information that isn’t always available online. We use our expertise and network with a focus on potential communities, based on your criteria, not just a list of random options.
Also, we provide objective guidance during a difficult decision-making process and can act as a knowledgeable advocate for your family. We contact communities on your behalf to negotiate rates, gather additional information, and arrange tours. We can also help with the move-in process and to ensure a smooth transition, conduct post-move feedback sessions.
Since Guidingly doesn’t have a bias toward contracted facilities, like some larger agencies might, we recommend communities which are the best option for your loved one. Our advisors have a strong, established local reputation and a clear, transparent process. Our objective is to prioritize the “right fit” for your loved one rather than referring only to the most expensive facilities that offer higher commissions.
Furthermore, we can also connect you with other specialists, such as elder-law attorneys, Medicaid specialists, or financial planners
What is the monthly cost of an Assisted Living facility, Retirement Community, or other type of senior living facility and what does it include?
To give you a clear breakdown of which services and amenities are covered in the base rate, such as utilities, meals, laundry, and internet, the total cost will vary and depends on the location, type of assisted living, retirement community or skilled nursing or other type of senior living facility you choose and the level of care services needed. Memory Care can be the costliest option. Some places include the care and medication management but the base rate is higher. When you contact us, and we learn more specifics about you or your loved one’s needs along with your location preference, we can provide an exact total cost and tell you what it includes.
Is there an entrance fee? What about one-time "buy-in" fees? And is there a typical annual rate increase for the community?
In many cases, Assisted Living and Retirement Communities typically require a one-time entrance or “community” fee in addition to the first month’s rent which is usually termed “HFM” or Higher First Month and is usually equal to one month’s rent, since there is a higher cost associated to a new move in, so you can think of it like when you first move into an apartment and the first and last month’s rent is paid up front or a security deposit. How it differs is that you don’t get it back. Some communities may be running a promotion where they are waiving the first month’s rent or they are giving other incentives. Many communities do have an annual increase depending on their operating costs. There are a few models of luxury senior living that do have a buy-in option. If that’s something you’re interested in, we can let you know which ones when you contact us.
Are financial assistance options available?
Many Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities (SNF) accept long-term care insurance. If you or your senior loved one is concerned about costs or diminishing funds, we can discuss options. When you contact us, we can help with that.
How close will the communities you are working with be to family and friends?
We realize that location and proximity to loved ones is a critical factor for many seniors and their families and for that reason we work with communities across the United States, with Suffolk and Nassau Counties of Long Island NY being our primary home base, including the New York Metropolitan and Tristate area, followed by the North East Region. But rest assured, we help those searching for an ideal place for their senior loved ones, nationwide.
Will amenities be nearby for both budget-friendly and luxury options?
We provide specialized guidance on your behalf when searching for ideal locations for your loved ones.
And, if budget is not a main concern and you are looking to retire in New York City or other popular urban venue, or a coastal community, we look for exclusive properties in upscale environments. Nature lovers may benefit from a cheerful, well-maintained garden and outdoor courtyard. Being near hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, and other conveniences might be a welcomed convenience. Whether your senior loved one is an avid birdwatcher, trendy fashionista, music lover or would enjoy listening to a concert or going to a casino, we have the ideal place for them. There are many senior living communities with countless amenities at your loved one’s doorstep, such as theatre, opera, shopping, festivals, wineries, sailing, restaurants, museums, libraries and more. These offer high-end, well curated, luxurious, lavish accommodations, that take the conveniences and comforts up a notch with white glove service. Most include housekeeping, laundry and salon services and go a step further offering manicures, pedicures and massage therapy. Some are waterfront, high-rise apartment style options, with the latest innovations such as technology-enabled smart living solutions. Many include golf course, heated swimming pool, walking path, tennis courts, fitness center, yoga classes, nutrition counseling and more. These exclusive senior living options often feature balconies and patios, chef-prepared meals and personalized wellness options that feel more like a 5-star resort.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation services to and from appointments and errands are an important service that is usually provided by the community, as well as transportation to outings. This could be a chauffeured limousine, a car service or community bus.
How many types of living options and care services available?
There are many types of senior living and care services available from modernized, high-end luxury to budget-friendly. And it depends on your loved one’s needs and finances. But don’t be overwhelmed by all of the types of facilities, because we do the research for you. Whether you need a vibrant community with high-functioning residents, enhanced care with additional monitoring, independent living with on-demand services, or a memory care program in a secure facility—we’ve got you covered. We’ve already toured most facilities and can answer your questions while helping you avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has unique personalities, needs, and preferences. Our goal is keeping your loved ones safe, happy, and engaged so they can live their best life worry-free—and giving you peace of mind in the process. We can provide advice to you on assisted living, retirement living or senior communities with specialized programs such as memory care and skilled nursing.
Is a "Continuum of Care" offered?
Many communities can accommodate the changing health needs of our senior loved ones without requiring a move to a new location.
What social and wellness programs are available?
Many communities have both daily and year-round seasonal events, customized activities such as regular fitness classes designed with seniors in mind, music and other activities to keep your loved ones physically healthy, socially engaged and intellectually stimulated.
How about the dining options?
We can provide you with a sample menu of the community’s dining options and also the mealtimes, dietary accommodations and religious observances. When we book a tour for you, we can request a luncheon or dinner tour, so you and your love one can sample a chef prepared meal, check out the residents and potential friends, and evaluate the services without obligation.
Is the community pet-friendly?
Many seniors have fur-babies, feathered or fin-friends they can’t live without, and why shouldn’t they bring their cherished pets? For this reason, a chosen community may welcome pets with opened arms, as long as your loved ones can take care of their pets or have made arrangements for a family member within close proximity to the community, step in when needed. Some communities accept more than one pet. We can find you a pet-friendly option and provide you with the community’s pet policy.
Are there opportunities for relatives of residents such as grandchildren to interact with grandparents in a shared activity setting?
Intergenerational activities in senior living communities have grown in popularity, and many family members and/or friends, whether young or old, want to actively participate in community activities with their senior relatives and buddies. In this way, you have the real definition of community.
Since visitors with families tend to meet other visitors and their families, it makes for a fun, inclusive, group activity as people get to know each other from the different families and support groups. And by extension, everyone involved is made to feel more connected to their community. Some relatives who have established bonds with the staff, may even have the potential of becoming future employees, volunteers, performers, vendors, or just continue being part of their relative’s support team. All of this, encourages more meaningful visits and a fulfilling experience for all.
What are the qualifications of the staff?
This is a measure of personalized attention and care quality. If it’s an assisted living facility, state regulators have strict requirements for staff qualifications and training in licensed assisted living communities.
Typically, Aides must have specific and on-the-job training with an experienced Aide to shadow and are supervised by a nurse. Many also have certifications, such as CPR. In addition to initial qualifications, ongoing training is important.
Assisted living staff must complete regular training sessions on topics like emergency procedures, resident rights, and dementia care. This ensures they are well-prepared to handle any situation that arises and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed.
The med techs must first graduate from a training program approved by their state in which they work and pass the New York State Medication Aide Certification Examination.
Other staff such as activities coordinators, drivers, housekeeping, maintenance and dining room staff need to also have ongoing training in their specific areas with respect to working with senior residents.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
It depends on the type of facility. But assisted living facilities are licensed by the state in which they are situated, which will specify minimum staffing levels on the number of residents and their care needs at the facility. This is done to ensure each resident receives proper attention and care and that there is adequate staff to prevent burnout. Some assisted living facilities have an enhanced license to accommodate residents with greater care needs. Other assisted living facilities, while licensed, cater to higher functioning residents, and do not have an “enhanced” license.
How do these communities provide safety and security to my loved one?
Depending on the community, some have the latest technology in security cameras, security guards, and other measures of security to keep residents safe. Most have 24/7 staff, emergency procedures, screening procedures and the ability to lock doors and admit people who ring a buzzer that are expected. Before you commit to a facility you are interested in, we can let you know the details on their safety and security measures.
Do these communities provide SMART Technology?
Some do, especially the newer, more modern or high-end ones. If your senior loved one is tech savvy and could benefit from sensors, voice-activated devices, and other tech to help maintain their independence, let us know, so we can provide the senior living community options that offer these features.
Are virtual tours available?
Many communities offer virtual tours via Zoom or FaceTime, but if you can physically tour, it would be better if we can arrange for you to actually see the community.
Are internet and cable available?
Yes, but whether or not there is an additional fee, depends on the community. Some communities, especially assisted living facilities, include it but some don’t. We will let you know if the place you are interested in includes cable or not.
Are religious services and religious diet restrictions available?
Yes, many communities offer religious and spiritual services. Some celebrate religious holidays. Many are open to establishing a bible study group. If religious/spiritual services and being in a community of similar residents that share your loved one’s faith are important, including meal options, let’s discuss so we can find the right community for you.
Is the community wheelchair accessible? Do they have accommodations for the hearing/visually impaired? Do the staff speak other languages?
Most senior living facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, such as wheelchair accessible ramps, extra grab rails, walk-in showers, raised toilets, etc. Many facilities can provide accommodations for residents who are visually and hearing impaired. We will let you know which ones. And with regards to the staff speaking other languages, we can also learn which ones have staff that communicate with your loved ones in their language.