Help suggestions for an elderly lady living arraignments

[BCCAR334]

First time poster and a recent newcomer to The Villages and I have used this message boards in the past to obtain a lot of good information. I am seeking information for an elderly single female neighbor who lives by herself that asked me to help her secure new housing within The Villages to help her into her older days.

My next door neighbor is a widower, up in age, memory is starting to fail her and she has stopped driving. She lives in a very large house here in The Villages, but she is seeking an assisted living area within or near The Villages to help her with her everyday task. The lady is financially secure, her house is paid and her total living monthly budget needs to be under $9000 ( pension & SS ) for all expenses. Unfortunately her only surviving son is not capable of assisting her and she has asked me for help.

My wife and I are not that familiar with any ALF's in the area. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Jose & Maria

[Garywt]

I believe Freedom Point over by Spanish Springs has assisted living apartments. Not sure if there are others.

[GrumpyOldMan]

It sounds great to have a neighbor "help" her out, but that is a big ask. Lots of responsibility and some liability.

I agree with GaryWT. If she is financially secure, then a nice assisted living facility would be a far better sollution. Some are VERY nice, complete with activities, live-in nurses and caregivers, transportation to shopping and other activities, maid service, and on and on. The very best is not cheap, but there is a spectrum of types available. I would suggest taking her around to look at some and see what they offer and what the price ranges are in the area.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

American house near Pinellas plaza reasonable for what you get

[Bogie Shooter]

16 Home Care Services for Seniors Serving The Villages, FL (https://www.caring.com/senior-care/in-home-care/florida/the-villages)

I know nothing about this service other than it is a state supported program.
See the assisted living section for more info.
Would be for your benefit to get some professional advice.
Good Luck.

[kathyspear]

I believe Freedom Point over by Spanish Springs has assisted living apartments. Not sure if there are others.

I'm researching the same thing right now. Freedom Pointe has a "buy in" but I'm not sure the amount.

We are visiting Elan Spanish Springs this afternoon (now called Watercrest, apparently). I don't believe they have a buy in, just monthly fees. Will comment after the visit.

kathy

[BCCAR334]

I'm researching the same thing right now. Freedom Pointe has a "buy in" but I'm not sure the amount.

We are visiting Elan Spanish Springs this afternoon (now called Watercrest, apparently). I don't believe they have a buy in, just monthly fees. Will comment after the visit.

kathy

Hello Mrs. Kathy -
Please comment on your visit to any living facility you may visit. BTW - Be very careful with any buy in @ a living facility. Its like buying a time share, only worse. Those buy-ins @ living facilities make absolutely no financial sense. Tread with extreme caution.

[retiredguy123]

I'm researching the same thing right now. Freedom Pointe has a "buy in" but I'm not sure the amount.

We are visiting Elan Spanish Springs this afternoon (now called Watercrest, apparently). I don't believe they have a buy in, just monthly fees. Will comment after the visit.

kathy
Elan Is a relatively new facility on Rt 466 and Buena Vista. It's not in Spanish Springs. I think Watercrest Spanish Springs is a different facility. Other facilities are Buffalo Ridge, Mission Oaks, and Sumter Grande.

[kathyspear]

Elan Is a relatively new facility on Rt 466 and Buena Vista. It's not in Spanish Springs. I think Watercrest Spanish Springs is a different facility. Other facilities are Buffalo Ridge, Mission Oaks, and Sumter Grande.

Elan is being rebranded as Watercrest. The 466 facility is changing from Elan Buena Vista to Watercrest Buena Vista. Elan Spanish Springs (down the street from Spanish Springs town square) is now Watercrest Spanish Springs.

Both facilities are still owned by the same entity but they have a new management company (Watercrest). The sign outside the SS location still says Elan and the paperwork is a mishmash of references Elan and Watercrest.

k.

[pms051102]

I’ve used this company - A Place for Mom. They take all info and send out to qualifying living places for elderly. Then those places contact you. Very nice and helpful. Very prompt, too.
Local Senior Care Options | A Place for Mom (https://mobile.aplaceformom.com)

[acornhome]

My mother is at Sumter Grand on 466A independent living. Next door is assisted and then next to that is Memory Care. She has lived there for over 5 years. I believe they are running a special with the first two months free. They do have a car service to get to appts. Etc. I would recommend visiting a few places here in TV. Best of luck.

[Thaxxx]

My mom lives in Freedom Point near the hospital. (memory care) section.
I researched every place in the area 5 years ago. And I mean visited each one and interviewed the administrators.
Freedom Point was the best by far for memory care in my opinion.
And to this day I can say I am not sorry I picked them to take care of my mom.
Even the facility is the same feel of The Villages in anesthetics.
I highly recommend them.
One tip.....
They will negotiate there cost with you. It's a very competitive market around here.
P. S. Get her sons phone number and tell him to get his A$$ down here and take care of this life changing event for his mother.

[beckylou152]

First time poster and a recent newcomer to The Villages and I have used this message boards in the past to obtain a lot of good information. I am seeking information for an elderly single female neighbor who lives by herself that asked me to help her secure new housing within The Villages to help her into her older days.

My next door neighbor is a widower, up in age, memory is starting to fail her and she has stopped driving. She lives in a very large house here in The Villages, but she is seeking an assisted living area within or near The Villages to help her with her everyday task. The lady is financially secure, her house is paid and her total living monthly budget needs to be under $9000 ( pension & SS ) for all expenses. Unfortunately her only surviving son is not capable of assisting her and she has asked me for help.

My wife and I are not that familiar with any ALF's in the area. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Jose & Maria

I believe TV has a service to help people with decisions like this. I cannot recall what it is though. This is a very big decision and she will need to sell her home, etc.

[Girlcopper]

My mom lives in Freedom Point near the hospital. (memory care) section.
I researched every place in the area 5 years ago. And I mean visited each one and interviewed the administrators.
Freedom Point was the best by far for memory care in my opinion.
And to this day I can say I am not sorry I picked them to take care of my mom.
Even the facility is the same feel of The Villages in anesthetics.
I highly recommend them.
One tip.....
They will negotiate there cost with you. It's a very competitive market around here.
P. S. Get her sons phone number and tell him to get his A$$ down here and take care of this life changing event for his mother.
I had to comment on the P.S. yes, the son should get his butt in gear and come down here and get her settled in. Im pretty sure he will come poking around in her final days to see whats left for him to take home. Theres always that one in every family who wont take on any responsibility

[MandoMan]

First time poster and a recent newcomer to The Villages and I have used this message boards in the past to obtain a lot of good information. I am seeking information for an elderly single female neighbor who lives by herself that asked me to help her secure new housing within The Villages to help her into her older days.

My next door neighbor is a widower, up in age, memory is starting to fail her and she has stopped driving. She lives in a very large house here in The Villages, but she is seeking an assisted living area within or near The Villages to help her with her everyday task. The lady is financially secure, her house is paid and her total living monthly budget needs to be under $9000 ( pension & SS ) for all expenses. Unfortunately her only surviving son is not capable of assisting her and she has asked me for help.

My wife and I are not that familiar with any ALF's in the area. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Jose & Maria

That’s so nice of you. I hope you can find a place for her, though eventually whoever has power of attorney will probably also need to become involved.

I have a friend, 86, whose memory was starting to fail, also, though she still drove. Then she nearly died of COVID last fall, and her husband DID die of it. The virus exacerbated her dementia, and after four or five months with a full time caretaker in her son’s home, she was placed in a beautiful new memory care unit, which she loved. Within a week she had found a “boyfriend” with Alzheimer’s and was dragging him into her room several times a day for hot make-out sessions. Good for her! But difficult for her kids.

[TBezrutch]

Agree. Call a place for mom. They know which would be the best. Free service

[geobet]

You sound like a kind, caring neighbor for attempting to assist your elderly neighbor. However, being new to TV, you have not lived near this neighbor for any length of time, so be very careful what you are stepping into. There are legal ramifications to what you are attempting. I’ve seen this situation with others who helped because the adult child/ children, niece or nephew couldn’t until the $$ were now involved. They swooped in and claimed the helpful individual took advantage of their “loved one” and stole from her because she was confused. I agree. Get the son’s phone # and tell him to get down here quick before his confused mother spends all his inheritance. She’s sitting on a gold mine in that big home.

[NotGolfer]

Trinity Springs behind the 466 Walmart is a beautiful facility as well. People might forget we have that here. They have a Facebook page. I've heard good things about it plus Buffalo Crossings.

[bookseller49]

Elan Is a relatively new facility on Rt 466 and Buena Vista. It's not in Spanish Springs. I think Watercrest Spanish Springs is a different facility. Other facilities are Buffalo Ridge, Mission Oaks, and Sumter Grande.

the original Elan now located in Spanish Springs

[J1ceasar]

And sometimes there are very good reasons why sons are daughters do not want to interfere with their parents lives

[nanmercer@bellsouth.ne]

First time poster and a recent newcomer to The Villages and I have used this message boards in the past to obtain a lot of good information. I am seeking information for an elderly single female neighbor who lives by herself that asked me to help her secure new housing within The Villages to help her into her older days.

My next door neighbor is a widower, up in age, memory is starting to fail her and she has stopped driving. She lives in a very large house here in The Villages, but she is seeking an assisted living area within or near The Villages to help her with her everyday task. The lady is financially secure, her house is paid and her total living monthly budget needs to be under $9000 ( pension & SS ) for all expenses. Unfortunately her only surviving son is not capable of assisting her and she has asked me for help.

My wife and I are not that familiar with any ALF's in the area. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Jose & Maria

There is a new facility,
A Banyan Residence at
12427 County road 101 that is just lovely for residential living and memory care.
Call 855-490-0406 and ask for Jennifer Hutt and tell her Nan told you to call.
Call me at 9547769010
for more info.

[raynan]

One of my neighbors researched a lot for her father and chose Sumter Grand on 466A.

[nanmercer@bellsouth.ne]

Try A Banyan Residence at
12427 Co. Rd. 101
Call 855-490-0406
New buildings and lovely for someone needing assistance and memory care. Very reasonable pricing.

[ValSetz]

Trinity behind Walmart on 466. Friend moved in over year ago. Spacious one-beds, wide sin-filled hallways, great dining options

[ValSetz]

sun-filled NOT SIN

[Reneeo]

We just placed my mother at Veranda Village. It seems very friendly.

[RICH1]

You need an Attorney or should I say She does!

[ron32162]

Find out if she has a Will. Then tell her the loving person mentioned in the will she is leaving everything to should be the one to give her the help she needs.

[retiredguy123]

You need an Attorney or should I say She does!
Maybe, but I was surprised to find out that most attorneys will not become your power of attorney because of liability. You need to designate a relative or friend that you trust to make financial decisions.

[vitacr]

Suggest she contact Kathy Haviland, 551-1260, she's an expert in placing people & is very knowledgeable of all ALF's.

[LG999]

While it would be great if family members could/would live up to their expectations, many just don’t. She may not actually want her son to help. He might be an unpleasant, unhelpful person. She may not want her closest family to be involved in her important decisions.

[LG999]

While it would be great if family members could/would live up to their expectations, many just don’t. She may not actually want her son to help. He might be an unpleasant, unhelpful person. She may not want or trust her closest family to be involved in her important decisions. Sad, but not so unusual.

[Grunt 1946]

Try "A place for MOM."

[Looking for next wife]

As a person that is familiar with at least 30 Assisted Living places around Central Fl over the years via family members experiences and other people I would totally recommend a thoroughly checked out "live in" caregiver with a driver's license. This is way way cheaper and when you find one that really cares about her, she can go many many places and live like she wants. The other way gives you a menu you may not like, a bed, people you might not to live with you can't get rid off, and many sicknesses you would not otherwise have. Not to mention constant theft. Yes, I mean the most expensive ones as well!! Do FBI background checks, license checks, and good interviewing techniques. Your third one will be the charm.

[KristineTVFL]

The Villages has several assisted living and memory care options, you can try Sumter Grand on 466 to start. Also, you can just call The Villages 800 number and I’m sure they will give you other suggestions. If she can live on her own, maybe The Lofts would be another avenue. They rent month to month. She could set up a conservatorship with her attorney to take over paying her bills and other financial issues. She really needs to consult an attorney to get another relative on her accounts if the son is not capable.

[Looking for next wife]

Oh, I forgot. Never hire a "company" that supplies live in caregivers. They charge a fortune, will hire the dregs, will send anybody, and I mean anybody over, and they pay the people actually doing the work an insulting amount which means they never have good people. I know of situations where the caregivers of the "companies" were doing meth on the job, pot on the job, show up drunk, having sex with their boyfriends with the patient in the room, having multi visitors over, etc. Just get ONE with references that you actually visit and interview them also.

[nevjudbaker]

Elan Is a relatively new facility on Rt 466 and Buena Vista. It's not in Spanish Springs. I think Watercrest Spanish Springs is a different facility. Other facilities are Buffalo Ridge, Mission Oaks, and Sumter Grande.
We toured Elan & the others. Elan is my favorite. Very bright cheery atmosphere

[Lychee]

Our neighbor is moving to Buffalo Crossing with his wife.
Seems nice but would check more out. Ask for price and
how often, every year or so is the rent going up. And is
there a Dr. or at least a RN 24hour on duty. How often to
they check on people if they don’t show up for breakfast,
Lunch or dinner?

[newgirl]

Contact a attorney before you do anything else! Make sure her house is in trust etc.so she does not lose all her assets, you don't want to be responsible for her losing everything she has and ending up in a dump somewhere.

[BCCAR334]

I sincerely appreciate everyone's guidance and after talking to our neighbor, we have all made a decision to visit her attorney next week in Tampa and have him provide guidance to my neighbor's predicament. Her attorney appeared very willing and concerned over the phone and indicated that he would have her evaluated and after conferring with her physician, the attorney will secure an appropriate safe living arraignment for my neighbor. For the time, her attorney will provide her with a part-time aid to assist her with her daily needs. I had no idea there were so many levels of care facilities based on the individuals needs. Also had no idea how expensive some of the facilities are. Regarding her son, he will not be able to assist his mother as he is currently on a federal paid vacation and won't return for another eight years.

My wife and I thank everyone for their assistance and I had no idea how difficult it is to secure housing for an elderly lady who needs a little help. I wonder why this country can't help their elderly citizens a bit better. THANKS

[retiredguy123]

The Villages has several assisted living and memory care options, you can try Sumter Grand on 466 to start. Also, you can just call The Villages 800 number and I’m sure they will give you other suggestions. If she can live on her own, maybe The Lofts would be another avenue. They rent month to month. She could set up a conservatorship with her attorney to take over paying her bills and other financial issues. She really needs to consult an attorney to get another relative on her accounts if the son is not capable.
Sumter Grand is on Rt 466A, not 466. The address is:

1490 Killingsworth Way, The Villages, FL 32162

[bp243]

I had to comment on the P.S. yes, the son should get his butt in gear and come down here and get her settled in. Im pretty sure he will come poking around in her final days to see whats left for him to take home. Theres always that one in every family who wont take on any responsibility

Agree that this is a concern. However, it may well be that the son is incapable of being of assistance...disabled mentally or physically. Thankfully, there are others who are willing to step up and be helpful.

[Looking for next wife]

One more thing. Be able to watch cameras in the home on your phone at any time and several locations.

[rmd2]

Trinity Springs behind the 466 Walmart is a beautiful facility as well. People might forget we have that here. They have a Facebook page. I've heard good things about it plus Buffalo Crossings.

I think Buffalo Crossings had a fair amount of COVID with both the residents and the staff.

[JaneG1]

I researched the area and visited multiple places. Mission Oaks was my choice for my mother and I was exceedingly pleased. It has been in business over 10 years and has some of its original staff members. It is smaller, which I believe provides better, more intimate care. My mother was able to remain there as her needs increased - not all places could have kept and cared for her. Brand new places have kinks to work out; I’d be wary of them.

[DaleDivine]

I had to comment on the P.S. yes, the son should get his butt in gear and come down here and get her settled in. Im pretty sure he will come poking around in her final days to see whats left for him to take home. Theres always that one in every family who wont take on any responsibility

Regarding her son, he will not be able to assist his mother as he is currently on a federal paid vacation and won't return for another eight years.

I'm pretty sure this means he's incarcerated for the next 8 years. Which might be a good thing for Mom. This might keep him from taking everything she has and leaving her homeless.
:ohdear::pray:

[Gulfcoast]

Oh, I forgot. Never hire a "company" that supplies live in caregivers. They charge a fortune, will hire the dregs, will send anybody, and I mean anybody over, and they pay the people actually doing the work an insulting amount which means they never have good people. I know of situations where the caregivers of the "companies" were doing meth on the job, pot on the job, show up drunk, having sex with their boyfriends with the patient in the room, having multi visitors over, etc. Just get ONE with references that you actually visit and interview them also.

If she hires a caregiver through an agency, the agency will take care of payroll issues including taxes. If she hires a caregiver directly then she might very well need to talk to an accountant to make sure that the proper taxes are withheld from the caregiver's pay.

Also, if the lady has long term care insurance, those policies often only pay for caregivers hired through agencies.

The other thing to consider about a live in, private hire caregiver is that if the caregiver gets sick, has a family emergency, simply needs a vacation or suddenly quits someone will have to be involved to arrange backup care which can be a huge and ever changing responsibility. Unless Op wants to be the back up caregiver, I would not go that route.

I wish that things were more straightforward because eldercare is a very common need but unfortunately there is a lot to navigate. The lady probably does need to speak to a lawyer.

[retiredguy123]

When you consider all of the rules for minimum wage, payroll taxes, benefits, etc. for a live in caretaker, and the cost to maintain the house, I think it is a lot less expensive to sell the house and move into an assisted living facility. That is what I discovered when my mother was alive.

[Boomer]

medicare.gov has a section to compare providers where you can find ratings and some details.

But I am not sure if stand-alone assisted living facilities are included there. If assisted living is part of a CCRC, it will be noted.

Someone mentioned buy-ins and while I am not familiar with how those work in Florida, I know that in my Ohio hometown, some of the more expensive, non-profit CCRCs have them as a one-time, pro-rated entrance cost. There still will be a monthly fee but at a somewhat reduced rate.

Buy-ins require a clear and definite understanding. They are not inexpensive. But a buy-in (or entrance fee) does not always mean “the facility takes all.”

The original entrance cost, that can be required when entering independent living in a CCRC, should apply throughout the stay as healthcare needs change and the resident moves through the types of care.

I have known of 5-year prorating being a part of some facilities’ entrance costs where the estate is refunded should 5 years not be the length of the stay. I do not know if that also applies should the resident decide to move out. I don’t know how that works in different states or types of facilities. For-profit? Non-profit? Levels of care needed?

Sometimes financial reviews can be a part of entrance to determine actuarially how long private pay might be possible before Medicaid is needed for care. But, as far as I know, Medicaid will not cover assisted living.

Well, I am definitely in over my head here and probably should shut up. I am not in the LTC business or profession. There are so many variables in elder-care situations. Navigating through those variables can be complicated and might require a trusted elder-care attorney to be sure all the questions are answered before a decision is made. Sometimes it is hard to even know what all the questions should be.

Boomer

PS: No matter how good a facility appears to be, known visitors are important, especially as care needs increase.

[DaleDivine]

My neighbor across the street has parents that live in Freedom Pointe. They had to pay $350,000 up front and are paying $5000 monthly. After they're both gone, heirs will get 1/2
($175,000)of the up front money back.
:icon_wink::icon_wink:

[BCCAR334]

My neighbor across the street has parents that live in Freedom Pointe. They had to pay $350,000 up front and are paying $5000 monthly. After they're both gone, heirs will get 1/2
($175,000)of the up front money back.
:icon_wink::icon_wink:

I have heard good things about Freedom Pointe. What is the average monthly cost, ""without"" the large down payment for a single person? What would happen if both parents expire soon; does this mean the ALF keeps $175,000 for a short term stay? Almost an incentive for the ALF to hope their patients expire soon. Seems awkward to me.

[retiredguy123]

I have heard good things about Freedom Pointe. What is the average monthly cost, ""without"" the large down payment for a single person? What would happen if both parents expire soon; does this mean the ALF keeps $175,000 for a short term stay? Almost an incentive for the ALF to hope their patients expire soon. Seems awkward to me.
If the cost for 2 people is $5,000 per month, it sounds like they are in the independent living building, not assisted living. So, they don't get any medical care. There is no option at Freedom Pointe where you don't pay a large entrance fee. Basically, the entrance fee provides two things, a discounted rate if you move from independent living to the assisted living building, and a guarantee that they will never throw you out if you run out of money. So, it is similar to buying long term care insurance. When you sign up, there are several options regarding how much of the entrance fee goes to your heirs, with the cheapest option being that no money goes to the heirs. But, with all of the options, there is about a 5 year period where you will get some money back based on how long you stay. So, if you leave within a year, you would get most of the money back.

[Boomer]

Road Trip?

A friend took her dad to visit Shell Point, a CCRC in Fort Myers.

He can still do independent living, but it could be a good time for him to make the CCRC decision.

Both said Shell Point was very nice. But she can’t quite budge him yet.

Shell Point is about 200 miles from TV but a whole lot closer than his northern home.

I have never been there but I have checked out the website which has a lot of details online — that can give you a general feel for a type of CCRC.

[Gulfcoast]

Maybe it depends on the facility, but Independent Living accommodations are usually roomier and more like a regular apartment. You have the option to eat the meals provided in the dining room or you can cook a meal in your own apartment. You have weekly light housekeeping, sometimes light laundry service but you get no care giving type assistance or medical - help bathing, dressing, taking meds, etc.

Many people in the Independent Living facilities are still driving, although they have the option to take the shuttle to doctors appts and to run errands if that is what they prefer to do. There are also activities, entertainment and group outings.

Assisted Living facility rooms are often, not always, smaller because the person often has mobility issues and needs help with their personal care.

As far as the continuing care facilities go where you move from Independent Living to Assisted Living or Memory care to nursing care, it sounds good in theory, but I'm not clear on how they manage the downsizing that comes with each higher level of care. Who determines when it's time to take the keys away from a driver? What happens to the car? Who is making sure that the registration and insurance are being paid on the car if it isn't sold? Who helps a person with sudden mobility issues to downsize into a smaller apartment for assisted living and then maybe even into a semi private room for nursing care? Who is dealing with those logistics?

[retiredguy123]

According to the OP, her neighbor doesn't drive and has memory issues. She needs assisted living, not independent living. She should visit a few and pick one. If you pay by the month, you can always move to another facility if you don't like it. With a budget of $9,000 per month, she can probably afford any assisted living facility in The Villages, especially if she sells the house.

I think it is sad that The Villages doesn't offer better transportation and other assistance for elderly people when they are living alone.

[Gulfcoast]

According to the OP, her neighbor doesn't drive and has memory issues. She needs assisted living, not independent living. She should visit a few and pick one. If you pay by the month, you can always move to another facility if you don't like it. With a budget of $9,000 per month, she can probably afford any assisted living facility in The Villages, especially if she sells the house.

I think it is sad that The Villages doesn't offer better transportation and other assistance for elderly people when they are living alone.

I agree with your assessment.

[John41]

First time poster and a recent newcomer to The Villages and I have used this message boards in the past to obtain a lot of good information. I am seeking information for an elderly single female neighbor who lives by herself that asked me to help her secure new housing within The Villages to help her into her older days.

My next door neighbor is a widower, up in age, memory is starting to fail her and she has stopped driving. She lives in a very large house here in The Villages, but she is seeking an assisted living area within or near The Villages to help her with her everyday task. The lady is financially secure, her house is paid and her total living monthly budget needs to be under $9000 ( pension & SS ) for all expenses. Unfortunately her only surviving son is not capable of assisting her and she has asked me for help.

My wife and I are not that familiar with any ALF's in the area. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Jose & Maria

She needs an advocate to watch the lawyer and ALF. Sometimes the ALF will hire green card foreigners who are lazy and dishonest. And if the lawyer is going to do all these assessments fees could add up. I would definitely seek government help for seniors to find your best option.

[BCCAR334]

She needs an advocate to watch the lawyer and ALF. Sometimes the ALF will hire green card foreigners who are lazy and dishonest. And if the lawyer is going to do all these assessments fees could add up. I would definitely seek government help for seniors to find your best option.

Hello John-
With your understanding and permission, I strongly disagree. My name is Jose, the OP and her attorney who is helping her is a very competent and honest attorney. He is the founding partner of his law firm which has over 35 attorneys working for him. He has taken on this task to assist this lady for pro bono and I'm very confident, his lawn firm can do much more than any civil servant employee. This lady has generated a lot of income for this attorney during the past years and this is his way of paying it forward.
Believe it or not, there are many excellent, hard-working attorneys who do a lot of good for society without expecting paying. Not many any more, but a few good guys are still out there. Thank you and everyone for their input. Jose

[kathyspear]

Sorry I took so long to follow up with my comments re: Elan/Watercrest Spanish Springs. I had to go out of town for a few days for a family funeral. :(

I am happy to try to answer any questions I can. If you respond please do not quote my entire message, as it is quite long!

kathy

We visited the facility and were very favorably impressed. (It is the only place we have seen so far and we will go see a few others.)

The location is fabulous from the standpoint of distance from our house (five minutes by car, 7 or 8 min. by cart). It is also a two block or so walk to the heart of Spanish Springs so residents who are fairly mobile can walk to restaurants, music in the evenings, the movie theater (should it ever reopen). They also have a very nice van/bus that takes them wherever they want to go. (Transportation is included in the monthly fee.)

The Spanish Springs location has Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Care (MC). The Buena Vista location (at 466 and Buena Vista) also has Independent Living. Mom-in-Law (MIL) is ready for AL at this point so SS would work for us. BV has, I think, 120 residents but SS only has 50.

They have four sizes of rooms, each with a small kitchenette:

(1) A very small studio, really the size of a hotel room. Space for a double or queen bed and two chairs with a small table in one corner. The closet in this space is like what you find in a typical guest bedroom in a home (NOT a walk-in closet).

(2) A larger studio with room for any size bed on one side (could probably accommodate a king size bed although I don’t know why a single elderly person would want or need that). The other half of the room could accommodate a sofa and chair or two, coffee table, and a small two-person dining table. Closet is a walk-in. Bathrooms are very large and nice.

(3) One bedroom, with a living room and bedroom that (combined) would probably equal the amount of space in the large studio. Large walk-in closet. Large updated bathroom.

(4) They also have two bedroom units but they don’t expect any 2-bedroom availability any time soon.

When you walk through the front doors there is a huge great room with a fireplace and tv above. Very impressive. To the right is a large dining room. They have a daily “special” planned out for each meal for the month but they also have a lengthy list of foods they can order all day. They also have a bar with beer and wine. (Food and bar are included in monthly fee.) We met the chef and he gave us some fresh-baked cookies. :)

Someone comes in daily to make the bed and collect trash. They clean the apartments and change bed linens once a week. They will do laundry for the residents but if they prefer, they can do their own. (Two laundry rooms on each floor.) They have a hair salon on site. (Not included in the fee but very reasonable, with a price list posted outside the door.) They have a theater room and a couple other activity rooms.

Since the management was taken over by Watercrest they are doing some updating. Dan thought the apartments were nice but that the halls were a little dark and gloomy. I think that is mostly because of the bland, patterned carpeting in the halls. Our guide is hoping they re-do that soon.

As far as fees:

There is a $2500 entry fee, which is probably mostly to cover administrative processing.

They allow pets with a $500 pet deposit.

The base monthly fees are:

$4390 (small studio)
$5035 (larger studio)
$5625 (one bedroom)
$6860 (two bedroom)

The base fee also includes wifi, cable tv, phone, and an emergency call pendant.

The apartments are NOT furnished so residents need to bring or purchase furnishings.

In addition, there is a monthly “care fee” which is based on the amount of assistance the resident requires on a daily basis. Fee is determined by reviewing a several-page document that must be filled out by the resident’s primary care physician AND an in-person evaluation by their nurse. Care fee runs from $250 to $1600 and can be adjusted up or down throughout the stay, if the resident’s situation changes. (i.e. If someone comes there straight out of the hospital or rehab they might temporarily need more assistance.)

In our case, we think that either the large studio or one bedroom would work well for MIL. She currently has round the clock aides. Besides the cost (!!!) she isn’t getting the kind of physical and mental stimulation she would get in an assisted living situation. We are hoping she is amenable to such a move.

[John41]

Hello John-
With your understanding and permission, I strongly disagree. My name is Jose, the OP and her attorney who is helping her is a very competent and honest attorney. He is the founding partner of his law firm which has over 35 attorneys working for him. He has taken on this task to assist this lady for pro bono and I'm very confident, his lawn firm can do much more than any civil servant employee. This lady has generated a lot of income for this attorney during the past years and this is his way of paying it forward.
Believe it or not, there are many excellent, hard-working attorneys who do a lot of good for society without expecting paying. Not many any more, but a few good guys are still out there. Thank you and everyone for their input. Jose

Not sure why you think a lawyer can do more than any civil servant, but you asked for advice and it’s still the same to have an advocate keep an eye on the lawyer and ALF.

[kathyspear]

Just wanted to post a follow-up to this thread now that we have visited Freedom Pointe.

They have an Independent Living building at one location and another location that houses Assisted Living and Memory Care (Both are on El Camino near the hospital.) There is a hefty buy-in for the Independent Living apartments. There is NO buy-in for Assisted Living or Memory Care, just the monthly base fee and an additional monthly "care fee" that is determined by the amount of assistance the resident needs.

k.

[retiredguy123]

Just wanted to post a follow-up to this thread now that we have visited Freedom Pointe.

They have an Independent Living building at one location and another location that houses Assisted Living and Memory Care (Both are on El Camino near the hospital.) There is a hefty buy-in for the Independent Living apartments. There is NO buy-in for Assisted Living or Memory Care, just the monthly base fee and an additional monthly "care fee" that is determined by the amount of assistance the resident needs.

k.
Yes, but as I understand it, those who move from the independent living to assisted living pay a much lower monthly rate because of the initial buy-in payment. That seems to be a big sales pitch for the independent living building.

[kathyspear]

Yes, but as I understand it, those who move from the independent living to assisted living pay a much lower monthly rate because of the initial buy-in payment. That seems to be a big sales pitch for the independent living building.

Could be. That wasn't mentioned to us because MIL is at the point of needing assisted living now. However, the buy-in is something like $250k. It would take a lot of discounting to make that a good deal!

We know a couple who moved into a place in the Midwest with a buy-in when they were in their early 80's. He lived to be 105. I think she made it to 102 or 103. They got their money's worth. :)

Anyway, I just didn't want anyone to be scared off of Freedom Pointe's AL facility because they think it requires a large buy-in.

k.

[J1ceasar]

I love that" Federal paid vacation kid" but in all seriousness, no aunt's uncle's cousin's nephews that could at least come down? I know how serious this can be but I can give you another option of her moving to be with a relative not necessarily in their house but at least close by so that they can help out with rides and doctor's appointments etc. We are lucky to have three caring children and they're not worried about our growing old as I know they will take care of us.

[retiredguy123]

I love that" Federal paid vacation kid" but in all seriousness, no aunt's uncle's cousin's nephews that could at least come down? I know how serious this can be but I can give you another option of her moving to be with a relative not necessarily in their house but at least close by so that they can help out with rides and doctor's appointments etc. We are lucky to have three caring children and they're not worried about our growing old as I know they will take care of us.
You are lucky. A lot of people don't have the options you mentioned. And, many of them end up staying in their house much longer than they should, even when they can afford to move to assisted living. I think the assisted living facilities need to do a better job of making their facilities more desirable, so people actually want to move into them.

[jedalton]

Sumter Senior Lining on Rt 466. Very nice

[FenneyGuy]

I'm researching the same thing right now. Freedom Pointe has a "buy in" but I'm not sure the amount.

We are visiting Elan Spanish Springs this afternoon (now called Watercrest, apparently). I don't believe they have a buy in, just monthly fees. Will comment after the visit.

kathy

Also look at Trinity Springs in Oxford. My deceased wife lived there for two years and loved it.