Can I bring my own furnishings to my independent or assisted living apartment?
Absolutely! Residents are encouraged to furnish and decorate their apartments with all the personal touches that make it a home. Five Star residents and their families enjoy decorating their own apartments based on their unique personalities.
return to topHow do I decide on the care and services that are best for me or my loved one?
Senior lifestyle and care options vary widely, and the choices can be overwhelming. It’s important to do your homework and understand the options available in the area where you live. Descriptions of many senior living and care options are provided on the Five Star web site.
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Are all retirement and assisted living communities alike?
No. Retirement and assisted living communities vary greatly. At Five Star, we've made a conscious effort to ensure that each of our communities is a reflection of the area in which it is located.
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Can I bring my pet to the community?
We understand the importance of a family pet. Most Five Star communities allow residents to have pets in their apartment, and there is usually a pet fee. Be sure to check with the Five Star community near you.
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How do I pay for retirement or assisted living community accommodations and services?
These expenses are either paid for privately, or through a third-party source such as a long-term care insurance policy. Our community-based managers can help with your financial planning when you visit and can assist you with long-term planning after you move in.
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Can a resident continue to live in assisted living when they need additional services and care?
You should carefully question any assisted living provider that tells you a resident can live at the community forever, even if their health care needs increase. The community may be unable to adequately meet the resident's needs for the rest of his or her life, and regulations may limit the community's ability to do so. Each state in which Five Star operates regulates the level of services we can provide in an assisted living community. If a resident develops needs that require services beyond those allowed by state regulations, we will assist the resident and family in finding the best alternative setting to address the resident's needs.
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Is living at assisted living truly like living at home?
At Five Star, we endeavor to provide a community that has all the comforts of home and just the right amount of help if it’s needed. Residents enjoy our thoughtfully designed apartments, exceptional dining programs, individualized services, and lively activities that are tailored to their interests and abilities. Residents are encouraged to furnish and decorate their apartments with all the personal touches that make it a home. We listen carefully to resident preferences to understand the needs and desires of residents and their families, and with the goal of providing the ideal level of assistance and care. Five Star assisted living encourages interaction and social activities among residents while working individually with residents to promote independence.
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What are visiting hours at retirement and assisted living communities?
There are no set visiting hours. It's just like living at home. You and your guests are free to come and go as you please. The only exception is residents in our Alzheimer memory support program, where access is limited for their own protection.
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How do I find a Five Star Quality Care community in my area?
Five Star offers communities and services in 29 states. To search by location, visit our Find a Community tool.
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What senior living services does Five Star provide?
Five Star Quality care offers a full selection of living and care options focused on the particular needs of seniors. We operate senior living communities that offer independent living apartments, assisted living accommodations, including specialized care for Alzheimer residents, and skilled nursing services.
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Does Five Star have programs for seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory impairments?
Five Star Quality Care’s Alzheimer’s and memory support program is dedicated to the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions. We focus on maximizing each resident’s quality-of-life by understanding and meeting his or her social, emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Our supportive environment promotes resident dignity, control and individuality.
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I need someone to take care of a loved one while I am unavailable. Does Five Star offer this service?
Many Five Star Quality Care communities offer short-term stay programs. Short-term stay customers enjoy the same community amenities, dining programs and customer service as residents. Our short-term stay program is a thoughtful solution when a caregiver is on vacation or needs a temporary break, a loved one requires a little extra attention following a medical procedure, or a caregiver is ill and unable to provide daily assistance. The short-term stay program also is a nice way experience the lifestyle in a Five Star community.
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What is the difference between a rental retirement or assisted community and a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?
Rental retirement communities and rental assisted living communities provide a combination of housing, food and other services in return for a monthly fee. Rental communities offer financial flexibility to older adults. Residents typically sign a lease for one or more years.
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides a combination of housing, food and health care services in return for a monthly fee and, in many cases, an entrance fee. Many CCRCs have on-site care centers that feature assisted living, Alzheimer’s/memory support care and skilled nursing care for residents whose health care needs may change. Because care is provided at an on-site care center, a resident who requires care is not required to leave the community, but can stay close to his/her spouse and friends. Residents are usually required to meet the community’s health requirements.
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I’m concerned about fitting my furniture into my new apartment? Will someone from Five Star help me plan my move?
Many Five Star communities offer the complimentary services of a move-in coordinator, who can help plan your move and arrangements for furnishings.
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How does Five Star set monthly fees?
Monthly fees vary by community, location, availability and services selected by the resident. Please call the community in which you are interested and ask for information about its monthly fees.
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How will I meet new people when I move in?
Many communities have welcome committees and resident councils that play an active role in introducing new residents to the community. Our residents are friendly people and many are likely to approach you when they notice a new face. Communities may also host welcome events for newcomers.
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Are there assigned seats in the dining room?
Seats are not assigned. Some residents choose to sit at the same table or with the same friends at dinner.
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Can I entertain guests?
Absolutely! Residents are welcome to invite friends and family to dine with them at the community. An additional charge will apply, and most communities request advance reservations.
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What kinds of activities do you have?
Five Star Quality Care communities offer a wide range of lively programs and events for residents. Activities vary by community, so please call the community in which you are interested and ask for the current programs and events calendar.
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Do residents have any voice in the communities?
Yes. Most communities have a Resident Council that provides community management with resident input about services, programs and other items that concern residents.
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