Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Assisted Living?
The concept of Assisted Living came to the United States from Europe in the late 1980's. It is a special form of senior living designed to offer a combination of nursing services and personal care, while allowing residents to maintain their functional independence and dignity. - Who needs Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is generally appropriate for anyone whose safety, security, comfort or future well-being is compromised by staying where they are, but who does not require the more intensive services offered in a nursing home. - What is the difference between Assisted and Independent Living?
At University Village, Independent Living includes housekeeping and linen service, activities and transportation if needed. Assisted Living includes all of the above plus personal care services such as medication monitoring or dispensing, assistance with dressing and bathing, bed making, mail delivery, regular visits by nursing staff, reminders and redirection as needed, and help getting to and from meals and activities if needed. - What kind of regulations govern Assisted Living facilities?
Each state sets its own guidelines for overseeing Assisted Living facilities. These guidelines include staff training and certification, building and fire safety regulations. In 1997, Oklahoma created Assisted Living standards for certification and licensure in our state, all of which University Village meets or exceeds. - Who pays for Assisted Living?
More often than not, residents themselves pay the cost of Assisted Living, sometimes with help from family members. Assisted Living fees are usually lower than the cost of home health care or nursing home care. Sometimes an individual may have a long term care insurance policy that may help defray these costs. University Village is a "private pay" community, meaning we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement. If a resident is a veteran or a widow of a veteran, they may be eligible for assistance through the government via a program called "Aid and Attendance." For more info, contact the local Veterans affairs office. - At what age should I consider a retirement community?
Deciding to move to a retirement community is a very personal decision. In general, people age 62 and older can move to a retirement community at any time. For the greatest choice and personal satisfaction, it is wise to plan ahead for the future. It helps to know your options and make your choices before a situation such as changing health needs forces you to make a hurried decision. Some people move because they are ready to let someone else take care of time consuming chores like cooking, cleaning and home maintenance. Others choose to move for the security a community setting offers, or for the companionship of other older adults. Many people put off the decision because they don't want to deal with the "hassle" of moving. One question to consider is, "Will a move be any easier two, five or even ten years down the road?" In just about every case, the answer is a definite "no." - How do I know if a family member needs to move to a retirement community or Assisted Living?
Sometimes an older person experiences a gradual decline in health or mental awareness that is barely recognized by family members. Sometimes a change comes about suddenly due to an accident, illness or loss of a spouse. Some general indications that a person needs to consider a move include: isolation from friends and family, increased difficulty with daily tasks, decreased alertness or confusion, short term memory problems or increased forgetfulness, poor diet, frequent falls or problems with taking medication correctly.