About Catholic Assisted Living

Catholic Retirement Communities

Catholic assisted living centers can be found in every state of the United States and Catholic seniors can continue living a fulfilling spiritual life after moving into a faith based senior living facility. What are some of the advantages for Catholic retirees associated with moving into a Catholic assisted living community? In addition to providing the standard services and amenities that are offered by other assisted living facilities, Catholic senior living centers provide their residents with the opportunity to actively participate in religious activities, be surrounded by people who also follow the same faith and observe all of the Catholic holidays as well as participate in a variety of spiritual services that include daily prayers and Holy Mass and Holy Rosary.

Moreover, many Catholic assisted living communities have their own chapel located on the premises or nearby where seniors can gather together for various religious ceremonies and events. These chapels also serve as a place for private prayers and reflection where seniors are always welcome. Catholic assisted living facilities that do not have their own chapel make sure to provide transportation for seniors to local Catholic Church for Mass and other religious events.

Catholic faith-based retirement communities around the United States provide their residents with a unique opportunity to receive spiritual wellness services that may not be available at other senior living facilities. List of activities for residents living in Catholic retirement homes may include Bible studies and frequent visits from area clergy among other social events.

Services and amenities at Catholic Assisted Living

Catholic retirement homes offer an array of amenities and services to their residents from medication management to 24-hour staff, emergency call and response system. Other services at Catholic assisted living facilities include three nutritious and delicious meals each day prepared by registered dietitians and chefs, healthy snacks offered between meals, transportation to planned events, assistance with continence care, help with personal laundry, housekeeping help and personal assistance with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. Amenities such as on-site beauty and barber salon, fitness classes and activities as well as social, educational, and spiritual activities are among others provided by Catholic retirement communities.

Cost of Catholic Assisted Living

Annual costs for Catholic Retirement homes vary from state to state and from one assisted living community to another. In addition, most assisted living centers offer several different floor plans from more expensive two bedroom units to less expensive studio apartments.

Catholic Assisted Living and Senior Living

Long term senior living homes and senior care services are very personal choices that should be made after much consideration. There are many types of senior living arrangements available to meet the needs of seniors at every level of care. There are retirement homes for those who are still independent but don’t want the hassle of managing a property on their own. Assisted living communities are a reliable option for seniors who need more help with basic tasks, but still want to maintain a certain level of independence.

Nursing homes and specialty care facilities are also available for seniors who are in the later stages of life and those who have more intensive medical needs. Regardless of the level of care required, most seniors and their families will prefer to choose a location that meets their needs and falls within their budget. Social programs, alternative treatments, and even dedicated medical care options are taken into consideration when looking for a senior living arrangement

One factor that is equally important but not often considered is the religious needs of the senior. Most assisted living homes will offer the same basic amenities such as help with grooming, prepared meals, and planned activities, but life is more than just the basics. Catholic seniors interested in faith-based care or assisted living communities that incorporate Catholic beliefs into their care also have a diverse range of locations to choose from.

There are many Catholic assisted living communities for seniors all across the country. While these communities are open to all seniors in need of care, those who are seeking faith-based care will benefit the most.

Amenities Offered In Catholic Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities across the country seek to offer seniors a safe place to live where they can get the assistance they need to thrive. All assisted living locations regardless of their specialty will offer a wide assortment of standard amenities to their senior residents.

Some of the more common amenities offered are gourmet meals prepared three to four times per day. These meals can be taken in a common area, the assisted living home restaurant or delivered to a seniors room. In most cases, these meals are offered on a monthly payment plan and a senior may choose from a set menu or via a-la-carte items daily. Seniors often have different dietary needs that the younger population and their needs may often vary widely from person to person. Most assisted living facilities, including those that offer Catholic-based care, will provide a range of menu options. This includes meals for diabetic seniors, those who may suffer from food sensitivities such as celiac disease and even vegetarian meals. In addition to regular meals, Catholic assisted living facilities will allow residents to optionally follow religious dietary restrictions such as those imposed on Lent, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday and other important days.

Catholic assisted living facilities will also help senior residents with basics such as regular grooming, medication maintenance, and help with other day to day tasks. In addition to providing the basics, caregivers in Catholic assisted living will follow a general mission set out by the church as they care for the seniors in their care. This can include offering spiritual support, providing access to daily mass, and even organizing regular prayer groups and confessionals with a priest. In many cases, Catholic assisted living faculties are tied to local parishes, but there are many that are independently run as well.

Any senior may choose to enroll in a Catholic assisted living facility, even if they are not Catholic. However, it is important to keep in mind that most seniors who live in a Catholic assisted living home choose to do so in order to be surrounded by those of the same faith who also share the same ideals. Social activities are another important part of senior care. Catholic assisted living faculties’ just like their traditional versions, will offer a range of planned activities to keep senior residents active and engaged. These can include outings, physical therapy programs, social gatherings, and religious meetings. Faith discussions and rosary groups along with Catholic-based newspapers are also common amenities found in Catholic assisted living facilities.

Catholic Assisted Living Facility Costs

Paying for assisted living is often a concern for seniors and their families. There are many ways that elderly residents can help manage the cost of their care. Medicaid, long term senior care insurance, veterans benefits, and Medicare are just some of the options available.

When choosing a senior care facility, many families will factor cost heavily into their final decision. While cost is important, the level of care provided should be the most important factor. The cost of a senior living home, regardless of type, will depend mainly on where the facility is located and what level of care the senior needs.

Catholic assisted living facilities generally will have a lower cost than traditional assisted living homes. Overall, there is no difference in the cost of care based on the faith of the resident alone, however, the way Catholic assisted living facilities are run is what accounts for the lower overall cost. Catholic assisted living facilities offer a wide range of care levels. There are facilities that offer diabetic care, memory care, and even care for seniors who suffer from complications with mobility. The higher the level of care needed, the higher the monthly cost will be for the resident.

The actual location of the Catholic assisted living facility also plays a big role in the overall cost. Facilities located in dense urban areas such as New York or Las Vegas will have a higher monthly cost than those situated in rural areas such as Texas or even Arizona. On average, traditional assisted living facilities can charge anywhere from $4,000 a month on the low end to $11,000 a month on a higher-end for a private room. Catholic assisted living facilities generally will charge 15% to 25% percent less monthly for the same type of room and level of service.

Catholic assisted living facilities are able to offer their residents a lower cost for the same services due to donations and subsidies from the Catholic church and other Catholic charities. Many of the Catholic assisted living facilities are also run by different groups which are also classified as non-profit. The Sisters of Mercy, The Sisters of Mercy, Catholic Community Services, and Catholic Charities are the most common organization that runs Catholic assisted living facilities in each state. Of course, seniors of any faith are able to enroll ad avail assisted living care services at the same rate, not only those of the Catholic faith.

How to Find Catholic Assisted Living Facilities Near You

The choice to move from home into a senior living community is never easy, but the option to live with others that share your faith can make the process much easier. Catholic assisted living facilities are a great way for seniors to get the care and attention they need while still allowing them to live and practice their faith as usual.

Finding an assisted living home that meets your needs can often be confusing. Locating a Catholic assisted living community can be even more difficult. With the right tools, finding a senior living home that meets your needs and nurtures your spirit is not only possible, but easy! By 2030, the number of seniors in the population will far outnumber the youth which means that finding dedicated care will only become easier.

Even today a wide assortment of assisted living homes, retirement communities, and nursing homes cater to specific lifestyles. Catholic assisted living facilities are just one of the many faith-based senior care options available to choose from. Along with regular senior care, seniors will benefit from religious symbology, nurturing faith-based care, and other religious services managed by devoted Catholic caregivers. As wonderful as this sounds, you may be wondering how exactly to go about locating a Catholic assisted living facility in your area.

Online searches are another quick way to locate Catholic assisted living communities in your area without having to leave the comfort of your own home. You can check reviews and even certification online before you make an in-person visit to assess the location. When looking for Catholic assisted living facilities for you or a loved one it is important to look beyond the spiritual side and make sure that each location can meet the care needs of the senior in question.

Questions to Ask When Visiting Catholic Assisted Living Facilities

Being Catholic is more than simply following a religion, it is a whole way of life for most seniors. Getting older often means that living at home is no longer an option, but moving into a senior care facility doesn’t mean you have to change your way of life. Catholic-based assisted living facilities give seniors the physical support they need while also allowing them to live their lives as they always have spiritually.

There are many assisted living homes for seniors that offer quality dedicated care. Some seniors may need more assistance than others or even memory care, and any location you choose should be able to meet your needs. There are also assisted living communities that serve the spiritual needs of seniors, such as Catholic assisted living homes. Before finalizing any long term care option, it is important to visit each location in person to get an idea about the services and atmosphere of the facility. During your visit, you should observe the interaction between the residents and staff members and take a tour of the kitchen and bedrooms. While you are there, you should also ask the enrollment manager some important questions before you make your final decision.

• How often do you serve meals and what are the meal times?
• Are any items prohibited?
• Is this a non-smoking community?
• Are there added fees for special dietary needs such as gluten-free or diabetic food?
• Do you offer planned social activities for residents?
• What type of senior exercise programs are available?
• What Catholic religious services or classes are available?
• Do you have set visiting hours?
• Is transportation for medical appointments provided?
• What are your resident discharge policies?
• Are therapy pets allowed? Is there an extra fee?
• What precautions are in place for natural disasters?
• Are religious holidays celebrated individually or as a whole facility?
• Is transportation for outside religious events provided?
• What is your staff to resident ratio?
• Is continuing care for seniors as they age?
• Do you offer memory care?
• I have a problem with hearing, can you accommodate me?
• What are your policies for when a resident suffers a medical emergency?
• What items may I bring with me when I move?
• What payment options are accepted?
• Is internet access available for residents?

If you have other questions that relate to your specific healthcare needs or if you have other concerns, during your visit is the best time to bring them up. Not only are you able to get an answer on the spot, but you can follow up with more questions until your concerns are cleared.