FAQ’s
Q: What is Assisted Living?
Aspen Leaf Assisted Living is licensed and also certified as an Alternative Care Facilities (ACF). A certified assisted living residence in Colorado is designed to offer elders and persons with disabilities health services in a community setting, which include:
24-hour protective oversight
Daily living skills assistance
Personal care services
Homemaker services
Our goal is to promote independence and personal dignity in a safe, home-like environment. Help with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, evening care and medication monitoring and is personally tailored to each individual’s personal needs and preferences.
In our assisted living, a resident makes their home in a private or semi-private room with the convenience of maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services, and has full access to the community’s full array of amenities featuring an active lifestyle that includes ample access to entertainment, recreation, dining and transportation for community outings.
Assisted Living is a wonderful option for seniors who no longer wish to live alone or may need some help, but who don’t need or want institutionalized care in a nursing home. It is best suited for seniors who do not require complex medical care but may require additional support with personal care and daily activities or have some memory issues that makes it unsafe to live at home alone.
Q. Is there a difference between a "nursing home" and an "assisted living"?
A: Though at times they are used interchangeably, there is a real difference. A nursing home describes a 24-hour skilled nursing facility for seniors who need constant supervision and medical support. It is typically more hospital-like than an assisted living community.
While promoting independence, assisted living communities provide medication supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, etc. Staff are there 24-hours-a-day to provide supervision and assistance. All of this takes place in a more home-like setting.
Nursing homes take care of people who are sick and need round-the-clock skilled nursing care. Their institutionalized settings are often not conducive to encouraging independence. Health care experts estimate that up to 30% of elders residing in nursing homes actually do not need around-the-clock care. Assisted Living offers them a place to call home that offers more cheerful surroundings, privacy, space and dignity then is typically found in a nursing home, and at a much lower cost.
The reality is that assisted living communities approach senior living differently as they were built with a social model in mind. Residents still have access to increasing levels of care should they need it.
Nursing homes existed long before assisted living and were born out of the need to provide around the clock medical care for older adults who could not be cared for at home. Residents with more complicated medical needs, such as chronic wound care or complex illnesses, who live in an assisted living community often can arrange a home health agency to provide any skilled care they are in need of. This provides care as needed but allows the resident to remain at the assisted living.
Q: What is included in the costs?
A: Our rate at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living includes three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry and fresh linens and towels, an emergency safety alert system, safety checks, medication management, wellness checks every 30 days performed by a trained staff member, and all of our in-house activities.
We pride ourselves in being all inclusive in our rates no matter what your level of needs are. We do not believe in having our staff monitor how many times a caregiver assists you with walking you to meals, opening blinds, how many loads of laundry or even how many times you are assisted to the bathroom. Our staff is there to provide you care personally designed for you!
Q: What out-of-pocket expenses, if any, may I incur?
A: Your only out-of-pocket expenses will consist of personal hygiene costs (shampoos, tissues, incontinence supplies, medical equipment, beauty parlor visits, phone service, and your medication pharmacy costs.
Q: How is my level of care determined?
A: Before move-in, our care team will assess your current health and review your medical history to see how we can best meet your needs. They will also discuss your preferences as well as your normal routines to develop a care plan that’s tailor made for you. This Individualized care plan is regularly updated to meet your evolving needs.
Q: Does Medicare pay or help pay for any assisted living expenses?
A: Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t help finance assisted living. The Medicare program was designed to pay for the health care expenses of seniors and younger adults with long-term disabilities. Assisted living doesn’t meet that criteria as it doesn’t require the intervention and support of a skilled health care professional. Because of this, other funding solutions must be utilized.
Q: What financial options are available to make senior care more affordable?
A: We accept private pay and have many other options available for you to explore. Some Long-Term Insurance Policies may also cover part or all the costs for assisted living care. We encourage you to speak with your financial advisor to learn more about options to help afford senior living.
Many state and federal programs offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. For instance, in the U.S. there is a Federal benefit, called Aid and Attendance which both veterans and their spouses may be eligible to receive to assist with assisted living fees.
On the state level, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) is the umbrella under which Health First Colorado (Medicaid) pays for medical care and services for those who are not eligible for Health First Colorado Basic, but are unable to afford the needed services. When HCBS is referenced in context to seniors, usually it means the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) waiver program, though HCBS programs exist for children, the mentally disabled, those with brain injuries and those with AIDS.
The goal of HCBS-EBD (hereafter referred to as simply HCBS) is to serve individuals who might need nursing home care, but can be cared for more effectively (including cost-effectively) in the home and community. Individuals cannot require 24-hour supervision, unless an assisted living or family is providing it.
There are 23 such agencies in Colorado, each responsible for specific counties. To locate an Options for Long Term Care agency, please click here.
If you need any advice on which path you should explore please reach out to our facility administrator here.
Q. How much does living at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living Cost?
Our rates are typically about 25-30% below homes located in the Denver or Colorado Springs area. Genworth Financial completes an annual study of rates. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to arrange a tour to address your specific in regards to any resident rate charges you may have.
If you receive assistance from an outside source for paying for your room and board such as HCBS, Aid and Attendance or a Long-term care policy they will determine what your monthly financial payments are to Aspen Leaf Assisted Living.
Aspen Leaf Assisted Living does not currently charge an admission fee or security deposit. These fees are often collected by larger homes to offset the paperwork costs incurred with a new move in or to cover any damages caused by a resident. By not charging these fees we feel like we stick with our true “all-inclusive” fee structure.
Q: How do I arrange a visit?
A: The first step is to arrange a visit to an Aspen Leaf Assisted Living community. During your visit, we’ll talk to you about your personal circumstances and how we can meet your individual needs. To set up a tour, simply call your nearest Aspen Leaf Assisted Living community click here to find a community and schedule a tour.
Q: How quickly can you help?
A: We work with each family to support their needs as best we can, including accommodating urgent move-ins when possible. Residents receive a full care pre-admission assessment prior to moving in, which helps our team develop his or her Individualized Care Plan.
Q. Am I allowed to come and go as I please like I could before I moved into Aspen Leaf Assisted Living?
A: Yes. Our house rules are simple. We just ask that residents of Aspen Leaf either inform the staff they are leaving or sign in/out depending on which of our homes you live in. The reason for wanting to know you are leaving is simple – we do not want to look for you if we have a building emergency.
We will even provide you with a code or key for the door to allow you more freedom to return if the doors of your home are locked (safety of other residents is kept in mind at night).
Q: How long can I be gone from Aspen Leaf Assisted Living without jeopardizing my housing?
A: Aspen Leaf Assisted Living staff will work with the resident and family members to develop a “return plan” for residents that have been hospitalized or out of home for rehab. Charges will continue to accrue as long as a resident’s furnishings and belongings occupy the room. If a resident is receiving benefits from an outside payor source such as long-term care insurance or HCBS (Medicaid) the rules for their services must be verified with them.
Q: Can mom or dad keep their car while living at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living?
A:Yes. Residents may keep their car and must present proof of current vehicle registration, auto insurance and driver’s license each year. The resident is responsible for all maintenance and insurance expenses associated with the vehicle.
Aspen Leaf Assisted Living does not assume any responsibility for a resident’s actions while they are driving. If at any point a concern has been brought to the administrations attention these concerns will be addressed with the resident and/or responsibility party to share awareness of the concern.
Q: What kind of menu/food is served at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living?
A: A great deal of consideration is given to presenting a seasonal menu which is prepared on-site. Each person has a diet that is physician-approved and designed by a dietitian. Special preferences and food allergies are taken into consideration. Residents come together for three meals and socialization in the dining room each day.
Q. Can visitors stay overnight?
A: Your room at Aspen Leaf Assisted living is your home. Visitors are welcome at any time.
Q. Are there visiting Hours?
A: No. We ask that visitors are respectful of other residents but do not restrict hours that visitors are allowed.
Q: Can Aspen Leaf Assisted Living help if my mom or dad has experienced falls in the past?
A: We develop an Individualized Care Plan for each resident that details care needs and preferences and addresses safety concerns. If falling is a concern, the Care Plan may include interventions and special precautions to help address this issue that will be followed by our Caregivers.
Many of our daily resident activities offer exercise classes that focus on strength and balance, which may assist in reducing the risk of falling.
Q: Can Aspen Leaf Assisted Living help if my mom or dad has dementia?
A: Most of us know someone diagnosed with dementia and the struggles associated with the disease. Even the most basic, or routine tasks become almost impossible. One tip that can ease the struggle, is to incorporate stability and structure through a daily routine.
Creating a daily routine for our loved one’s that is stimulating yet familiar is a great start. We find that people that are affected with dementia/Alzheimer’s do best with a routine and tailored care plan centered around familiar activities, friends, and interests.
We do not have a secured facility (locked) but most times we are able to meet resident’s needs when they start to progress due to our consistent care and routines. We also provide all of our staff with additional training in dementia, Alzheimer’s and Validation Training to assist with providing the proper individualized care plan.
The key is to establish the “routine” early on when you first start to see yourself or your loved one start to display or feel signs of changes in memory. Often dementia progresses quickly and the opportunity to firmly establish a routine might be lost. Use your best judgement and feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or advice you might need for when it may be the right time for making a move.
Q: Can residents decorate their room and bring their own furniture?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own furniture with you as this is your home! We encourage you to design your room to be as comfortable and familiar as possible.
Q: Can Aspen Leaf Assisted Living provide me with furniture?
A: Yes, there are furnishings available should you choose not to bring your own furniture. Contact a community near you for more details.
Q: Do you have kitchens in the rooms?
A: We purposefully do not put kitchenettes in resident rooms. We don’t want residents to feel like “this is your apartment; stay in here.” We want residents to feel Aspen Leaf Aspen Leaf Assisted Living is their home and they can enjoy various private and shared spaces within the home. Although residents can keep snacks in their room, and even place a small refrigerator if desired, our residents express satisfaction that whenever they want something to eat or drink, they can have it. Our staffing ratio promotes Caregivers having time to remind residents that it is time for meals or snacks, and even escorting a resident to the dining room when needed – all for no extra charge. We encourage residents to come out to meals for the social aspect that feeds emotional need and encourages eating a healthy portion size. At times when a resident need to eat in their room due to illness, the meal is brought to them – also at no extra cost – it’s part of our All-Inclusive Rate.
Q: Can residents request events or activities?
A: Yes! In fact, Resident Engagement Calendars are different at each community because each one is tailored to its specific residents’ requests and interests. Our communities also hold monthly resident council meetings, so we can be certain our activities meet their needs and interests.
Q: Is a Aspen Leaf Assisted Living staff member always available to assist me?
A: Yes. Personal assistance is available around the clock, 7 days per week. We provide each resident with an emergency pendant to have assistance provided in a timely manner.
Our staff provides wellness/safety checks every 2 hours and more often if needed. All of our staff is awake at all times.. even when you are sleeping!
Q: How long must I stay living at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living?
A: Our rental agreements are in 30-day increments. We operate our home based upon the current number of residents. If you are desiring to move out, we require a 30-day notice at the beginning of the month to ensure we meet the needs of all of our residents.
We also provide respite care (short term stays) when space is available if your loved one is in need of extra care or even if their primary caregiver is unavailable for a short period of time due to going on vacation, a business trip, or because they need time off from the demands of care giving. These visiting elders receive the same care and attention as regular residents, including daily personal care assistance, three meals and snacks per day, medication assistance, and activities.
Q: How can I show my loved one I'm not taking away her freedom?
A: Keeping up a house, driving and living independently means a lot to most seniors, and suggesting assisted living can make them feel like you are trying to take away personal independence. To prove otherwise, it’s important to show them how much independence and freedom they will enjoy at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living Residence.
Q. How do I Convince my friend/parent/ loved one to Consider Assisted Living?
A: First, plant the seed. Don’t approach your loved one(s) as though you’ve already made the decision for them. Simply mention that there are options out there that could make life easier and more fun for them.
Next, research assisted living homes nearby and offer to take them on some tours. If he or she is willing, great! But don’t push it. Drop the subject if they resist and wait for another day to tackle this next step.
Wait for a “teachable moment” to present itself. Did Mom fall but manage to avoid getting badly hurt? Use that as a springboard. You may want to wait a bit or immediately say something like, “Wow, that was a close call, and I’m sure it was a very scary experience for you. Once you’re feeling better, maybe we could go look at the assisted living home. We’d both feel better if you had people around.” Go with your gut on the timing but use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to give your loved one a gentle reality check.
Unless you consider your loved one’s need for placement in assisted living an emergency, don’t push. It’s hard to wait, but you will likely need to. Wait for, say, a very lonely day when Mom is complaining about how she never sees her friends anymore. Then gently try again. Do your best to make them feel they are in control of their life and this decision.
Ask around to see if anyone you know has a loved one who is already thriving in a local assisted living community. It’s even better if you find that one of your loved one’s friends has already made the move. Just like your first day of school when you looked for a friend—any friend—who may be in your class, your parent would feel much better if there was a familiar face already in the home.
Even if they don’t know anyone in a specific facility, you can still take your parent to enjoy a meal or participate in an activity, such as playing cards or wii bowling. Show off the social aspects of a good center. Keep it light and don’t force the issue. Tour more than one center, if possible, and ask your parent for their input. Do they prefer a larger community or the smaller ones? Does a new and modern center fit their personality or an older, cozier one?
On tours, show interest in how much privacy residents have. Ask about bringing furniture from home and how much space there is in each room. Take a measuring tape and visualize how your love one’s room could be set up and decorated. Demonstrate the same level of excitement as you would if you were helping your parent move to a new apartment, because that’s exactly what you are doing.
Stress the benefits and peace of mind that increased safety measures will offer both of you.
Highlight the fact that assisted living allows seniors to forgo daily chores and hassles so that they can focus on things they want to do. There’s no yard work, but gardening activities are offered. Meals are prepared for them. There’s plenty of freedom to be alone, but also plenty of opportunity for company when they desire it. You know your loved one best, so stress the aspects that you know they’ll enjoy.
The last step in this process is to wait and let it all sink in. I’m sorry to say that many caregivers must wait for another fall or other health scare to occur before their elders will be willing to make the decision themselves.
Remember, that we know that this process is hard for you and for your loved one! We know that no one will move in skipping and dancing. But as they hear how excited you are for there new adventures they will thrive and be open to these hard life changes.
Q. What can I expect after my loved one or myself moves in?
A: As with any new relationship, we expect a honeymoon period. Do you remember when you had a brand-new relationship? It took time to find a comfortable happy medium. Moving a parent, even a willing one, into assisted living, or any senior living facility, is fraught with emotion. Your parents may mourn the loss of their younger years, their independence, the home they built. They could be scared about aging, making new friends, finding their way in a new place.
You may be mourning all of those things too. You may second-guess your decision. Did we act too quickly? Overreact? Wait too long? And you will feel guilt. Guilt is inevitable. Know that all of these feelings are normal and don’t need to last forever. And keep these 12 strategies in mind as you make the transition:
Give it time. Senior living experts say it typically takes between three and six months for someone to adjust to assisted living. That’s an average. It might be quicker; it may take longer. Stay focused on the reasons you made the decision (safety, health, security, sanity). Keeping the big picture in mind will help you through the rough patches.
Visit often, or not for two weeks. Only you know your parent, so only you can decide how best to assist them through the early weeks of the move. Many experts will tell you to visit as often as possible. Frequent visits can ease any stress your parent may have that they will be abandoned or lonely. It might be easier for them to meet people at activities or in the dining room if they have a companion with them. But if your parent is calling you several times a day, staying in their room, and waiting for you to show up and keep them company, you may need to give them some space in order to encourage them to branch out. Tough love – it can work both ways.
It takes a village. Mobilize yours. When you can’t come visit as often as you would like ask others to visit. Your loved one will be content and adjust faster if they feel they can still “entertain”. Call your relatives and asked them to visit in your absence. Just as parenting takes a village, so does daughtering.
Expect setbacks. Just when you think you are over the hump and your parent is settling in, things will change. They will tell you they are lonely. They will decide they don’t like their new dining room friends. They will ask to go home. These moments are heart wrenching but knowing that they are normal and that they will pass, can help get you through them.
Allow yourself to feel discomfort. Speaking of home, know that when your parent says they want to go home, they may not necessarily mean their last address. It’s incredibly difficult to hear your parent say they want to go home. But know this: they may not be referring to their last address – especially if they have dementia; they may be referring to a childhood home. Home is both a place and a feeling. Sit with them in the discomfort of that statement and talk to them about what they miss. You can’t promise to change their situation, but you can hear them as they express their feelings. And that will help.
Acknowledge the difficult parts. Yes, you want to paint the new move in a positive light, but don’t talk at your parents about all the wonderful new activities and people and opportunities. Listen to their fears and concerns and acknowledge them. Then help them get through it. They will be more likely to listen to what you have to say if they feel like you’ve listened to what they had to say.
Surround your parent with their personal belongings. Moving to assisted living usually means downsizing. The dining room table with two extension leaves and coordinating hutch may not fit in their new room. But what does fit, are photographs of family and friends, photo albums, favorite books, a familiar piece of artwork. If you need to downsize the bedroom set, you can still bring a familiar blanket and pillows. You do not need kitchen supplies, but you can pack your mother’s favorite teacup. Leaving a home shouldn’t mean leaving behind the comforts of that home.
Limit new things. You may be tempted to furnish your parent’s new place with the latest and greatest in hopes they love their fancy new home. But limit new items. Moving into an assisted living home is a major adjustment where everything is new – the people, the food, the routines. Don’t overwhelm your parents with a new phone or remote control for the television. Limit the amount of new things they need to learn.
Be your parent’s advocate. No place is perfect. You and your parents may see opportunities to improve something at their new home, but your parent may hesitate to speak up when they move to a new place. Do it for them. We need this input to provide the best care possible!
Build a team. The staff at assisted living can and should be a part of your team. Talk to them about your concerns and your parent’s concerns and actively enroll them in helping with the transition. Don’t assume they will notice what needs to happen – they are very busy. If your parent tells you they are too shy to go to the dining room for dinner, or they forget when activities are happening, ask if a staff member can knock on their door and invite them. If the staff members know what you need, they should be willing to help.
Set your boundaries. Yes, you want to be a good daughter and ease your parent’s transition. But you have needs too. Try to free up as much times as you can in the first few months after the move to help but know that it is okay if you are not always available. Your kids may need you. Your boss and clients may need you. And you need to take care of yourself. Determine what you are able and willing to do and then stick to your boundaries. Other people will tell you what you should do. Ignore them. You are the judge – no one else.
Daughter knows best. Remember the television show and saying, “Father Knows Best.” Well this time, daughter (son etc.), you know best. The experts may tell you to stay away or visit often. They may tell you to dismiss complaints as normal. But you know your parent best. Trust your instincts.
Q. My Parent is doing great since they moved into Aspen Leaf Assisted Living. When would I know if it’s appropriate for them to move home again?
A: Often our residents start to thrive again after moving in and we get asked this exact question. We know that there is truly no right or wrong answer to this question. But, we will explain the changes you might see and the reasons why you see them: Consistent routines, proper nutrition and intake, medications given properly as prescribed, changes are noticed and addressed with physician in a timelier manner, and the socialization. All these factors contribute to why they are doing better. If you feel this is something you would like to explore please feel free to reach out to your loved ones physician and/or our homes administrator. They would be more than happy to offer guidance in making the right decisions.
Q: When would Aspen Leaf Assisted Living not be able to meet my needs?
Each situation is evaluated on an individual basis by Aspen Leaf Assisted Living administration and owners. We will do everything in our power to make your living with us a pleasant and enjoyable experience!
Any more questions you may have?
Feel free to reach out to us!