Senior Living FAQs

The best time to move to any retirement community is when residents are still active and in good health. Autumn Leaves independent living in Dallas is the perfect choice for anyone who desires to continue the lifestyle they’ve come to love, but with the reassurance of on-site care, if needed. This exceptional lifestyle will offer your loved ones the time and opportunities to discover new talents and make new friends.

AARP suggests an adult child ask his or her parents questions that might help start the conversation. You would not ask all these questions in one sitting but use them as a guide for topics of conversation when the time is right.

A few examples: Is your home still appropriate for your needs? Are there stairs or security issues? Do you need help with household chores? Can you cook your favorite meals? Hear the doorbell ring? Do you feel comfortable driving? Would it be a great relief to have transportation available right at your door? Are your prescriptions current and are you taking your medications correctly? Have you seen the doctor lately? Do you get lonely, especially at mealtimes?

Absolutely. Your parents are invited to make themselves at home by furnishing or decorating their residence as they choose. Check out our Decorating blog.

As the name suggests, assisted living offers individuals assistance with the activities of daily living, dressing, bathing, dining and medication management — while still providing every opportunity for maintaining the highest possible level of independence. At Autumn Leaves, this is all delivered in an atmosphere of sophistication and hospitality. Services are tailored to match individual needs for maximum convenience and comfort. Autumn Leaves is a top choice for assisted living in Dallas.

Most policies do help cover the costs of assisted living, but you’ll need to check your specific coverage to be sure. We can help — just bring a copy of your policy with you when you visit Autumn Leaves. Long-term care insurance is not required to be a resident.

Watch for signs it may not be ideal — or safe — for an aging parent to live at home. For example, your loved one may stop doing a longtime hobby or suddenly withdraw from friends or activities. Sudden weight loss, a change in grooming habits, or a house in disorder may signal your parent needs assistance.

If either of your parents is a military veteran or the widow of a veteran, he or she may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits available to all U.S. military veterans. These include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocation, rehabilitation and employment and burial. At Autumn Leaves, veterans’ benefits may assist with the costs associated with senior living. Let us help you get the answers or go to www.va.gov.

Skilled nursing is designed for individuals who require full-time care, or assistance with most, if not all, activities of daily living. Skilled nursing facilities are licensed and offer medical care by trained medical staff, such as a registered nurse or therapist, 24 hours a day. They may also include rehabilitation services, memory support services and other types of specialized care. They are typically Medicare/ Medicaid-certified, and monthly fees include meals, personal assistance, and most medical services (except for medications and other related hard costs).

Short-term rehabilitation is therapeutic care for individuals requiring intensive physical, occupational or speech therapy, provided to restore them to a former capacity. Short-term rehabilitation can be prescribed for days, weeks or months on either an inpatient or outpatient basis.