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Today I reviewed an assisted living community by Emeritus Senior Living, Emeritus at Arlington, in Virginia.
Emeritus has 300 communities throughout the United States. Their website makes the communities look their best and I wanted to find out if it was hype or the truth. So here I am back now from assisted living communities review and going to the website again for another look. I would say it is not hype. My talk with the Executive Director convinced me of that. The surrounding city-like area, on the fringes of Washington DC, is a wonderful location--lots of stimulating activities and things to do. The assisted living building is beautiful, characteristic of the neighborhood architecture, with an elegant entrance. The cobblestone entrance driveway immediately feels warm and inviting and gives a soft garden feeling.
I didn't call first, didn't make an appointment for my assisted living communities review at Emeritus Arlington, though you can--just walked in. The receptionist greeted with a smile and a handshake. I muttered that I was sorry for walking in like this..just in the area.. wanted to look around. No problem--I never felt an instant of inconveniencing anyone. Instead I felt like I had made an appointment a month in advance and everyone was expecting me.
The regular tour guide had to go out somewhere and she apologized profusely, but she would have the Executive Director give me their tour. I was very pleased. A smiling, very warm Director--she couldn't be nicer.
I had a chance in the few minutes I waited for her to watch and listen to the residents surrounding me, for my assisted living communities review, as they went about their daily living at an assisted living community. I heard someone exclaim from the restaurant behind me, "that was a good dinner." Good to know. I saw some people sitting under the sunny windows in the living room resting and softly chatting. A woman employee walked by me but took the time to give me a big smile and hello as I sat on one of the many chairs in the lobby. So far, all was well.
A very loud alarm bell went off at the door and I found out from the Director that this was a system they had for some adult children who feared their parents residing there might walk out the front door which can happen if a senior residence became confused. Not a good chance of that occurring here with this system.
We went into the Library, sat at a table and we had a one-on-one conversation. Very nice. No hurried pace. No pressure. Just easy conversation. "This is my first time at an assisted living residence, and I wanted to find out what they were all about," I stammered. No problem. It was all about me, why I was there and what could they do to help.
I told her that while I was very alert and healthy, knock on wood, my husband had some mild memory issues, and should they become worse, I may consider this type of community. But I needed to know what they were all about. Well, that was the truth aside from my main priority of getting the facts for my assisted living community review.
And it turned out, the Director, in our conversation, and assisted living communities review, gave me some wonderful information to pass onto you. I asked her what the ages there were as I noticed that most of the people I saw were older than my husband and I. She said that they ranged from 55 to 102 with the average age being low 80's. She said there were 2/3's women and a third men residents. That was more men than the usual assisted living community.
"What," I asked, is the most typical reason for moving to an assisted living community." She said many wanted to get away from the upkeep of a large home and decided to move in early while they were still young, and came before they had any problems. "That was just the way they wanted things," she said.
But the most frequent reason was that they wanted to be somewhere where they wouldn't ever have to move again.
I asked again, "how would I know if I could afford it--this great location must be expensive." She stated, "if a person adds up all of their monthly living expenses, and adds just a little more, they would see that the costs were pretty comparable."
"The hardest part about moving to an assisted living residence," the Director said, "was making the decision."
After talking with me at some length, she recommended a "Respite" stay for my husband and a chance for me to get some rest from constant care. Depending on the situation, she stated that being a caregiver is stressful and can have negative consequences in the long term--leading to the caregiver having health problems as well.
I felt my husband would object since his memory issues were very mild--he wasn't ready. But I felt it was a good recommendation and starting point for many to get to know if they like it.
The rents are month-to-month and no buy-in fee. you can leave with 30 days notice. So there isn't much to lose in trying it out. We weren't talking about a real situation with me but one where I was curious to find out more information rather than wanting or needing an assisted living facility at this time but I would discuss it with my husband to see how he felt about it.
The Director continued, that their goal was to keep their residents as independent as possible for as long as possible.
As we age we are afraid of losing our independence--the greatest fear. If you could get around, you could be as independent as you wanted here.
Couples can occupy a room together or some couples separate and only one will go into an apartment, like a studio, depending on your situation.
There is a definite community feel here. You are personally invited and encouraged by the trained staff to join in on activities, though you don't have to, and there are excursions by bus a couple times a week. You would pay for any food or entertainment fees but the transportation was free. There is a parking garage for those who have cars.
Assisted Living Communities Review: "The goal is to not spend time in your apartment, don't isolate yourself but have one on one visits with other residents."
The studio apartment was small but neatly compact with a kitchenette and a full bath. I would call it cozy. I didn't have time to see the one bedroom.
There was a lovely backyard garden to sit and walk.
Does this sound like somewhere you'd like to live. It sounds like a place to cast your cares aside, to have services made available should you ever need them. Only a visit or more will help you decide. And the important thing was that Emeritus at Arlington couldn't have been more inviting to come back to as they made me feel very comfortable in my assisted living communities review and would do the same for you.
What did I learn..I learned from this assisted living communities review that you can find communities in the phone book or on the internet, but there is no substitution for an in-person visit to the community. That is the only way to know if the community is right for you .. so get started and view communities .. whether you feel you are ready or not .. you may be someday .. or someone you love may be someday .. don't be afraid and don't hesitate .. the community may be a pleasant surprise ..
Disclaimer: We make no recommendations or give advice. This assisted living communities review is for information only. We refer you to third parties to be helpful only. We are not affiliated with Emeritus Senior Living communities in any way. Please always do your own thorough investigation of communities.
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