Senior Living FAQs
You have a question, we have an answer. By doing your research and starting to think about senior living options before the need arises, it can help you avoid having to make a move in a crisis situation. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide the best resources and customer service so you can feel comfortable and confident in making your decision to move to a senior living community.
1. What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living provides senior living with added healthcare and housekeeping services, such as meals, housekeeping, 24-hour security, medication reminders/administration, and assistance with personal care. Our assisted living residences provide an array of social, cultural, spiritual, and recreational opportunities.
2. How Do I Know When It Is Time To Consider Assisted Living Options For Myself Or My Loved One?
As human beings we are hardwired for independence. But there are times when our independence could benefit from assisted living services. Following are five signs to tell if your loved one might benefit from supportive services:
- Do you see weight loss?
Losing weight without trying is a sign that something is wrong. It could be a sign of cancer, Dementia, depression, or heart disease. Or it also could mean that your loved one is lacking the energy to cook, is unable to grasp the tools needed for cooking, can’t get groceries, or read the labels on products. A consultation with a physician and assisted living services can address these issues and lead to solutions.
- Is your loved one taking care of themself?
Is your loved one keeping up with their usual personal hygiene routines? Are their clothes clean? Not keeping up with daily routines (such as bathing, toothbrushing, and other basic grooming), could indicate health problems. Dementia, depression or physical impairments could also be evident.
- Is one’s home becoming too much of a burden?
Check for signs of your loved one not maintaining their home. Are the lights working? Is the heat on? Has the well-maintained yard become overgrown? Are there dirty dishes in the sink? Is their home abnormally messy?
Significant changes in the way your loved one does things around the house could provide clues to their health. Scorched pots could mean a parent with Dementia is forgetting about dinner cooking on the stove. Neglected housework could mean depression is robbing your parent of the motivation to take care of the home. Light bulbs that haven’t been replaced could indicate that physical impairments make it impossible for your loved one to keep up with the regular maintenance around the house.
- Is your loved one having trouble moving around the house?
Pay attention to how your loved one is walking. Are they reluctant or unable to walk common distances? Is knee or hip arthritis making it difficult to get around the house? Do they need a cane or walker? Discuss ways to make getting around easier.
- What is your loved one’s mood?
Are they happy? Are they actively engaged in activities and interests that provide joy? Are they connecting with people who they enjoy? If not, it’s time to explore the causes of this discontentment and work on solutions.
3. How Do I Become A Resident Of The Luther Park At Sandpoint Community?
There are several simple steps in the process of becoming a resident:
- Take a tour—you can call Nora at 208-265-8834 to schedule one
- Make a Reservation Deposit. This involves a simple one page form and a deposit of $1000 (Fully refundable if you don’t move in, less interest earned)
- When an apartment becomes available, sign a Medical Release form to give us permission to receive your medical records and fill out a short Personal History
- Schedule and have an assessment from our nurse
- Sign Resident Admission Agreement and Negotiated Service Agreement and arrange moving day
- Move In
4. What Is Included In My Monthly Rent?
If you are not seeking healthcare and personal assistance services, the following is included in your monthly rent:
- Nursing oversight and coordination of outside health services
- Three chef–prepared meals per day with daily snacks
- Housekeeping every other week
- 24-hour staff on-site and emergency response
- Initial RN assessment and 90-day reviews
- Social, spiritual, and leisure activities
- Paid utilities including heat/air conditioning, electric, water, trash, basic satellite television, Wi-Fi in common areas (telephone, internet and premium television package are not included)
- Interior and exterior maintenance
- Transportation program
5. Can I Have Guests Stay With Me?
Guests are welcome anytime in your home at Luther Park, as long as you are home and notify leadership in advanced.
6. Can I Decorate My Home The Way I Want To?
Absolutely! Bring all the furnishings that you would like to help you make your new residence your “home.”
7. What Is The Pet Policy?
Pets Visiting at Luther Park
At Luther Park, we welcome your family and friends to visit, and bring their pets. However, we do have an established Visiting Pet Policy. We encourage you, as a resident of Luther Park, to be aware of this policy and to share this information with your family and friends prior to their visit to our community.
Prior to pets visiting the community, the Administrator must be notified and set up an appointment to visit with the pet to ensure pet friendliness.
Current and up-to-date vaccination records must be provided and kept current for continued visits. This is the responsibility of the pet owner.
Visiting pets are not permitted to stay overnight in the resident’s apartment.
Pets must have a friendly disposition and be approachable by residents, staff, and visitors.
When in common areas of the building or property, the pet must be on a leash or a pet carrier and be supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed in either dining rooms.
Immediate clean-up is expected when taking pets outside for “bathroom breaks”.
8. What If I Need More Services?
Additional services are available, such as:
- Medication Administration
- Bathing Assistance
- Dressing/Grooming
- Personal Hygiene Assistance
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Transfer Assistance
- Escorts to Meals/Activities
- Dining Assistance
- Comfort Checks
- Nursing Services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
9. When Are Meal Times And How Will I Know Where To Sit In The Dining Room?
One of the unique dining experiences that we offer to our residents at Luther Park is what we call “Open Dining”. Open Dining allows residents to attend a meal at any time during the meal service time. How wonderful it is to be able to just casually dine on your own time rather than feeling pressured to attend a meal at the precise time it begins!
Additionally, we offer open seating rather than “assigned” seating – which allows residents to sit wherever they choose from day to day or meal to meal. This gives a great chance to meet new people and make new friends three times a day.
Meal Service Times
- Breakfast 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Lunch 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Dinner 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
10. Resident Ambassadors
Our Residential Ambassador Program consists of a team of longtime residents who are on-hand as a greeting party for new prospective residents. They will serve as mentors and guides to exploring everything our community has to offer. Our Residential Ambassadors are available to answer any questions about our community and are ready to help you experience the lifestyle you have earned!
Resident Ambassadors will contact you within the first two days of your arrival. They will tour you around the community and introduce you to many of the residents here at Luther Park.
If you would like, they will sit with you for the first couple of days at meal times.
Please ask questions as they arise.
- Virginia Farwell – Resident Ambassador
- Alberta Hall – Resident Ambassador