group home for elderly

Serving  Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

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With over 85 years of combined experience helping families find the perfect home for their loved ones, we’ve heard a lot of important questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us and our expert advisors will be happy to help you!

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Who are the Senior Living Experts?
Our three advisors are here to help you make the best possible decision for your loved one’s future. Whether you’re considering assisted living, memory care, or the help of a caregiver, we’re here to provide expert assistance from start to finish.
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What makes Senior Living Experts different from other referral agencies?
All our advisors have years of experience in working with seniors and working in senior communities. This has given us the ability to identify quality living options. We will meet with you face to face and get to know you and your family.
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How does Senior Living Experts come up with specific recommendations for me?
We look at health care needs, budget, and location before making appropriate recommendations for you.
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What is the cost of senior care?
Cost depends on the type of care and where the care is given. Please refer to our cost calculator for an estimate. You can also give us a call for more specific details.
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Does Medicare/Medicaid cover senior living?
Medicare does not cover the cost of senior living unless we are looking into a supportive living facility option for you.
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How do we know the level of care that my loved one needs?
This differs from community to community. We know those differences and can help you make an informed decision about your loved one’s level of care.  
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What is supportive living?
Supportive living is an assisted living community that offers a Medicaid option if you run out of money.  
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What is independent living?
Independent living is maintenance-free living that covers any typical maintenance and meals. An emergency call system is also included.
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What is in-home care?
For in-home care, a certified nursing assistant or nurse provides care in the person’s own home. They can help with daily activities such as cooking, getting dressed, and shopping.
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What is assisted living?
For assisted living, care will be given in a residential apartment that will include meals, housekeeping, transportation, and more. Assistance will also be provided for daily activities and personal care like bathing, grooming, and getting dressed.
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What is memory care?
Memory care is like assisted living, but with specialized attention for those who have a cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Residents will have much more oversight and a very structured day.
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Do we pay Senior Living Experts directly?
No, we are paid by the senior living provider.
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How long does it take to move our loved one into the senior living community of our choice?
It can take as little as a couple of days, but sometimes it is a longer process and we will work with you for as long as it takes.
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Will you accompany us on tours of these communities?
Yes! We’re there with you the entire time, combining your thoughts with our expert knowledge. Together, we will find a home that completely fits your loved one’s needs.
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Will you meet our family before accompanying us on community tours?
Yes. We can meet before to talk about specific options if that is something you would like.
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What happens if I run out of money?
Mapping out finances beforehand is extremely important. If you feel like Medicaid might be necessary in the future, it’s important to establish residency sooner rather than later. After spending down all assets, the senior living community will help guide you on the next steps for applying for Medicaid.
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Will they pay more for assisted living than living on their own?
If you’re concerned about money, you might be wondering how much more expensive it will be for your loved one to pay for their cost of living compared to their current situation. What’s unique about assisted living is that everything they need is included in the price – things they’re already having to pay for now. Technically, the only additional charge is for the care they receive.  
Your loved one may have some helpful options too, such as long-term care insurance, veteran’s benefits, and the ability to sell a life insurance policy.
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Can I still visit during COVID-19?
Yes. It is still possible to see your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic – just with extra safety precautions. Each assisted care and memory care community is different, but they all have the same goal of allowing you to visit your parents and loved ones in a completely safe environment.
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What types of activities are happening during COVID-19?
Even though COVID-19 has made activities a little more difficult, it’s just given assisted living and memory care communities the opportunity to be more creative. Some examples of socially distanced activities include hallway bingo and piano entertainment.  
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How does technology help seniors feel less isolated?
The wonderful thing about technology is that it brings us close together even when we’re physically apart. You’re loved one is only a quick video chat away from seeing your face and speaking to you as if you were with them in person. Technology also allows more opportunities for seniors to complete fun activities!
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Is now a good time for seniors to sell their home?
Yes. The market is currently in a good position for seniors to sell their homes if assisted living looks like a worthwhile option.
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Something to think about. Do you want to go to the hospital when you get sick?
If your loved one is about to enter an assisted living community, a question they need to consider is if they get sick, would they want to go to the hospital? This is especially important heading into hospice care.

What Senior Living Experts Can Do for Your Family

We understand choosing a community can feel overwhelming. That is why we specialize in guiding you toward making the best possible decision for your loved ones–completely free of charge.

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What happens next?

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Discovery

Your expert advisor will accumulate information necessary for proper placement, such as your needs, location, and budget.

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Recommendations

We provide numerous recommendations based on the details provided. Our goal is to combine your needs with our knowledge of senior communities.

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Tours

Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible. We want what’s best for your loved ones just as much as you do.

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Follow-ups

After a choice has been made and your loved one has moved into their new home, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.

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Together, let’s begin the journey to finding the home that will enhance the life of your family.

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