How is a residential home different from a large assisted living community?
Scale, and what scale does to care. A large community may have 80 to 150 residents across several wings, with staff rotating between them. We have a small group of residents in one house with a small, consistent team. You give up the cinema room and the bistro. You get caregivers who know that she takes two sugars and that Thursday is when her son calls.
What care are you licensed to provide?
Texas licenses assisted living homes by category, and the category sets the ceiling on what we may do — particularly around evacuation, night-time attendance and help with transfers. Ask us directly and we will tell you our category and exactly what it permits, along with the point at which a resident would need to move to skilled nursing.
Can she bring her own furniture?
Please do. Her bed, her chair, the pictures from the hallway. Familiar objects shorten the adjustment period dramatically, and a room that looks like hers is a room she will settle in. We will tell you what fits.
How many caregivers are on at a time?
Ask us what the ratio is on the shift you are standing in, and ask the same question at every home you tour. Ask specifically about overnight, too — some homes have staff sleeping on site rather than awake and working, and that is a meaningful difference.
What happens if she gets sicker?
Most increases in need are absorbed here without a change in rate. We coordinate with home health, hospice and her own physician, all of whom can visit her here. If her needs pass what our licence permits, we will tell you early and help you plan the transition rather than issuing a discharge notice at short notice.
Can we visit whenever we want?
Yes, during daylight hours, without calling ahead. Take her out whenever you like — just let a caregiver know so medications go with her. We would rather you dropped in unannounced. It is the best quality check a family has.
Does Medicare pay for this?
No. Medicare does not cover room and board in assisted living. It may cover medical services delivered here, such as home health or hospice, and Medicaid may cover some services through a waiver for those who qualify. Most of our families pay privately, use long-term care insurance, or claim VA Aid and Attendance.
Is there a waiting list?
Sometimes. With only a handful of rooms, availability changes month to month. If you are planning a move in the next few months it is worth calling early so we can tell you what is likely to open.
What if she doesn’t want to move?
Almost nobody does. What works better than persuading is visiting — come for lunch, sit at the table, let her talk to residents without a salesperson hovering. Respite stays exist partly for this reason: a fortnight is far easier to agree to than forever, and it very often settles the question.