Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) we receive in regards to our Assisted Living communities.

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An assisted living community is a home-like setting, that provides residential and social services to seniors. Assisted living communities support those who need assistance with activities of daily living while allowing residents to live as independently as possible. Assisted living provides residential accommodations, social recreational activities, food service, twenty-four hour on-site monitoring, case management services, housekeeping, personal care, and medication management. When living at home is no longer safe or desirable, assisted living is an excellent option.
An Assisted Living Program (ALP) combines residential and home care services to seniors in a home-like setting. The ALP is a special license that allows the community to work directly with Medicaid funding for personal care services. It is designed as an alternative to nursing home placement for some people. An Assisted Living Program provides and arranges resident accommodations, meal service, personal care, medication management, housekeeping, supervision, home health aides, personal emergency response services, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy,

Activities in an assisted living community are intended to suit all interests and lifestyles. Assisted living offers a variety of activities to increase socialization, encourage happiness, and improve health/wellbeing. A variety of activities are offered, including dancing, painting, cooking, and creating. Games, movies, trivia, singing, pet therapy, and outdoor excursions, are just a few at the top of the list. Assisted living offers a robust schedule of activities to make each day meaningful and fulfilling.

Each assisted living community offers different residential accommodations. The most common options include semi-private (shared) rooms, 2-bedroom shared suites, and private rooms/suites. Please speak with a community representative to discuss options offered at the Amber Court community of your choice.
Assisted living allows people to maintain their personal best by pairing independence and stimulating social activities with support― including residential services and medical supervision with personal care assistance. When an environment adapts to meet the evolving needs of older people, they are more likely to remain in familiar surroundings. “Aging in Place” allows appropriate care, comfort, and continuity throughout those changes, managing new challenges with grace, dignity, and success.
When a person needs more personal care assistance the nurse conducts an assessment, along with a physicians’ evaluation, to determine what level of care is necessary. The nurse or an Amber Court representative will discuss the costs associated with the changed level of care needed. This is paid privately or if eligible, by Medicaid-Funded programs.
At Amber Court, we offer both private pay and Medicaid options. For privately paying residents, we offer a monthly rate for rent and care. For Medicaid recipients, Medicaid will cover the cost of personal care services. Medicaid does not cover the cost of monthly rent. Assistance is available to assist residents in paying the cost of their stay. Most people use their Social Security, pension, assets, or long-term care insurance to pay for their stay. Medicare does not cover the cost of Assisted Living.
Amber Court is New York State Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Health Licensed Assisted Living Residences. We are regulated and monitored on an ongoing basis by DOH, with on-site surveillance and continual “best practices” implementation. In New Jersey, an Advanced Standing program, designed by the NJ Health Care Association and DOH was begun several years ago for Assisted Living Residences (ALR’s) demonstrating exceptional operational and clinical services. We have qualified for this special status year after year. Amber Court holds an excellent reputation with both State agencies. You can feel protected, safe and secure at a licensed and regulated Assisted Living Residence.
At each of our Amber Court communities, we have affordable options. The Assisted Living Program (ALP), which requires a special license from NYS, offers us the ability to bill Medicaid for personal care services. With Medicaid in place, the only responsibility to a resident is the cost of their monthly regulated rent. Eligibility requirements for the affordable ALP, medically and financially, can be discussed with an Amber Court Representative. In New Jersey, they provide the NJ Licensed Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver. Utilizing Social Security, SSI entitlements, and Medicaid, similarly to NY, all the services available at the Assisted Living Residence are provided.
At Amber Court walkers are always permitted. Wheelchairs can be utilized for outdoor excursions and indoors only when there are bedrooms on the main floor and there is availability of one of the rooms. This is so evacuation in an emergency is possible. For the safety of others, motorized wheelchairs are discouraged.
Yes, people with dementia, memory impairment and even Alzheimer’s can live comfortably in our environment. After a complete assessment by the Nursing Supervisor and a Physician medical evaluation, we can determine if the individual can live safely within our setting. Many do! For those that need added security, we are proud to offer THE ALCOVE at Westbury. This is a private, protective setting, utilizing the latest in research for cognitive impairment. It is a relaxing atmosphere, designed to maximize ease and comfort.
We do not have visiting hours. Guest are welcomed throughout the day. However, for the comfort of our residents we recommend 9am-9pm. We ask that guests sign our Visitor Register, so that we always know who is in the building. This allows for proper notice in case of an emergency.
Arranging a tour is easy. Call the Community of your choice and ask for the Community Representative. He/She will work with you to find a convenient time to view the Community. Come with all the questions you may want to ask. We are happy to answer every question. 888.929.4929
For the most part pets are not permitted at Amber Court. However, speak with the Community Representative to discuss the circumstances.
What is required in our setting is an Admission Agreement. This details the amount your monthly rent, other costs associated with your care, and a disclosure of what can be expected within the payment of your rent (as outlined previously). It also states that you can terminate the Admission Agreement whenever you desire. It only requires a 30-day notice.
The first step is to arrange for a tour. During the tour we will discuss the individual needs of your loved one. When it is determined that we can provide what is needed, and a move-in is scheduled, we will ask for a Physician’s medical evaluation. Then our Nursing Supervisor will conduct a thorough nursing assessment to detail the actual plan of care. The move-in coordinator will help you with all the details of the admission, making it as seamless as possible.
Yes! We welcome input from family members and loved ones. Our Management staff, which includes the Administrator/Executive Director, Nursing Supervisor and Case Managers are available to discuss any ideas and recommendations you may have to offer..
Yes, we are very proud of our on-going Quality Improvement Committees, which are comprised of the management in each individual community and the Governing Authority of our corporate entity. We engage in a quarterly review of our policies and procedures, resident and personnel records and all operational and clinical activities. We constantly strive for “best practices” in all areas of care and quality of life for our residents.