FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is assisted living?
Assisted living residences offer a combination of housing, meals and personal care services to adults for a monthly fee. An assisted living residence, such as Golden Pond, is intended for adults seeking an engaging daily life and assistance with bathing, dressing and/or medicating assistance. Assisted living offers the help they need with the tasks of daily living, a residential community that supports and encourages their independence, and opportunities to live a full and engaging life.
How are Golden Pond's assisted living suites furnished?
Residents may choose to provide their own furniture that reflects their specific taste and style. Personal mementos and pictures are encouraged in either private or semi-private rooms to personalize their area and to make it “feel like home.” We also offer a complete “home” package with new furniture and modern, clean furniture and textiles. Packages can be purchased and set up for you or your loved one. Please let us know if this is something that you would be interested in.
What services and amenities are included in the monthly rate at Golden Pond?
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Regular check-in visits
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Three delicious, nutritious meals and snacks served daily in the community and private dining rooms
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Daily social, recreational and cultural activities
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Emergency call system in your bedroom and bathroom as well as a neck or wrist FOB
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Weekly housekeeping service, including flat linen, if you choose this service
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Physicians practice on Campus
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Suites with sun-filled bedrooms, tiled bathrooms and walk-in showers, kitchenettes and laundry
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Individually adjustable heating and air conditioning
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Spacious, comfortable lounge areas with fireplaces
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A cozy library with books for borrowing
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An on-site chapel offering non-denominational religious services
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Scheduled transportation
If my health needs change while living at Golden Pond, will I automatically have to move into a skilled nursing facility?
Not necessarily. Residents can receive physical therapy, home health care and even hospice in their home at Golden Pond. Others leave for post-surgical rehabilitation and look forward to coming back home as quickly as possible.
What are typical costs at Golden Pond?
As reported by the 2013 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the costs associated with assisted living in Massachusetts average $6,000 per month. Just as assisted living residences vary, so too do their costs, which depends mostly on the size of units, services offered, and location, according to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).
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Many long-term care insurance policies offset some of the costs, however, reports NCAL, most assisted living expenses are covered by the family of residents, since most elders do not have such long-term coverage. Medicare does not cover assisted living, but under certain circumstances, some state and local governments offer subsidies for rent or service for income-eligible seniors, according to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also help alleviate some of the cost, while some residences participate in Medicaid, grant programs, or other assistance.
Do I have to give notice if I desire to move out?
Yes, as detailed in our Resident Agreement, we require a 60-day notice.
Do I have to sign a lease?
Our community offers respite stays with short-term leases or longer lease options.
How important is it to find out about a community's philosophy of care?
It should be an integral part of your decision-making process, urge experts at ALFA. When making a major life decision such as choosing an assisted living community, it’s important to be an informed consumer. Be sure that as a resident you’ll be afforded respect, privacy, the right to voice grievances should they arise, maintenance of your personal finances, and control over health care decisions. Additionally, inquire about internal regulations regarding pets, alcohol, smoking, and other quality of life issues, to see if they correspond with your personal preferences.
What is a Special Care Residence?
A Special Care Residence (SCR) provides care and services for adults who require assistance with specialized needs such as Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, Huntington's Disease, Frontotemporal Degeneration, and/or behavior health diagnosis. Our SCR's are separate secured neighborhoods within our campus.
Can I have guests dine with me?
Yes, we encourage guests to come and dine with our residents whenever possible. If you have a guest who would like to dine with you, please inform administration within a reasonable period of time so we may accommodate your request. A moderate charge for guest meals can be paid just before the meal at our reception desk or added to the monthly bill.
How can I ensure that I make the right decision?
Choosing the right assisted living residence takes a lot of research and legwork on your part. It’s imperative to compare facilities in terms of unit availability, services offered, cost, and overall philosophy of care. Resources like the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs empower you to be proactive in requesting information and communicating directly with assisted living professionals. Upon hearing from an assisted living facility’s representative, set up tours at residences of interest, observe residents to get a sense of each facility’s atmosphere, and most important, be sure your individual needs will be met.
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To view the Executive Office of Elder Affairs Consumer guide, please click here.
