FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ATRIA SENIOR LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
The answers you’re looking for
We’ve addressed the most commonly asked questions about senior living here, but our Community Directors are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you or your family may have.
Life at Atria
Atria residents dine with their neighbors and choose from many delicious chef-inspired menu options. Many special dietary requirements, including no-salt-added and no-concentrated-sweets diets, are easily accommodated. Learn more about our culinary excellence.
Absolutely. Atria is your home, and you should have all the comforts and furnishings you enjoy. Residents take pride in decorating their apartments and doors and adding their own personal touches to their homes.
We love our community of furry family members at Atria. We also recognize that pet companionship provides many short- and long-term benefits, and all Atria communities allow residents to keep pets in their apartment. Fees may apply, and all required vaccinations and licensing must be current. Size and temperament requirements vary by community, so check with the Community Sales Director for details.
Because we prioritize the health of residents, all Atria communities are non-smoking environments. However, some of our communities offer dedicated areas for residents and their guests to smoke. Check with the community of your choice for details.
All Atria apartments are either equipped with an emergency alert system or have pendant systems available. Staff members are on-site 24 hours a day to respond and offer immediate assistance and call emergency services if needed.
Your apartment is a veritable oasis of privacy, where you can discreetly receive supportive services from care staff and relax on your own schedule. When you’re ready to enjoy the company of neighbors, there are numerous scheduled events to choose from every day.
Scheduled transportation to local appointments, errands and outings is included in the monthly rental rate at most Atria communities. All Atria buses are wheelchair accessible.
Senior Living Options
Senior living encompasses a range of options for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, supportive living and memory care. Atria communities offer one or a combination of these living options, and all communities provide services and amenities like full-service dining, housekeeping, transportation and 24-hour staff – plus a well-rounded schedule of social, educational and cultural opportunities.
Our assisted living and memory care communities also provide discreet support with daily tasks like medication assistance, bathing and getting dressed, incontinence management, and getting to and from meals and events. A select number of our assisted living communities also offer services that may include diabetes care, oxygen and breathing treatments, and catheter/ostomy care.
Although Atria offers a variety of care services tailored to a resident’s needs, we do not provide the more specialized care available from nursing homes, which are medical institutions designed to provide advanced, skilled medical care for those who need it.
Independent living offers private apartments in a community setting for older adults who do not need specialized medical care. Typical amenities and services include housekeeping, all-day dining, curated daily events and transportation – usually for a single, all-inclusive monthly rate.
Assisted living and supportive living offer all the benefits of independent living, but with services for daily personal assistance such as bathing, grooming, getting dressed and medication reminders. Both supportive living and assisted living communities provide amenities and services tailored to meet residents’ individual needs, such as engaging programs, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, support with activities of daily living and medication assistance. However, supportive living communities do not offer skilled care services, while some assisted living communities may offer certain skilled care services to residents.
Both of these senior living options foster independence and help older adults live longer, healthier lives. The focus of independent living is providing conveniences for older adults who lead an active lifestyle and have very little to no need for support services. Assisted living offers care and support services for residents who need a helping hand with daily activities – bathing, grooming, incontinence, medication reminders and transportation – but do not require more specialized medical or nursing care.
As the name implies, in-home care is a service in which an agency caregiver provides care and support to an older adult in their own home at a pre-arranged time. These same care and support services are also provided by assisted living communities, but are typically available around-the-clock and include additional amenities and services – such as meals, housekeeping, transportation and engaging events – along with housing for one monthly fee.
In general, a nursing home provides specialized medical and personal care in a clinical setting, whereas assisted living provides personal care and support in a community social setting. Both offer help with activities of daily living – bathing, grooming, incontinence and medication reminders – but nursing home residents have more complex health conditions that require intensive medical care and monitoring.
Memory care is a form of residential long-term care that provides intensive, specialized care for people with memory issues resulting from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Many Atria communities offer Life Guidance® memory care neighborhoods with specially trained staff that provide highly personalized care in an intimate, structured environment. Learn about Atria’s memory care neighborhoods.
Assisted living and memory care communities have a licensed nurse on staff who performs an assessment of potential residents to determine if Atria is the right fit. These assessments help us see that our residents receive appropriate care and are among the factors we consider in determining and monitoring staff levels. Even if the assessment determines that Atria is not appropriate for you, we will help you find an option that is. To learn more or schedule an assessment, contact your local community director.
Financial Planning
The cost to live in a senior community will depend on many factors, including location, living options, amenities and care services. Contact a Community Sales Director to discuss independent senior living and assisted living costs.
Atria’s rental rates for independent living, assisted living and memory care senior apartments include an array of services, amenities and events that are tailored to each resident’s preferences. Housekeeping and linen services, utilities, 24-hour staff, scheduled transportation, a full calendar of events, three chef-curated, on-site dining experiences per day, and all apartment maintenance are included in the monthly cost of your senior apartment.
Use the helpful resources on our Financial Planning page to determine the costs of living in a senior community, explore opportunities for tax deductions and financial assistance.
Independent living and assisted living are typically not covered under these government programs; however, Medicare may pay for some covered care services that can be helpful. Because Medicare and Medicaid are federal programs, you can find more information about your coverage options at medicare.gov or medicaid.gov.
To help reduce waste and avoid the risk of delays and late fees, Atria residents can make secure online payments automatically each month. The Community Business Director at the community of your choice can help you sign up upon move-in.
Eligibility for certain deductions on your federal tax return depend on the types of services and the level of care required. Learn more on our Financial Planning page or speak with your financial advisor for additional information.
A security deposit is required at some Atria communities. A new resident service fee or higher first month’s rent is assessed at most Atria communities to offset one-time costs associated with move-in. Because these charges vary by community and by state, check with the community of your choice for more information.
Comparing Options
We understand the concerns that come with moving and want to help families overcome uncertainty and discover the many benefits of a senior living community.
Discover how Atria offers all the comforts of home – along with additional conveniences, services and peace of mind that come from knowing a helping hand is always nearby – with the information and downloads you’ll find on our Moving vs Staying page. Read our “How socialization improves the health of older adults” blog for more insights.
Atria communities offer a robust calendar of events, with daily opportunities for learning, creativity, exercise and spirituality. Every event is designed to touch on at least one of eight specific components to keep the mind, body and spirit active. From concerts and guest lectures to exercise classes and outings to local attractions, you can remain as active and involved as you like. Learn more about our Engage Life program here.
We encourage you to explore several different senior living communities, but before comparing options, it’s necessary to choose what type of senior living is best suited for your lifestyle and specific care needs. Use the guides and information on our Comparing Options page to help you better understand what to look for when searching for senior living communities.
Atria Careers
Explore Atria Career opportunities to become a part of our extraordinary company and community. Employee benefits include competitive pay, paid holidays, paid time off, comprehensive medical plans, career advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement, employee loyalty rewards and a retirement savings plan with employer match.
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