Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have general questions about life and care at a Blue Harbor community? Read on to learn more about our support systems.
How do I know if my loved one is ready for assisted living?
The answer to this question is complex and can be very personal. We offer a wide variety of resources to help you decide if you or your loved one is ready for senior living. While there are many signs that a loved one is ready, there are a couple of key questions to consider. Are they isolated or lonely? Do they need help preparing meals or need to be reminded to eat? Are they staying adequately hydrated or do they need to be reminded to drink enough water? Do they have mobility issues that put them at greater risk for a fall? Do they need help bathing or dressing? Have they been recently hospitalized or are you noticing any unexplained bruises or injuries indicating recent falls? Do they remember to take their prescribed medication? These are just a few questions to ask when considering the transition into senior living. Our care staff is more than happy to meet with you to discuss your options. Contact us today!
How do I determine which level of care is right for me or my senior loved one?
Our senior care professionals can work with you to determine which level of care is the best fit for you or your loved one. As a part of our Tailored Preferences approach, we create personalized care plans for each resident regardless of level of care taking into consideration the senior's need, desired level of independence or supervision, personal preferences, and their likes and dislikes.
I am concerned about my loved one's safety. What kinds of medical emergency or safety features are provided in Blue Harbor communities?
Blue Harbor communities are designed with senior comfort and safety in mind. Some independent living residents receive a safety pendant to wear and we have check-ins daily to see if they need additional support from our caring staff. Each of our apartments is equipped with an emergency response system. For our assisted living residents we have round-the-clock nurses and caregivers. Many of our residents have call pendants to wear around their necks or wrists to ensure they can always receive support.
As their needs change, can residents transition between different levels of care?
Absolutely! Once a resident has settled in, we do everything we can to make your loved one's stay as stress-free as possible. We maintain close communication with each resident's family members, creating an ongoing conversation about any changes to their loved one's care plan or healthcare needs. Whether it's from respite care to independent living or assisted living to memory care, our Age-in-Place model ensures we are committed to meeting your loved one's evolving needs.
How is assisted living different from a nursing home or hospice program?
Unlike Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) or nursing homes, which provide around-the-clock care for elderly who require intensive medical assistance and monitoring, we do not offer 24-hour on-staff nursing. We do, however, offer licensed nursing services and a 24-hour awake staff to look after our residents and ensure their wellbeing. Our on-staff nurses work 7 days a week, and after-hours, on-call nurses are readily available 24 hours a day.
If you have additional questions about the differences between assisted living and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) we would be more than happy to discuss this with you ensuring that our services meet the medical needs of you or your senior loved one.
Do you offer regular programming for assisted living residents?
Yes, we absolutely do! All Blue Harbor communities have a full calendar of activities, including movie nights, Bingo, tai chi, and more. We also do regular trips to local attractions.
What kind of activities do you offer for Memory Care residents?
When it comes to memory care, it's important for residents to stimulate their minds with sensory activities. Our Illuminations programming is designed around connecting memory care residents with their surroundings through walks, baking, crafts, pet therapy, and more. Plus we have regular activities and events designed for residents and their friends and family. Be sure to learn more about the kinds of activities meetings and events we have planned by viewing our monthly newsletters and calendars.
Can senior residents bring their pets to live at Blue Harbor communities?
Yes! Blue Harbor communities are pet friendly. We believe that pets are life-enriching for seniors and always encourage our residents to keep their pets with them upon moving in. Additional fees or restrictions may apply but we are happy to discuss these options with you.