1. How is Assisted Retirement Living different from traditional retirement living?
   Traditional independent living retirement communities were developed to give their residents maximum independence and minimal maintenance.  Retirement living is often a mixture of the best of condominium and hotel living. The secure, comfortable living quarters and grounds are maintained by the community.  Dining services, transportation and other personal services are also often included in the price package.
   
   ASSISTED RETIREMENT LIVING communities provide residents assistance with their personal daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, walking and medication. Our residents may also require personal assistance due to impaired vision or hearing, arthritis or injury, and medical conditions created, for example, by heart problems or memory problems.  Our residents still have access to the best of retirement living, but they receive help and support in the areas that they can no longer adequately provide for themselves.
   



2. When should Assisted Retirement Living be considered?
   The simple answer is when the individual requires assistance with their personal living tasks such as bathing, dressing, or medications.  The person requiring assistance is often living home alone or with family.  Or, their Retirement Community does not provide Assisted Living and they must consider moving.  It’s difficult to leave your home but these issues are usually resolved when the resident personally experiences the caring, loving support provided by the Regency residents and staff.  At the Regency many of our residents are able to live independently but choose the community setting for social activities and security.  If their health needs change they are already home where we can provide personal care and assistance.



3. What type of assistance is available in Assisted Retirement Living?
   Assistance is available for personal care such as bathing, dressing, medication dispensing, and mobility.  Additional assistance may be required for reading or writing, oxygen and wheelchair transport, incontinence and memory.



4. What type of independence or freedom does Assisted Retirement Living offer the resident?
   Most residents discover that they actually gain more independence and freedom after moving to an Assisted Living Community.  They find that they are less isolated.  Now they have friends and staff close at hand.  No more time is spent being concerned about meal preparation and housekeeping.  Now there’s time for personal interest and activities or relaxation. Transportation is generally available for doctor’s appointments, shopping and outside activities.  Residents are often less anxious when they don’t have to impose on a family member or friend for transportation.  An Assisted Living Community can’t replace the love and memories a resident has for their home and family.  But, gains in personal independence and freedom help diminish the feeling of separation and loss.  Many residents confide some gratitude in the fact that they now have access to great care.  They miss their old home, but there’s often greater security and support in their new home. Within their capabilities, the resident can decide how independent they want to be.



5. What are some of the familiar living surroundings that can be retained as part of the residents’ living environment?
   Regency residents personalize their studio apartment with furniture, paintings, family photos and accessories from home.  Their personal living environment remains very familiar.  Our Marketing Director can provide a floor plan of the apartment and will be happy to visit the resident’s home to help with the plans.



6. What does the future hold for residents living in Assisted Retirement Living communities?
   Residents well into their 90’s are living good lives in Assisted Retirement Communities.  The assisted lifestyle is a wonderful alternative to nursing home living.  As long as a resident does not have a doctor’s order requiring 24 hour nursing care, Assisted Living services should be quite adequate to meet all resident needs.  Some residents ultimately may need nursing care.  If this is the case our Assisted Living Community will be able to help with your decision.



7. What is the cost of Assisted Living?
   At Regency of El Paso the pricing structure is fairly simple. Our Prices range from $2,200 to $2,800 depending on the efficiency apartment Floor Plan the resident chooses.  For those who need additional care or services Bartlett Services are available for Incontinence Care, Hospice Support Care and an Enhanced Care Program. Short-term residents are also welcome for respite care.  Daily rates are as low as $85 per day for a furnished apartment. 



8. Are Assisted Living Communities licensed by the government?
   Assisted retirement centers are licensed and inspected by the state government.  In Texas this is outlined in the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247.  The Regency operates under the T.D.A.D.S. License #00370.



9. How can I determine the quality of assistance at a community?
   The best way to learn is to ask current residents how they like “their home.”  Don’t be surprised by their candor.  Families often refer friends to an Assisted Living Community where their loved one has lived.  Also, determine the ratio of residents to staff.  Regency provides this information in their Assisted Living Disclosure Statement that is given to anyone who tours our community.  Although a licensed nurse is not required by law to be on staff, at The Regency our Nurse Manager is on call 24/7.  Medication techs, personal care aids and other community support staff provide the required assistance to our residents. 



10. Who can I talk to if I have other questions about Assisted Retirement Living?
    Texas Department of Human Services, Long Term Care Regulatory
    Information Unit Section, Mail Code Y 976
    P. O Box 149030
    Austin, TX 78714-9030
    (800) 458-9858
    
    Area Agency on Aging (Rio Grande Council of Governments) in El Paso      (915) 533-0998

Our Marketing Director, Judy Phelan O’Connor, welcomes your questions. 
Please call (915) 584-8438 or stop by and see us.