From Daily Life to Big Decisions: FAQs About Our Senior Living Community
Making the move to a senior living community comes with a lot of questions—and that’s totally understandable! Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, you want to make sure it’s the right fit. What’s daily life like? What activities are available? Will it still feel like home? These are the kinds of things that matter, and we’re here to answer them all. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about finding a place to live—it’s about finding a place to thrive.
We know that no two people are alike, which is why we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you get a better feel for our community. From care options and amenities to dining and safety features, we’re covering it all. And if you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, don’t worry. Reach out anytime, and let’s talk about how Gordon Oaks can be the perfect place to call home.
Memory Care Questions
Our memory care residents enjoy private apartments with their own bathrooms while receiving comprehensive support. This includes medication management by licensed nurses, round-the-clock caregivers, help with daily activities like grooming and dressing, engaging activity programs, chef-prepared meals, and regular housekeeping and laundry services. Everything we provide meets or exceeds Alabama’s State Regulations for Specialty Care Assisted Living.
Absolutely! If your doctor recommends physical therapy, we’ll help you connect with excellent home health providers who can deliver these services right here at Gordon Oaks. Our team will work with you to find the provider that best fits your specific needs.
They’re actually quite different. While we provide assistance with daily activities similar to nursing homes, Gordon Oaks memory care is specifically designed as a specialty care-assisted living community. Under Alabama regulations, we focus on supportive care rather than the skilled nursing services you’d find in a nursing home environment.
There’s much more to it than that. While our memory care community is secured for resident safety, what truly sets us apart is our specially trained staff and thoughtfully designed environment. Our team members receive extensive dementia care training, and we’ve created a balance of flexible individual care with consistent daily routines that research shows benefits those with memory challenges.
Yes, they do. Each state creates its own regulations governing memory care communities. At Gordon Oaks, we follow Alabama’s specific requirements while often exceeding the minimum standards.
Safety is our priority, so all staff members are CPR-certified. Additionally, everyone working in our memory care community receives specialized training in dementia care to ensure they understand the unique needs of our residents and can provide the most appropriate and compassionate support.
General Questions
This depends on your living situation. In our independent and apartment living communities, residents manage their own medications. However, our memory care community provides complete medication administration by licensed nurses who follow your physician’s orders carefully.
We absolutely encourage you to make your apartment feel like home! Familiar furnishings, familiar decor, and cherished belongings help create a comfortable, personalized space. Many residents tell us that surrounding themselves with their favorite things makes the transition much smoother.
Great question! Our Apartment Living offers traditional one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with full-size kitchens and in-unit washers/dryers. Residents handle their own electric and Wi-Fi services, receive light housekeeping, and can purchase meal plans if desired. You’ll have access to our pool, exercise room, community lounge, and activity programs.
Independent Living, on the other hand, is our all-inclusive option featuring studio or grand studio apartments. Everything is covered in one predictable monthly fee—utilities, three daily meals, and regular housekeeping. You’ll have access to community laundry facilities, our pool, exercise room, lounge areas, and our full calendar of activities and events. Many residents appreciate the simplicity and convenience of this comprehensive package.
Yes! We know that pets are family, and we welcome them to our community. Having a furry companion by your side can make a place feel even more like home, and we love seeing our residents enjoy the joy that pets bring. Of course, we do have a few guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being, so feel free to reach out to learn more about our pet policies.
At Gordon Oaks, we offer a variety of activities and amenities to suit every interest, including:
- A swimming pool
- Courtyard
- Fitness center
- Bingo and other group games
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Movie nights
- Fitness classes
- Scheduled outings
- Educational programs
- Social events
- And more!
Financial Questions
Most modern long-term care policies are designed to be comprehensive and typically allow you to apply your daily benefits in various care settings, including memory care. For specific information about your policy, we recommend contacting The Administration for Community Living at 202-619-0724 or aclinfo@acl.hhs.gov for guidance.
If you or your spouse served in the military, you might qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help offset the cost of care. You can find more information and the necessary forms at the VA website: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-2680/
Before moving in, independent and apartment-living residents sign a lease agreement that outlines our policies and procedures, protecting both you and the community.
For memory care residents, a responsible party such as someone with Power of Attorney or a legal guardian would handle signing the necessary agreements.
Are you or a loved one ready to embrace the best years yet? Gordon Oaks is here to offer high-quality care and a welcoming environment that embodies all of the charm of true Southern hospitality. Reach out today to learn more about your options.