Your Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Pueblo, Colorado

Assisted Living Articles

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted Living: provides personalized care in a residential environment to senior citizens. It’s for seniors whose well-being necessitates a higher level of assistance. Assisted living promotes a balanced lifestyle as well as social interaction.

Assisted Living Facility: Assisted living facilities are similar to independent living communities because they provide similar social and lifestyle advantages. They also have services and activities tailored to the needs of assisted living residents. 

What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?

Assisted living and nursing homes, while similar, help to achieve different purposes based on the level of care that the resident is seeking. Assisted living is designed for those who require help with daily activities, with a combination of personalized supportive services and health care.

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals who require medical care and monitoring at all times and provide comprehensive care in a comfortable setting.

If you or a loved one are looking for an assisted living facility near you or are considering assisted living in the future, another popular option is a continuing care facility or continuing care retirement community. 

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRCs)

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CRC) is a senior living community that combines an active lifestyle, hospitality, and access to different levels of healthcare in one convenient location. 

Unlike nursing homes, CCRCs offer a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services so residents can age in place and receive the right level of care at any given time. 

Residents also gain access to a wider range of on-site medical professionals — from registered nurses to occupational therapists to nutritionists — who are specially trained to provide personalized geriatric care.

Today’s CCRCs also offer far more than the typical nursing home, with a wide array of amenities and services designed to help residents lead a fulfilling lifestyle. With spacious living accommodations in a neighborhood-style atmosphere, enriching social programming, restaurant-style dining, engaging activities, and more for residents to enjoy, choosing a CCRC means more time, more freedom, and more opportunities.

For example, the Sharmar Village campus provides long-term care, memory care, assisted living, independent living, and rehabilitation services.

Not sure what services you or your loved one need?

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living in Colorado?

Trying to determine the level of care that you or your loved one need can be a difficult decision. Assisted living is designed for people who need help with daily living activities, such as dressing and bathing, but do not require around-the-clock care.

Who Does Not Qualify?

Before defining who exactly qualifies for assisted living, it may be easier to describe those that do not qualify. Specifically, there are people who may seek care but may need more assistance than assisted living can provide. Some examples of those that cannot be admitted into assisted living facilities in Colorado include:

• Individuals that are consistently incontinent
• Individuals who are bedridden
• Individuals that require around-the-clock nursing services
• Individuals that need restraints
• Individuals that have a transferable disease or infection
• Individuals that have a substance abuse problem

These individuals would be better suited for a nursing home or long-term care. However, if you think you may qualify for assisted living now but will need long-term care in the future, a Continuing Care Community is probably a good fit. 

What Are The Benefits of Assisted Living?

Assisted living can be a great solution for seniors who need some help with daily activities but still want to live independently. There are many benefits of moving into assisted living, but here are the top five benefits we’ve identified: 

1. Compassionate Care

Residents in assisted living often need assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, taking medications, and more. Caregivers are available 24/7 to make sure that each resident is getting exactly what they need.

2. Safe Transportation

When driving becomes too dangerous or simply too much of a hassle, reliable transportation is crucial. Sharmar Village offers rides to local shopping, dining, events, doctor appointments, and more around town.

3. Readily Available Meals

Healthy, chef-prepared meals and snacks are available to all residents in Assisted Living and their guests. Likely, nutritious meals are not as easily accessible to seniors if they live at home. All food is prepared with the individual in mind, so much so that meal delivery is also available.

4. Socialization

Dining rooms, libraries, and gardens are just the beginning of the social gathering spaces available to those that live at Sharmar Village. There are always other residents and staff members around to promote healthy conversation and socialization instead of isolation. For more, check out our blog, Top 3 Benefits of Shared Living in Senior Care.

5. Activities

Residents and their families are invited to participate in various daily activities and social events across campus to promote lifelong learning and socialization. Our full-time activity directors plan activities to motivate and encourage wholeness, according to each person’s individual preferences and capabilities.

What Do Most Assisted Living Facilities Provide?

Medication management, as well as assistance with using the bathroom, dressing, and grooming, are among the most common assisted living services.

At our Assisted Living campus at Sharmar Village, we offer a la carte care services for residents who require additional care to meet their needs. Residents create their own living space and work with a care coordinator to form a customized and personal care plan. 

Assisted Living Services: 

• Emergency Call Buttons
• Medical Transportation
• Walking to Meals
• Assistance with Medication
• Basic Health Status Monitoring
• Assisted Bathing
• Assistance with Toilet
• Nurse Support  
• Occupational Therapy 

What is it Like to Live at an Assisted Living Facility in Colorado?

As seniors age, they seek a place where they can live comfortably and feel a sense of community. Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and exceptional quality of life, making it an excellent destination for seniors looking to settle down in a senior community.

At Sharmar, we aim to provide as much autonomy as the resident is capable of, ranging from heavy supervision to only needing assistance with walking to and from meals and activities, and anywhere in between.

What a Normal Day Looks Like in Assisted Living

Life in an assisted living community is flexible. Aside from meal times and scheduled activities, residents are free to spend their time as they wish. 

Morning

If you’re on a prescribed regimen, the first person you may see in the morning is a nurse or care associate who comes into your apartment to check on you and dispense your morning medicine or supplements. Medication management is practiced in assisted living communities to help prevent errors. The staff closely monitors prescription drugs and ensures that they are distributed in the correct doses. 

Once medications have been distributed, residents are served breakfast in the dining hall. 

Afternoon

After breakfast, there are often activities or events scheduled for residents to enjoy. This might include things like exercise classes, social gatherings, or even field trips. There’s always something to do, which is one of the great things about assisted living. 

If returning to their room to read a book or a chat with another resident is what one prefers, they are more than welcome to spend their time as they please, and if help is ever needed, there are 24-hour nurses available. 

Evening

After dinner, things tend to start winding down in assisted living communities. Residents can visit with friends, play cards, watch a movie, catch up on emails, or head to bed for an early night. A care team is available to help get into bed and will be there throughout the night if help is ever needed. 

What Are The Rooms Like?

The rooms in assisted living facilities can vary greatly, depending on the specific facility. Some may offer private rooms, while others may have shared rooms. Some facilities may also offer amenities such as private bathrooms, while others may have shared bathrooms. Ultimately, it is important to tour different assisted living facilities to see what they offer and to find the one that best meets your needs.

The Chateau at Sharmar Village is home to our Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care residents. The Chateau features 80 apartments, including 16 private rooms specifically for memory care.

How Do You Pay For Assisted Living in Colorado?

One thing that has likely crossed your mind is the cost of assisted living. Here are some ways that you can consider to afford the care.

Savings

It is important to talk to your loved ones about what their savings and retirement funds look like. If they have planned well, there is a good chance that they have enough money set aside to pay for assisted living. This can also come from other family members that have the means to help out. Have the conversation to see where they stand and what you can afford.

VA Benefits

If your loved one is a United States military veteran, they may be eligible to use their benefits for long-term care. Some of these benefits include all-day care and skilled nursing care. This is a great way to afford assisted living. To find out more, take the quick questionnaire on VeteranAide.org to see if your loved one qualifies!

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal program designed to assist those with low income afford medical care. If your loved one is eligible for Medicaid, you can deter some of the financial responsibility. The first step is to contact your local Medicaid office and explain the living situation. They will review your loved one’s qualifications and give you a yes or no answer as to whether they are eligible for assistance.

Medicare

Medicare doesn’t typically pay for long-term stays, but it can help pay a portion of the cost. Certain conditions have to be met, but it is still a consideration for short-term stays and rehabilitation services.

Medicare.gov has more information on the types of benefits that are available to qualified applicants.

Life Insurance

Life insurance can help you afford assisted living in a variety of ways. Most commonly, policyholders can withdraw cash to help pay for long-term medical care. Policies can also be sold to pay for care in a “life settlement option.” This can produce more money than withdrawing cash amounts from your life insurance policy. The settlement option is usually income-tax-free as well.

LifeHappens.org lists the different ways to use life insurance in this way and how you can add a long-term care rider to your policy.

How to Help a Loved One Move Into Assisted Living

The thought of moving a loved one into an assisted living facility can be daunting. The good news is that there are ways to make the transition easier for both you and your loved one. With a little planning and preparation, you can help make the move as smooth as possible.

1. Start by talking to your loved one about their needs and concerns. It’s important to get a sense of what they are looking for in an assisted living facility. Do they need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating? Are they seeking social interaction or a more independent lifestyle? Knowing their needs and preferences will help you narrow down your options.
2. Take a tour of several assisted living facilities. Once you have an idea of what your loved one is looking for, you can start visiting potential locations. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio, activities and amenities offered, and level of care provided. It’s also important to get a feel for the overall atmosphere of the facility. Is it clean and well-maintained? Do the residents seem happy and engaged?
3. Discuss your findings with your loved one. After you’ve toured a few facilities, sit down with your loved one and talk about what you’ve seen. Help them weigh the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately, the decision of where to move should be theirs.
4. Get organized and start packing. Once a decision has been made, it’s time to start getting your loved one’s affairs in order. Make a list of what needs to be packed and begin going through their belongings. You may also need to cancel utilities, transfer prescriptions, and arrange for transportation to the new facility. Check out this article, Move to Assisted Living Checklist for more tips! 
5. Move-in day! On the big day, do your best to stay calm and positive. Help your loved one get settled into their new room and familiarize them with their new surroundings. If possible, spend the night or the first few nights at the facility with them to help ease the transition.

Making the move into an assisted living facility doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and preparation, you can help make it a positive experience for both you and your loved one.

At Sharmar Village Senior Care Community, we encourage the family members of our residents to talk to their parents about assisted living. If you need more tips or are ready to schedule a tour, contact us!

Things to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Deciding how to choose the best assisted living facility for you or your loved one can be a daunting task. After all, you want to find a place that’s not only comfortable but also safe and can provide the type of community that inspires a happy and connected life.

Assisted living facilities can range in price, amenities and on-site offerings and not all assisted living facilities should be viewed equally, making research incredibly important for this decision. 

Here are some key considerations when picking an assisted living facility: 

Location

You’ll want to choose an assisted living facility that’s conveniently located near your family and friends. This will make it easy for them to visit you and provide support. 

Services

Make sure the assisted living facility you choose offers the services you need. Some facilities offer more comprehensive care than others, so it’s important to find one that can meet your specific needs.

Reputation

It’s important to choose an assisted living facility with a good reputation. Ask around for recommendations from friends and family, and read online reviews before making your final choice.  

Cost

Assisted living facilities can vary widely in cost. Be sure to compare costs before making your final decision.

Culture   

The culture of an assisted living facility is important to think about because it can play a role in your quality of life. You will want to make sure that the facility’s culture is one that you would be comfortable with and that meshes well with your own personal values. Do you prefer a family-owned facility? Would you prefer a bigger facility or a smaller one? These are a few questions you can ask yourself when picking an assisted living facility.

How Do You Know When Your Parent Needs Assisted Living?

Knowing whether or not your parent(s) needs to consider assisted living communities, can be a difficult decision to make. Ideally, there are clear signs you see, and at other times the signs are unclear or tougher to see. The most important question to ask yourself when thinking about assisted living and your parents is, “Does my parent need more help than I can give to them right now?” If the answer is yes, assisted living might be something to consider transitioning into for your parents.

Clear Signs You Might See

Generally, when visiting your parents there are clear signs you might witness to determine whether or not they might be ready for a different level of care. Tiny memory lapses or behavioral changes are small pieces to a bigger picture, indicating your parent needs more care or supervision. Some examples of the common signs you might witness that suggest your parent could benefit from assisted living include:

• Needing reminders to take medication
• Loss of mobility
• Increase in falls at home
• Signs of frequently neglecting household maintenance
• Loss of interest in hobbies and social activities they used to enjoy

Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Parents

Like everyone, your parents most likely want to preserve their independence. So when thinking about if your parent needs additional care than you can provide, ask yourself the following questions to determine if they will benefit from moving into an assisted living community:

1. Does your loved one require help with any daily living activities? These can include medication management, bathing, dressing, etc.
2. Does my parent need more opportunities for socialization? Is your loved one feeling isolated or bored at home?
3. Would your loved one benefit from more ongoing care coordination? Many doctors and specialists are within some assisted living communities so your parent(s) could avoid frequent trips to the hospital.
4. Would a lifestyle without household maintenance improve your parent’s quality of life? Many assisted living communities provide ongoing household maintenance and cleaning services for all residents.
5. Can you continue to provide adequate care for your parents long-term? Ensuring you can achieve balance in your life while caring for your parents is something that assisted living can help with.

Although these questions can be difficult to answer, they can also be eye-opening in choosing the increased level of care that may be needed now or in the future for both you and your loved one(s). It can be hard to know when and how to talk to your parents about assisted living, but these questions will help you get down to the care solution that is right for you and your family.

The Sharmar Village Assisted Living Experience

At Sharmar Village, we customize the level of care to every resident. Our Assisted Living campus aims to provide as much autonomy as the resident is capable of, ranging from heavy supervision to only needing assistance with walking to and from meals and activities, and anywhere in between.

Have more questions about Assisted Living? Go back to our Complete Assisted Living Guide for more information and guidance through this important decision for you and your family.

About Sharmar Village

Sharmar Village is a local and family-owned senior care community made up of a team of passionate and skilled caregivers in Pueblo, Colorado.

Within the historic Aberdeen Neighborhood is our beautiful campus providing long-term care, memory care, assisted living, independent living, and rehabilitation services.

Whether you’re looking for a place to help with recovery after surgery, or seeking the right community to help care for loved ones, we provide a customizable and flexible approach.

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