FAQs - Resources for Caregivers

What services are provided at an assisted living community?

In general, all of our assisted living communities provide the following hospitality services: daily meals and snacks, laundry and linen services, housekeeping and maintenance services, basic utilities, 24-hour safety and security, scheduled transportation, a full calendar of activities, health and wellness programs and more. In many of our communities, furniture may be provided and available for resident use at no additional cost. Assisted living care services (such as medication management or assistance with getting dressed or taking a shower) are available (in some communities for an additional fee), but hospitality services are included in the monthly rental of the apartment.

Why it is important to live in a not for profit/faith based community?

As a not-for-profit organization, UMH is committed to putting any and all profits back into our communities; enhancing residents’ lives, providing staff development and improving physical properties. We do not have to push for excessive profits which are paid out to investors. Research has shown that residents living in not-for-profit communities receive better care and have better health outcomes. This is because we are not ruled by the bottom line and provide staff necessary to enhance our residents’ quality of life.

Is there a written care plan for each resident?

Each resident that receives assisted living care services has a written care plan based on an assessment conducted by our nurse, feedback from the resident and/or their family, and input from their primary care physician. We understand that care needs may increase or decrease over time; regular care plan meetings are held to reassess care needs.

Are there different costs for various levels of care?

As care needs increase or decrease, there may be an adjustment to the fee associated with the change. Residents and/or their families meet with our nursing staff to discuss any increases in care needs and any costs associated with this change.

What activities are available? Does the community offer worship services?

Every UMH community provides a wide variety of meaningful social, educational, cultural, and spiritual activities. Our Activities Directors create a full calendar of special activities and events that provide opportunities for building relationships, learning new things, volunteering, and more. Book clubs, fitness classes, weekly entertainment, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, cards and games, gardening, sporting events, informative lectures, health and wellness programs, musical performances, and pet visits are just some of the activities that are available on a regular basis. Out-trips to museums, restaurants, parks, theaters, and other places of interest are also offered for anyone who enjoy getting out and about.

Spiritual and inspirational activities, including worship services, are also available on a weekly basis in our communities. Communion services, Rosary groups, prayer services, meditation groups, and bible studies are just some of faith-building activities that are available. All residents are welcome to attend any of these activities and there is no pressure to participate. Transportation is also provided to religious services for any residents who would like to attend.

Is transportation provided to medical appointments?

Yes! In all of our UMH communities, our helpful, courteous, drivers serve as our residents’ chauffeur and provide scheduled transportation to medical appointments, to the grocery store, the pharmacy, local banks, the library, the post office, and more. When using our transportation services, residents enjoy door-to-door service and any assistance they may need from finding their doctor’s office to a particular item at the grocery store.

Is there any emergency call system in each apartment?

All of our UMH communities are equipped with an emergency call system. While this system may differ between each individual community, we provide a safety system that helps us monitor each of our residents. Whether it be a safety band that residents wear around their wrist or a pull cord in each room of their apartment, residents can have access to help in their time of need. When touring a community, be sure to inquire about the specific resident safety features offered.

Am I able to furnish the apartment as I wish with my own furniture and wall hangings or can furnishings be supplied?

Residents are welcome to furnish their apartments as they would their own homes. Furniture and wall hangings from a resident’s home make a lovely addition to any apartment and provide an opportunity for connection and conversation between residents and staff. Family photos, artwork, and special collections on display in a resident’s apartment make it feel like home. Some communities can also provide furniture for the apartment in the event that a resident chooses not to move all of their own belongings at once. Be sure to ask about this option when touring the community.

Do I have to be a Methodist to move into a United Methodist Homes’ community?

UMH serves all members of the community; in fact, we have residents of all denominations living at our properties.  We are guided not by a particular religion, but instead by our Mission to provide a continuum of services that supports health, independence, and dignity based on the belief that a relationship-centered philosophy best sustains body, mind, and spirit. 

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