A Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado

Assisted Living Articles

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is housing designed for seniors who need some help with activities of daily living but don’t require the level of care found in skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living residents typically have their own apartments and share common areas such as dining rooms, living rooms, and recreation spaces. Residents can receive assistance with meals, bathing, dressing, and medications. They also may receive help with transportation and other activities as needed.

What Is The Difference Between a “Nursing Home” and a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Some might envision a hospital-like environment for senior living, and many will immediately think of the common term ‘nursing home.’ Even though modern-day senior living options — such as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) — have come a long way from the traditional nursing homes of the past, there is often a misconception between the two. At Grace Pointe, we prefer the term skilled nursing facilities.

Skilled nursing facilities are a place for people who don’t need to be in a hospital but can’t be cared for at home. While facilities like that certainly do an excellent job of caring for seniors who need medical services, they primarily focus on providing generalized care in a comfortable setting.

In contrast, a CCRC is a senior living community that combines an active lifestyle, hospitality, and access to different levels of healthcare in one convenient location. Unlike skilled nursing facilities, 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 broader range of on-site medical professionals — from registered nurses to occupational therapists to nutritionists — specially trained to provide personalized geriatric care.

Who Can Live in an Assisted Living Facility?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each assisted living facility has its own admissions requirements. However, in general, most assisted living facilities are open to seniors aged 65 and over who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Some assisted living facilities also accept seniors with mild to moderate dementia.

If you or a loved one is not looking for an assisted living facility now but think you might need more support down the line, finding a senior living facility with a continuum of care is probably the best choice for you. If long-term or memory care is needed, you can still stay at the same facility- no moving out necessary!

Not sure what level of care you or a loved one needs? 

What Does Assisted Living Provide?

We know that the transition to assisted living can be difficult for you and your loved ones. Our main goal here at Grace Pointe is to ease stress during that process and provide the ultimate care no matter the level of assistance needed. Below are the primary services Grace Pointe provides for our assisted living residents.

Care Coordinator

Before making the transition to assisted living, our residents work with the team who will help form a customized personal care plan. Knowing the level of care and service provided before entering our facility can help with peace of mind for everyone involved. We offer a seamless transition for residents as their care needs change, and our customized approach to care allows for flexibility based on individual needs and not pre-set packages.

Personal Care

We offer a wide range of personal care for every level of assistance needed. From help walking to and from meals and assistance with medication to bathing and bathroom assistance, all of our residents feel cared for in a way that best fits their needs. 

Medical Care

With 24-hour emergency response services, our assisted living residents take comfort in knowing they will always have access to care. We also offer nursing supervision and basic health monitoring and can provide any necessary medical transportation.

Wellness

Our facility is well known for its wide-ranging events and offered programs. Residents enjoy participating in exercise, wellness & social programs such as gardening clubs, bingo, walking groups, art classes, etc. 

Move to Assisted Living Checklist

When making a list, it is important to keep it organized. A good exercise for making this list is writing down what you need as you use things. As you or your loved one goes through a standard week in their lives, write down everything that you/they use. You may realize that you must pack some things you had not previously considered.

Clothing

Packing you or your loved one’s entire wardrobe up may be tempting. However, you/they may likely have limited closet space, and having all those clothes there may be a burden.

Consider the climate they will be in, the lifestyle they live, and the recreational activities that they partake in. If you or your loved one has mobility issues, it may also be helpful to consider the level of ease you/they have in getting dressed in each garment. All these factors will help you create a wardrobe that will fit the space and needs of you or your loved ones’ new environment.

Personal Items

When packing toiletries for a move, we often want every lotion, hair product, medication, and backup for everything we think we will need on hand. However, it is important to remember that we can always get something later. It probably isn’t necessary to bring everything under the bathroom sink, and packing is a great opportunity to go through our toiletries and simplify what we want to bring.

• Toiletries
• List of prescription medications and any over-the-counter medications
• Assistive devices – glasses, canes, walkers, hearing aids, etc.
• Important legal and financial documents
• Sentimental jewelry items and items worn daily

Additionally, it is important to note that some Assisted Living Facilities provide residents with many services and amenities. Make sure to get a list of what will be provided before packing any additional items to avoid redundancies.

Furnishings

Consider the space you or your loved one are moving into and what makes the most sense for that space. It may be tempting to try and bring many familiar pieces of furniture into the new space to bring us comfort; however, limiting this to a favorite chair or familiar pieces of art may be a better way to bring the comforts of home to a new space.

Appliances may be provided or may need to be purchased. Consider how much cooking you or your loved one will be doing before bringing more than the basics.

One of the hardest parts of downsizing can be parting with favorite knick-knacks and decorations. However, to keep cleaning simple and space uncluttered, it is best to limit how many of these types of things we bring. Opting for art and photographs that hang on the wall is a way to make a space feel more comfortable without taking up too much room.

• Towels
• Linens
• Bedding
• Furniture
• Appliances
• Decor
• Photos and keepsakes
• Fan/heater/humidifier
• Clothes hangers
• Baskets and bins for organization
• Plants
• Mirror
• Hamper
• Small tool kit
• Clock
• Kitchen supplies

Entertainment

This category will differ drastically depending on your or your loved ones’ hobbies and interests. Consider what you/they like to do and what you/they need in your/their space to engage with those activities independently. Do you/they need sporting equipment, an e-reader, knitting supplies, baking supplies, etc.?

• Books
• TV/radio
• Phone
• Computer
• Tablet/e-reader
• Electronics chargers
• Puzzles
• Playing cards
• Hobby supplies

Household Items

Check with you or your loved one’s facility regarding their meal plan and what, if any, products or services are provided in terms of cleaning. After you have this information, you can stock your or your loved ones’ home with any food items or cleaning products that they need.

• Broom and dustpan
• Surface wipes
• Multipurpose cleaning spray
• Stain remover
• Detergent
• Dish soap
• Snacks/groceries
• Paper products

To learn more about what not to pack, check out our blog, Move to Assisted Living Checklist: A Guide of What and What Not to Pack.

What is Assisted Living Like?

There are many different types of assisted living, but they all share a common goal: to provide residents with the assistance they need to live as independently as possible.

Assisted living facilities may offer different levels of care, depending on the needs of their residents. Some assisted living facilities provide basic assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Other facilities may offer more comprehensive services, such as help with medication management, transportation to appointments, and assistance managing chronic health conditions.

Most assisted living facilities are designed to feel like home. At Grace Pointe, residents have their own private apartment and are encouraged to personalize their space to make it feel like their own. Common areas, such as dining rooms, kitchens, and living rooms, are available for residents to use, and we offer outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy the fresh air.

What a Normal Day Looks Like

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 care plan, the first person you may see in the morning is a caregiver who comes into your apartment to provide care or 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 they are distributed in the correct doses.

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

Afternoon

After breakfast, there are often activities or events scheduled for residents to enjoy. This might include 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 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 caregivers 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. If in the care plan, you will have a care team available to help get into bed and will be there throughout the night if help is ever needed.

Benefits of Assisted Living at a Senior Living Community

When discussing senior living communities, we often hear about concerns of loss of independence, boredom, and lack of social interactions. Here at Grace Pointe, we do things a little differently and wanted to share what we see as the value of senior living communities.

Have Your Own Space

Having your own apartment means you never have to share your space.  This gives our residents the freedom to decorate how they see fit and have much-needed alone time when necessary. At the same time, residents can feel a huge sense of relief and lower stress levels as they no longer have to do daily household chores, repairs, or any of the maintenance that comes with owning a home. Everything is taken care of, but the space is still all yours.

Chef Made Meals & Snacks

If the thought of never having to go to the grocery store again or never having to decide what to make for dinner again isn’t a stress reliever, we don’t know what is. Enjoy our delicious daily chef-made meals and snacks without the stress of having to think about what and when you should be eating.

Events & Activities

At Grace Pointe, there’s always a wide variety of events, classes, and activities for you to participate in. Enjoy coffee and doughnuts with your friends, play chair kickball, or decorate Holiday cookies. There’s always something for everyone, and it’s a great opportunity to spend time doing what you love or learning new hobbies.

New Friends

A common concern when moving into a senior living community is a fear of losing social interaction. Many of our residents initially felt this way, but they found that Grace Pointe is a community of like-minded individuals who are also eager to make new friends.

Peace of Mind For You & Your Family

When moving into a senior living community, it can be not only a stress reliever for you but your family as well. Knowing that you are in a safe, secure, and supportive environment will help them rest easier. With our round-the-clock staff, caregivers are always nearby should you need them.

An Assisted Living Resident Shares Her Experience

“I’ve lived at Grace Pointe for six years in the Assisted Living neighborhood. I’ve been very impressed with the effort the administration has put out to communicate with the residents. Each department works hard to communicate problems and find solutions. I’ve had many health issues and the transportation that they provide to my many appointments has been awesome.

The staff is very personable and friendly. The housekeeping staff makes a huge effort to keep the appearance and cleanliness set at a high standard. The activities planned each day are always interesting, and sometimes just fun! The dietary department adjusts my meals to meet my dietary challenges and they have worked hard to overcome the supply problems and delivery problems, to provide meals for everybody.”

– Mary DiGregorio

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

If your loved one is not be able to live on their own anymore. Maybe it’s time to consider a senior living facility. One thing that has likely crossed your mind is the cost of senior care. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about how to afford senior care.

Does The VA Pay For Assisted Living?

Paying for assisted living is more complicated than many other types of care available to veterans. Some assisted living facilities will separate care services from room and board for billing purposes.

Although the VA does not pay directly for assisted living nor offer its own assisted living services, there are several ways by which veterans can receive assistance from the VA to pay for assisted living. The most common way is through the Aid and Attendance Program; however, veterans can also seek assistance from the Veteran Directed Care Program.

Does Social Security Pay For Assisted Living?

Social Security is an earned benefit that you can use to help fund a portion of your residence at an assisted living facility. Colorado’s average social security amount for 2024 will be about $1760.37 per month. Check out this Senior Services America guide for more information about social security benefits.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living

Medicare is a rehabilitation benefit. While it will pay for outpatient rehab, while in Assisted Living it does not provide Assisted Living room and board assistance.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance differs from regular health insurance as it is specifically meant to pay for extended services like personal and custodial care. These services can be provided at home, in a community organization, or in another facility.

With long-term care insurance, policyholders receive a daily reimbursement, up to a predetermined limit, for assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. The policy allows you to choose from various care options and benefits, ensuring you receive the necessary services in the preferred location.

How Do You Know When It’s Time For Assisted Living?

It’s not always easy to know when it’s time for assisted living. Here are some signs that it may be time to consider this type of care:

1. You’re having trouble keeping up with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and eating.
2. You’re feeling isolated and lonely.
3. You’re starting to experience memory problems or other cognitive declines.
4. You’re struggling with chronic health issues.
5. You’re at risk for falls or other accidents.
6. You’re no longer able to drive.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it may be time to talk to your loved ones about the possibility of moving to an assisted living facility. There, you’ll receive the help you need with activities of daily living and also have the opportunity to socialize and participate in activities with other residents.

How to Start The Conversation About Senior Living With a Loved One

When is it time to start considering senior living for my loved ones? How do I approach the conversation? How will they respond? Beginning to think about the process can be stressful. Thinking about having a conversation with your loved ones can be even more stressful.

At Grace Pointe, we offer these three tips to those starting the conversion with loved ones:

1. Educate yourself by doing the research ahead of time. Being informed can help answer any questions or concerns your loved ones might have.
2. Let “The Talk” be an ongoing process. You don’t need to get everything figured out in one day. Start by asking more open-ended questions such as, “how has it been living at home?”. Listen to their concerns and opinions and remember that this is their life.
3. Talk in person with empathy and positivity. Remember that while it’s difficult for you, it might be even more difficult for them. Speak and listen with empathy. Make an effort to be open and understanding. Remaining positive can help to ease some of the fear that your loved ones might have.

How to Find a Good Assisted Living Facility

There’s a lot to consider when searching for the right senior care community. It can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but the stress can be eased by taking steps to ensure you find the right fit. Here are the five tips we recommend to help find the right senior care community for you and your loved ones.

1. Do Your Research
   Start by determining what is important to you and then research the facilities in your area by reading reviews, testimonials, and their website to narrow down which best matches your list of important items.
2. Speak to a Staff Member
   While there is a lot of information on senior care community websites, a personal conversation is always best. By speaking with staff members, you can understand more fully what they offer and find who you connect with on a personal level.
3. Determine the Right Care Level
   There are many “levels of care” to choose from, and every facility differs in what they offer. Knowing which “level” is right for you or your loved one can be difficult. Think through what is needed daily and weekly to ensure you or your loved one is cared for properly, and then, when speaking to facility staff, ask about how they customize care for each resident to ensure that your needs are met. You may find that a certain senior care community is a better fit for you based on how they care for each individual resident.
4. Consider Pricing
   Senior living costs vary greatly depending on the facility and care needs. You must establish a price point you are comfortable with and discuss that with the senior care community staff. Insurance is another important item to touch on while having this discussion.
5. Take a Tour
   It is important to choose a senior care community that is comforting and feels like home. Many facilities offer scheduled tours for you to see the environment and ask questions. A tour is a great way to understand better what daily life is like for residents. Ask to see rooms, common spaces, and meet residents if possible! If you’d like to schedule a tour with us, click here.

Do I Retain the Ability to Make Choices with Grace Pointe Assisted Living?

Embarking on the decision of assisted living should not mean sacrificing your freedom or relinquishing control over your life. At Grace Pointe, we understand the importance of choice, independence, and maintaining a lifestyle that aligns with your preferences.

If you or a loved one is contemplating assisted living in Greeley, Colorado, our guide is crafted to address the question: “Do I still have a choice when it comes to my family or my level of care? Can we still choose where and how I or my loved ones live?” The answer is a resounding yes.

Unlike traditional models, we prioritize affordability by tailoring care to individual needs. Our experienced care professionals assist in navigating and determining the exact services required. Embracing a continuum of care, we ensure a seamless transition between levels of care as needs evolve, allowing seniors the freedom to lead fulfilling lives at every stage. Should the need arise, our residents can move effortlessly from assisted living to long-term care or memory care without having to leave our community.

This comprehensive approach means that your care plan evolves with your changing needs, providing the assurance that you can age in place comfortably. Embrace the freedom to shape your journey at Grace Pointe, where personalized care and a continuum of support redefine the senior living experience.

Want to see what life is like at Grace Pointe Senior Living Facility in Greeley, Colorado?

Request a tour today and discover all we have to offer. Our staff will be happy to show you our beautiful facilities and answer any questions you may have. Book your tour now and start your journey to senior living at its best!

About Grace Pointe Senior Care Community

Grace Pointe Senior Care Community has provided assisted living, independent living, long-term care, memory care, and senior rehabilitation services to Greeley, Colorado, since 2009.

Grace Pointe is privately and locally owned and staffed by compassionate and skilled caregivers, and we are a proud, family-owned business.

Our beautifully landscaped senior living campus is located on the western side of Greeley with easy access from US Highway 34 and Interstate 25, and just 2.5 miles from UCHealth Greeley Hospital and 5 miles from Banner Health’s North Colorado Medical Center.