Curious? We’ve got answers!
The answers below are intended to provide a range of insights about senior living, but they’re no substitute for what you’ll learn during a visit to our unique community. Explore the questions and answers – and get in touch to schedule a conversation and tour.
Independent Living FAQs
Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome. As a pet-friendly campus, we love the cats and small dogs of our residents. Please ask about our pet policy and approval process when you visit.
As a resident, how much influence do I have within the community?
Residents are encouraged to approach the residents’ council with ideas – and to join the council if they’re so inclined. Diversity of perspectives is welcome and has a beneficial influence on how the community organizes activities, programs and outings.
May I have guests?
It’s your home, so yes, of course. And your guests can indulge in most of the amenities – same as you do. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren may find themselves amused – and welcomed. Depending on the floor plan you select, you may be able to accommodate a guest in your residence for a short stay. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the guest suite available by reservation.
Do I own my Independent Living apartment home?
No, Stevenson Oaks owns and maintains the property – including the interior and exterior maintenance, whenever required, for your residence. Your contract enables you to live here as long as you can live independently, taking advantage of the wide range of amenities that can enrich your daily living.
How is an MRC Life Plan Community different from a CCRC?
The venerable CCRC (continuing care retirement community) is a community that is designed for seniors anticipating eventual health deterioration – from independent living to assisted living and beyond. However, many find that this structure has you moving to a new residence every time additional support is required. An MRC Life Plan Community is designed to support seniors with minimal disruptions to their lifestyle while focusing on programs that keep residents living the fullest life they possibly can for as long as they possibly can – comfortably at home. In other words, an MRC Life Plan Community remains focused on healthy living for each resident – even if they need Assisted Living or other health services. It’s a design for continuing to live how you want to live, no matter where.
You’re active, so why slow down?
We agree and insist “slowing down” and “aging” aren’t synonymous. That’s because we’re an MRC Life Plan Community, and we know the home you create for yourself in our community shouldn’t disrupt your accustomed lifestyle – not if we can help it! We’ll honor you and your independence, and we’ll provide a well-rounded approach to integrated wellness that keeps you contentedly settled and actively thriving. So slow down if you wish – or accelerate. It’s up to you. Please expect to discover new social connections, easy access to a wide range of activities, and the freedom that maintenance-free living provides.
How much does it cost?
Stevenson Oaks offers multiple floor plans and a variety of residency contracts. What you pay will depend on what you select. To learn the details, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What if I live to be 100 and run out of savings?
As an MRC-sponsored community, we come from a tradition that has never evicted a resident for nonpayment that resulted from no fault of the resident’s. You’re invited to contact us for details about how we handle residents whose resources become depleted.
Health Services FAQ
What kinds of medical professionals are on site?
The staff includes registered nurses, licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, plus physical, occupational and speech therapists. Assisted Living and Memory Support staff are on site 24/7.
How do I know which level of Assisted Living is right?
A physicians’ evaluation is the right place to start. When your loved one seems to be unable to live independently successfully and safely, an assessment of medical and daily living needs by a professional will help you know what’s needed next. When you’re ready, our professional team can answer questions and provide further information that will help you and your loved one determine which level of Assisted Living services will be right.
How’s Assisted Living different from Independent Living?
Independent Living means you’re in pursuit of goals and dreams; Assisted Living means you’re in pursuit of goals and dreams, but getting whatever kind of help you need to make that pursuit continue unfazed. Assisted Living keeps you independent, and it’s ideal for people who need a hand with daily tasks – including medication management, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and bathing and dressing – but are otherwise able to live independently.
Assisted Living FAQ
How do I know if I need Assisted Living?
Assisted living is ideal for someone who can benefit from help with one or more ADLs or “activities of daily living” (traditionally, bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulation, eating and medication management) in addition to maintenance-free living, 24-hour emergency response and daily general oversight.
Are the Assisted Living apartment homes furnished?
No. We could hardly claim to support every resident’s individuality and self-determination if we forced home furnishings on you. You’re free to furnish and decorate to suit yourself. Bring your treasured furniture and belongings from your Independent Living apartment or from home, or start new with a fresh outlook.
Are there activities for Assisted Living residents?
Fulfilling, enriching activity is the core of an MRC Life Plan Community. In Assisted Living, no less than in Independent Living, the calendar is filled with activities designed for building friendships and creating opportunities for new experiences, entertainment, socializing, sharing educational activities and taking advantage of the life-enriching amenities and services in our community.
Can I still go shopping? To movies? Are there other chances to get out and about?
Absolutely! In addition to scheduled transportation for physician visits and other needs, plan on frequent group shopping, dinners out and entertainment excursions to popular on- and off-campus venues.
What are average Assisted Living costs in Texas?
Average costs in Texas, which range from $2,000 to $6,000 per month depending on the level of care and choice of apartment, are most often borne by the resident but can be partially offset by VA benefits and long-term insurance.
Memory Support FAQ
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia is a loss of cognitive functions (such as thinking, reasoning or the ability to remember) that interferes with daily life. Dementia itself isn’t a disease, though it often accompanies diseases like Alzheimer’s. When it’s caused by drugs, alcohol, depression or imbalances in substances such as hormones or vitamins, dementia may be partially or fully reversible. When it’s caused by disease or certain injuries, it’s irreversible. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80% of dementia, per WebMD and others. One in eight Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s, which affects women more than men. It’s a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects parts of the brain that control memory, thought and language.
Is Memory Support staffing different?
Yes, in 2 ways. Special training in memory care is required, and those best suited to provide memory support services have something of a knack. Person-centered to an unusually high degree, they’re carefully screened, selected and trained. Each of these caregivers has a compassionate temperament, exceptional gentleness, patience and a passion for consistently providing respectful and dignified care to residents and their families.
Rehabilitation FAQ
Who’s involved in a resident’s individualized rehabilitation plan?
Rehab teams start with the resident and include a doctor, nurse, dietitian, social worker, family members (as the resident is able and willing to approve), plus the therapists who will direct and provide care, partner with the resident and work with the family members.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational and physical therapy work to restore strength and mobility, but occupational therapy focuses more on helping adapt to the resident’s social and physical environment. This typically includes training or retraining the resident on how to dress, bathe, eat and groom; memory, orientation and cognitive integration; and on maintaining normal joint movement to reduce the effects of arthritis or other conditions.
What does speech therapy include?
After accident, injury or surgery, 2 major concerns that sometimes emerge are eating challenges and swallowing dysfunction, the former caused or exacerbated by poor teeth or dentures, the latter by post-intubation trauma. Our skilled speech and language pathologists create treatment plans that address each resident’s specific abilities, provide precise exercises and other tactics and when appropriate, offer diet recommendations in support of the treatment plan medical recommendations. A third concern – constrained vocalizing – may follow events such as strokes or accidents. In that case, the speech therapist will develop strategies for relearning vocalization.
How often is therapy recommended?
Individualized to address specific conditions and rehabilitation needs and based on medical certification by a physician, every treatment plan is unique. The therapy team reviews each treatment plan and recommends an appropriate service schedule. For some it’s daily for a few weeks. Others require less frequent sessions and greater intervals between treatments. The key is this: The therapy team works closely with the single most important team member – the person in their care – to create and execute a plan that’s just right.
