WHERE TO BEGIN
Your Source for Information on Aging
At Benedictine, we believe that every person is entitled to live fully and live well no matter what stage of life they are in. This means not only providing exceptional care and comfortable accommodations but also fostering a community where everyone’s dignity, unique needs and personal interests are honored. The first step in supporting seniors and their families as they consider living options is to provide access to the information they need to make an educated decision.
Senior Living Myths
Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions about senior living and discover what modern communities truly offer.
Choosing a Senior Living Community
Find the guidance you need to make an informed and confident choice when selecting the perfect senior living community for yourself or your loved one.
Affordability of Senior Living
Explore how senior living can be more affordable than you think, with options and resources to fit a variety of budgets.
Having the Conversation
Learn how to navigate sensitive conversations with your parents about transitioning to senior living, ensuring their comfort and well-being every step of the way.
Navigating the Transition
Get practical tips and support for smoothly navigating the transition to senior living, making the experience positive and stress-free for you and your loved one.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Additional Information on Aging
Whether you’re exploring options for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, our resources are designed to guide you through every step of the journey. From articles on health and wellness to tips on navigating the transition to senior living, we are here to support you with compassion and expertise. Your well-being and peace of mind are our priorities, and we are committed to helping you and your loved ones embrace this new chapter with confidence and joy.
Navigate to:
Our Guides
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different types of senior living options? Not sure if a loved one needs assisted living or skilled nursing care? We can help you navigate the landscape to make the right choices for you and your family. Read one of the many articles below from our senior living experts, or send us a question through our “Contact” feature at the bottom of this or any page.
Choosing a Senior Care Community
Know the right questions when selecting a senior care community.
Talking to a Parent About Transitioning to Senior Living
We know it isn’t easy to have a conversation about leaving the family home. Here are some tips to make it a bit easier.
Easing the Transition to Senior Housing for Mom or Dad
You are your parent’s best resource for assistance in finding the right care community.
Independent Living: a Closer Look
Independent living communities appeal to those seeking an active, maintenance-free lifestyle.
When is Independent Living the Right Choice?
An independent living community could be the right fit for you or your loved one.
Assisted Living: a Closer Look
Assisted living is often thought of as a bridge between independent living and skilled nursing care — the best of both worlds.
When is Assisted Living Needed?
Services and amenities can vary depending upon an individual’s needs.
10 Common Misconceptions About Nursing Homes
Myths dispelled about long-term care communities.
Long-term Care: A Closer Look
With skilled medical professionals and treatment services on site, long-term skilled nursing offers the highest level of care available outside of a hospital.
When is Long-term Skilled Nursing Needed?
As an individual’s needs change, so does the level of care.
Benedictine’s Direct Admissions Program Makes Receiving Care Simpler For Many
Learn how to be admitted directly to a Benedictine skilled nursing community without a previous hospital stay.
Memory Care: a Closer Look
These programs can provide peace of mind for both the patient and the caregiver.
When is Memory Care Needed?
Top signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Short-term Rehab: a Closer Look
Specialized short-stay care after surgery, injury or illness.
When is Short-term Rehab Needed?
The involvement of a multi-skilled team is key to successful recovery.
Outpatient Rehab: a Closer Look
Offering a range of therapy services after surgery, injury or illness.
When is Outpatient Rehab Needed?
After surgery, injury or accidents, outpatient rehabilitation is often the next step.
Adult Day Services: a Closer Look
An in-depth look at the services provided by adult day centers.
When Are Adult Day Services Needed?
Find out if your loved one could benefit from an adult day program.
Health Care Directives
Learn more about the importance of advance care planning and health care directives.
Benedictine’s Direct Admissions Program Makes Receiving Care Simpler for Many
Learn how to be admitted directly to a Benedictine skilled nursing community without a previous hospital stay.
Healthy Eating Tips for Older Adults
Learn a few simple tips for healthy eating specially for older adults.
One Conversation Can Make All the Difference
Learn how to create your plan for future medical decisions.
Perks of Community Living for Older Adults
Living in a community can benefit your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when selecting a senior living community?
We understand that choosing a senior living community is a big decision that involves many considerations. Because of this, we’ve created a list of key factors to keep in mind when selecting your new home. You can find that information in our blog posts Choosing a Senior Care Community and Independent Living: A Closer Look.
Why consider independent living instead of staying in your home?
When adult children have grown and moved away, a once bustling home can feel lonely, a sense of isolation can settle in, and your family might have concerns about your safety living alone. With staff available around the clock and a variety of opportunities for socializing, learning new things, enjoying cultural events and more, independent living communities offer peace of mind. In addition, you can leave behind the burden of household chores and lawn maintenance. Learn more by reading our blog post When is Independent Living Needed?
What does assisted living entail?
Assisted living is designed for those who are capable of living independently, but require additional support for a range of everyday needs. Such assistance can range from meal preparation and housekeeping to medication management, bathing and dressing. Our compassionate and trained staff offer assistance personalized to each resident’s unique needs, empowering them to maintain their independence as much as possible. You can read our blog post When is Assisted Living Needed? to learn more.
Are visitors and guests allowed in assisted living?
Absolutely! Whether friends, family or grandchildren, your guests are always welcome. During a visit, we welcome them to partake in dining venues, recreational facilities, activities and your community’s recreational facilities with you. In some cases, guest rooms are available for your visitors to reserve and rent for overnight stays.
How do I initiate a conversation with my parent about transitioning to assisted living?
The topic of transitioning to a senior living community can be a delicate one, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer a variety of tips for broaching this conversation in the blog post Talking With a Parent About Transitioning to Senior Living. After your parent has made the decision to move, there are many things you can do to help ensure a smooth transition. Helpful tips for easing the transition to senior house, can be found in our blog post You are Your Parent’s Best Resource.
What does skilled nursing entail?
Skilled nursing is designed for those who have chronic pain, an ongoing health concern or a disability. Seniors experiencing the natural effects of advanced aging can also benefit from the care provided through skilled nursing. This is all an ideal option for those recovering from a health concern ranging from illness or injury to a stroke or surgical procedure. During this period of recovery, residents may require intensive medical care or therapy. You can learn more by reading the blog post Long-term Care: A Closer Look.
How are skilled nursing and assisted living different from one another?
Assisted living is designed for those who can manage most daily activities independently but may require assistance with some tasks such as meal preparation, household chores, dressing and bathing. It also supports those with occasional confusion or memory challenges. Skilled nursing, on the other hand, provides more intensive medical care tailored individuals with ongoing healthcare needs. For further insight, explore our blog post, Assisted Living: A Closer Look.
Is a nursing home the same as skilled nursing?
Essentially, “nursing home” is a term formerly used to describe a community that offers the same level of care as “skilled nursing.” However, the modernization of skilled nursing communities has created an environment and living experience substantially more advanced that what we might consider the traditional nursing homes of the past. Explore our blog post 10 Common Misconceptions About Nursing Homes, to learn more about myths often associated with this senior living option.
When is memory care necessary?
Most of our communities provide memory care through either assisted living or, if medical needs make it necessary, skilled nursing. A residential memory care program may be suitable when an individual’s quality of life or personal safety is impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Read our blog post When is Memory Care Needed? to learn more.
How do assisted living and memory care differ?
Memory care is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing memory loss. This includes specialized staffing, dining and activities tailored to the unique needs of memory care residents. Trained professionals work closely with individuals and their families to establish structure, familiar routines and a secure environment that fosters dignity through a sense of purpose and achievement. Learn more by reading our blog post, Memory Care: A Closer Look.
Our Prayers
View All PrayersGod of day and God of night, You protected us through the night and brought us to the dawn of a new day. Help us to live in the light of Your revealed Word. May we foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding with everyone we meet. This we ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Litany of Praise
Generous God of Consolation, we thank You and praise You for calling us together. Help us to discern our needs, to fairly distribute our shared resources, and to graciously extend hospitality to all, especially the poor and powerless. May we effectively promote the healing mission of Jesus, assist people to live with hope, and feel at home in our organizations. We ask this now and forever. Amen.
Healing Mission
God our Creator, in You we live and move and have our being. We look to Your care and concern for all that sustains us. Without You, we are nothing, which is reason enough to praise You. Send Your Spirit of Hospitality to touch our hearts with gratitude. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Spirit of Hospitality
Blest are You, Ruler of the Universe, You generously provide for our welfare. Help us to value Your manifold gifts and hold them in sacred trust for one another and for future generations. May we see Your providential care at work among us through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sacred Trust
Spirit of Prudence, Your discerning love for all people holds the universe in balance. Expand our hearts beyond ourselves to the joy of knowing and serving others. Bless us with the virtue of respect now and forever. Amen
Balance
Holy God, You are revealed as a Trinity of Persons. You invite all people to share in Your life and Your love. You call us to share in community. Help us nurture love and care for one another. This we ask in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Trinity
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