Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is community living based on a social model. Seniors retain their independence in their apartments, yet get the benefits of hotel style amenities. Meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, and staff available 24/7 are features that support seniors in staying active and carefree. Personal care services are available as seniors need help with a variety of one-on-one services such as medication management, bathing/dressing/grooming assistance, escorting, reminders and incontinence care.
What is a Board and Care?
A Board and Care community is a residential home that provides assistance to 6 residents on average. Typically a board and care home has 2 or 3 caregivers and serves a frailer population who would benefit from fewer activities and a smaller environment. Board and cares are also referred to as “six packs” or residential care homes.
How do you get paid?
If you or your love one moves into one of our recommended communities, we receive a one-time referral fee from them.
Do the communities charge extra to accommodate Heart Light’s fees?
No. The communities benefit from working with Heart Light. They view us as part of their marketing department because we bring them qualified and appropriate residents.
What are the benefits of working with Heart Light?
Having personally toured all of the communities in our directory, we are able to narrow down your options as we find out what is most important to you, the care that is needed and the financial and geographic boundaries to be considered. We save you time, money and the unnecessary stress of going through the process alone.
How long has Heart Light been providing eldercare referrals to families?
Heart Light has been assisting families since 1997.
Why does Heart Light only work in the Los Angeles County area?
In order to keep close tabs on the assisted living communities that we partner with, it was essential to narrow down a region so we can be experts on the places that we refer. We know who has availability, changes in management, licensing violations, pricing specials, renovation plans, etc.
Do you provide referrals for seniors in all income groups?
Yes. Our large directory of partner communities includes a wide range of pricing options. All seniors, regardless of their income, deserve a clean, safe and caring living environment.
What do you look for when evaluating facilities that offer dementia/Alzheimer’s care?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s care is specialized and assisted living communities are required to meet specific licensing requirements to accept residents with this diagnosis. We evaluate these communities as we would any assisted living residence with a specific eye on caregiver-to-resident ratio, security, food quality, appropriate activities, music, and opportunities for interaction with pets and children.
Are pets allowed at Assisted Living?
More and more communities are now accepting residents with pets. Some assisted living communities will only allow cats, while others will allow cats and dogs (usually with a weight limit) In most communities, residents must be able to completely care for their furry loved ones. Some communities have “house” pets that are shared and loved by all the residents.