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Senior Living Resources for Families

Is it time for a talk about senior living?

If you’re worried about a parent or loved one living alone, these resources may help you talk to and advise your parents. Explore our FAQs, glossary of terms and helpful links. We even provide info about our Westminster Village financial options and a cost calculator.


Retirement Community FAQs

For quick answers, consult our FAQs.

When is the right time for my parents to move into a retirement community?

The best time to move to any retirement community is when residents are still active and in good health. Westminster Village is the perfect choice for anyone who desires to continue the lifestyle they’ve come to love and also enjoy the reassurance of on-site care if needed. This exceptional lifestyle will offer your loved ones the time and opportunities to discover new talents and make new friends.

How can I help my parents transition to a retirement community?

AARP suggests an adult child ask his or her parents questions that might help start the conversation. You would not ask all these questions in one sitting, but use them as a guide for topics of conversation when the time is right. A few examples: Is your home still appropriate for your needs? Are there stairs or security issues? Do you need help with household chores? Can you cook your favorite meals? Hear the doorbell ring? Do you feel comfortable driving? Would it be a great relief to have transportation available right at your door? Are your prescriptions current and are you taking your medications correctly? Have you seen the doctor lately? Do you get lonely, especially at mealtimes?

Can my parents decorate their residence?

Absolutely. Your parents are invited to make themselves at home by furnishing or decorating their residence as they choose.

What is offered with Assisted Living?

As the name suggests, assisted living offers individuals assistance with the activities of daily living, dressing, bathing, dining, medication management—while still providing every opportunity for maintaining the highest possible level of independence. At Westminster Village, this is all delivered in an atmosphere of sophistication and hospitality. Services are tailored to match individual needs for maximum convenience and comfort.

Will my parent’s long-term care insurance help pay for Assisted Living?

Most policies do help cover the costs of assisted living, but you will need to know your specific coverage to be sure. We can help—just bring a copy of your policy with you when you visit Westminster Village. Long-term care insurance is not required to be a resident.

When is living at home no longer an option?

Watch for signs it may not be ideal—or safe—for an aging parent to live at home. For example, your loved one may stop doing a longtime hobby or suddenly withdraw from friends or activities. Sudden weight loss, a change in grooming habits, or a house in disorder may signal your parent needs assistance. If your loved one displays an inability to follow conversations, or you suspect memory loss is disrupting your loved one’s daily routine, it could be time to seek medical advice.

Is any assistance available for Veterans or their spouses?

If either of your parents is a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, he or she may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. These include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocation, rehabilitation and employment, and burial. At Westminster Village, Veterans benefits may assist with the costs associated with Assisted Living. Let us help you get the answers or go to www.benefits.va.gov.

Benefits & Resources

Home Sale Association, Downsizing & Moving Services

Top Local Broker, Carrie Smith

Top Local Broker, Carrie Smith also has an SRES designation (Senior Real Estate Specialist) – She understands your unique situation and the big decisions you’re faced with during this time.

Full-Service Moving Company – Caring Transitions of the Wabash Valley

Often the biggest objection to making a move is the overwhelming thought of the physical move. To overcome that hurdle, Westminster Village is offering a gift certificate for moving service through our moving partners, Caring Transition of the Wabash Valley. John Morris and his team provide excellent moving and auction services with patience and care, valued at $250 for professional, experienced movers.   They will meet the buyer at their house where they will assist in making decisions on what best fits in their new home. When the day approaches, they will then take care of packing, moving, unpacking and setting up their new home.  Look for tips on downsizing at our annual downsizing events!

Click Here to learn more.

Additional Programs & Resources

Snow Bird Program

In an effort to make Westminster Village more attractive to the active travelers or those who winter in warmer climates, we offer a 25% reduction in your monthly service fee to residents who are away for 30 days consecutive or more. Click here to learn more.

The Almost Home Program

The Almost Home program caters to someone who has a continued need for structured clinical intervention in a safe, home-like environment. This program is intended for any senior who has found themselves in an in-between situation of not needing continued skilled care but not ready to manage independently. Learn More.

Glossary of Senior Living Terms

Scan for Definitions to Senior Living Terms.

  • Accreditation
    A seal of approval given by a governing body to a housing and/or service provider. To become
    accredited, the community or provider must meet specific requirements set by the accreditation entity
    and is then generally required to undergo a thorough review process by a team of evaluators to ensure
    certain standards of quality.
  • Activities of Daily Living
    Daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, assistance with medications, and transfers
    along with other tasks.
  • Assisted Living
    Assisted living is a senior housing option for those who cannot live independently and need help with
    activities of daily living, including but not limited to bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, housekeeping
    services and transfers.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
    A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in
    several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer’s
    disease is the most common cause of dementia.
  • Ambulatory
    Describes ability to walk around and move from place to place, not bedridden or hospitalized.
  • Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
    Often called a Life Plan Community, a CCRC offers several levels of assistance, including independent
    living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. These communities usually offer long-term contracts or
    written agreements between the resident and the community which offer a continuum of housing,
    services and health care system, usually all on one campus or site.
  • Dementia
    The severe loss of intellectual functions, such as thinking, remembering and reasoning. Dementia is not
    a disease itself but a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms
    may include changes in personality, mood and behavior. Dementia is irreversible when caused by
    disease or injury, but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, depression, or hormone and
    vitamin imbalances.
  • Durable Power of Attorney
    Designates any proficient adult(s) to see to an individual’s affairs should they become either mentally or
    physically incapacitated. It is imperative to keep good, clear records of such agreements and
    recommended that you have a lawyer draft any durable power of attorney.
  • Hospice Care
    Approach to providing comfort and care at end of life rather than providing heroic lifesaving measures.
    Hospice care can include medical, counseling, and social services. Most hospice care is in-home, while
    specialized hospices or hospitals also provide these services.
  • Living Will
    A legal document that states the wishes of an individual who is no longer competent and able to make
    decisions on their own. Living wills address the use of life saving devices and procedures in the event of
    a terminal illness or injury.
  • Long-Term Care
    Care given in the form of medical and support services to someone who has lost some or all of their
    capacity to function due to an illness or disability.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
    Insurance that pays for a succession of care giving services for the elderly or chronically ill. This care may
    be provided in a community or in an individual’s home with a nurse or aide.

Glossary of Terms (Continue)

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
    LPNs are trained to administer technical nursing procedures as well as provide a range of health care
    services, such as administration of medication and changing of dressings. One year of post high school
    education and passage of a state licensing exam is required.
  • Managed Care
    The partnership of insurance and a health care delivery system. The goal is to coordinate all health care
    services received to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Managed care plans use their own network
    of health care providers and a system of prior approval from a primary care doctor to achieve this goal.
    Providers include: specialists, hospitals skilled nursing facilities, therapists, and home health care
    agencies.
  • Medicaid
    A program of medical assistance designed for those unable to afford regular medical service and
    financed by the state and federal governments.
  • Medicare
    The federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and older, certain younger people with
    disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cover specific
    services and care.
  • Medication Management / Medication Administration
    Formalized procedure with a written set of rules for the management of self-administered medicine. A
    program may include management of the timing and dosage for residents in assisted living, and could
    include coordination with a resident’s personal physician.
  • Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing)
    State licensed facility that provides 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and activities for
    convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or long-term care illnesses. One step below hospital
    acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and
    nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. May be referred to as a Nursing
    Facility or Convalescent Home.
  • Palliative Care
    An area of health care that focuses on providing pain relief and preventing chronic suffering for patients.
    The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life in all areas of a patient’s life including physical,
    emotional, spiritual, and social concerns that arise with advanced illness.
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
    A Registered Nurse is a nurse who has passed a state board examination and is licensed by a state
    agency to practice nursing. A minimum of two years of college is required in addition to passing the
    state exams. The RN plans for resident care by assessing resident needs, developing and monitoring care
    plans in conjunction with physicians, as well as executing highly technical, skilled nursing treatments.
  • Rehabilitation
    Therapeutic care for persons requiring intensive physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
  • Respite Care
    Temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. May be provided in-
    home or in a residential care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home.
  • Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits (VA Benefits)
    A supplemental income provided by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs available to veterans and their
    spouses. The veteran must have served at least one day during wartime. Resources: Guide to Using VA
    Benefits for Assisted Living | VA.gov


Financial Options

We offer flexible financing options.

At Westminster Village, we realize that what’s right for one person may not be ideal for another. That’s why we offer three financial options, each one with their own unique advantages. Depending on your situation, you may favor a particular choice. Let us help you find the right option for you or your loved one.

Return-of- Capital™ Plans.

With our 0% Return-of-Capital Plan, 50% Return-of-Capital Plan, and 80% Return-of-Capital Plan, we make a long-term financial commitment to you. These plans refund portions of your entrance fee to you or your estate regardless of how long you reside in our community. The refund is provided once your home or apartment is re-occupied. You pay only your monthly fee and any health care you may need.


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