About Advantage Living
Are your communities accredited?
Our skilled nursing facilities are inspected by the federal government under Medicare (CMS) and through the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and are surveyed annually.
Can I tour your communities?
Yes. Feel free to stop by any time or, if you prefer, schedule a guided tour at the facility of your choice.
How do I know if Advantage Living can meet my care needs?
Each community has a case manage who reviews your care needs to make sure there is a good “fit”. We use this information to be sure our services and supports are available to meet the needs of each and every individual we serve.
What care options are available?
Advantage offers assisted living, short-term stays, skilled nursing care/post-surgical recovery, memory care, long-term care, and respite care. We also help coordinate hospice and other care services. If you’re not sure what kind of care you need, please click here for a more detailed look into each type of care.
Do you offer 24-hour nursing?
Absolutely. Advantage Living skilled communities have licensed nurses on site 24 hours a day.
What is your staff to resident ratio?
Our staffing ratio flexes and adapts based on the needs of Advantage Living residents. We work to understand exactly what’s required—medically, socially, and otherwise—and procure the necessary team members in response to those needs. Our team members seek to fully understand each resident’s needs and preferences, which helps us anticipate what’s next and make sure we’re ready. As a result, our staff and residents often form very close, caring relationships.
How are Advantage Living team members trained?
In addition to hiring thoroughly trained, certified staff members, Advantage Living provides ongoing credentialing and continuing education for all caregivers. Our programs and supports include classroom, online and hands-on training, as well as job shadowing and peer mentoring.
Does Advantage Living have a plan for ensuring team members are compliant with all applicable laws and standards of behavior?
In addition to full background check screening to assure individuals we hire are right for the healthcare environment, Advantage also keeps an open-door policy for family and staff to express concerns.
What happens if there’s an emergency? How will I be notified?
No one wants to think and worry about disasters. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help ease any concerns. Advantage Living Centers has a written emergency plan that is reviewed and tested every year. All staff and volunteers participate in drills and exercises to test their knowledge. Residents are asked to take part in drills so they can know what to expect in an actual emergency.
Our emergency plan includes procedures for notifying families. We ask that your family provide us with current phone numbers and/or email addresses so we can reach you in the event of a crisis.
Admissions
What is the admissions process?
Our Admissions Department will coordinate all aspects of the admission process with you and your family. We will meet personally with you to explain any required paperwork, complete your personal profile, and assure a smooth transition.
Do I need to bring my insurance cards with me when I am admitted?
Yes. Please bring your insurance cards, proof of citizenship, state identification, Durable Power of Attorney, advanced directive, and any other healthcare documents you have.
How quickly can you help?
Advantage Living supports families in the best ways we can, and are prepared to help you move in the same day, if we have an available spot. In some cases, it takes only a few hours to get new residents settled.
Do you offer any short-term stays?
Advantage Living offers short-term or respite stays for a variety of circumstances, such as an extended family vacation or recovery from an illness. Moreover, many of our residents are with us only as long as it takes to receive assistance during an illness or rehabilitation after a hospital visit.
Can we move in as a couple?
Absolutely! Many Advantage facilities enable married couples to live together in their own private settings, surrounded by their most treasured belongings.
Settling In
What should I bring for my stay?
The items you will bring depend on how long you plan to stay with us.
If one of our short-term care communities will become your home—or that of your loved one—then all required furnishings will be provided. However, you can and should bring the personal belongings and photographs you treasure most, so you can feel at home. At minimum, please bring:
Clothing that is comfortable, durable, and washable including sleepwear.
When selecting clothing, please consider the type of assistance your loved one requires when dressing. Zippers with large pulls may be easier than a garment with buttons.
At least 7 days of underwear and socks.
At least 2 sweaters/sweatshirts.
Easy-to-wear shoes and slippers with a non-skid sole.
Seasonal jacket or coat.
If you are coming primarily for rehabilitation, you will want to bring comfortable clothing that permits a free range of motion and movement such as loose fitting slacks, tops and sleepwear. This includes comfortable shoes such as athletic shoes. We also recommend you bring a set of preferred toiletries.
Residents choosing memory care will wish to bring items that are familiar and comfortable such as bedding, pictures, clothing, toiletries, etc. The move will be far more successful when the prospective resident arrives and things are already in order. It’s beneficial for memory care residents to be surrounded with familiar things including favorite photos and family photos.
Individuals choosing long-term care will want to bring their own clothing, toiletries, treasured belongings and photographs. It’s best to bring only a few items at first, until you and your family see how much space is available and what is most important to have on hand.
Can I bring my own furnishings to my apartment?
You and your family should discuss this matter with the care facility you are choosing. Each location has its own needs and considerations, and will be able to provide you with sound advice based on your needs and circumstances.
Is additional storage space available?
In general, there is limited additional storage at the facility.
Is parking available?
Yes. Off-street parking is provided at each Advantage Living community.
Are transportation services available?
Yes, scheduled transportation is available at all of our senior communities. Each facility has a transportation bus used for outings and appointments. Family accompaniment to appointments is highly recommended.
Are pets permitted?
Pet visits are strongly encouraged! Documentation of immunizations is required and copies are required to be maintained at each facility.
Does Advantage Senior Living offer rooms for out-of-town guests?
No, however recommendations for local accommodations will be made.
Financial Considerations
Are you certified by Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes.
What happens when my Medicare runs out? Will my I have to move to another facility?
Most likely not! Our centers accept Medicare and Medicaid. After 20 days of care, the Medicare co-pay is required. If there is a secondary insurance, that may cover the co-pay. If you are eligible for Medicaid, the Advantage team can help you with the application. We require timely assistance to complete this application to assure there is no disruption in payments.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
It is not required, but may be of help in certain circumstances. We recommend discussing specifics with your insurance provider.
Health Care Considerations
Can my family doctor see me at your center?
Each facility has credentialed physicians who work closely with primary care physicians. Doctors who work with us must completed the credentialing process and adhere to strict regulations. If your doctor would like to apply for credentialing at our facilities, he/she is welcome to apply.
Can you help provide a doctor?
Yes, we have very qualified physicians who have been credentialed at our centers. They are affiliated with the local hospitals and understand the regulations that govern post acute facilities. We work with you to find a doctor who works with your preferred hospital to help keep you in network.
When needed, most facilities have in-house nurse practitioners on staff to support ongoing patient care needs.
Is smoking allowed?
We are sensitive to the health needs of all of our residents, so all Advantage Living communities are non-smoking environments. However, some of our communities offer dedicated areas for residents and their guests to smoke. Smoking times are established at each facility and strictly enforced. All smoking paraphernalia such as cigarettes and lighter are maintained under lock and key with the nurse during nonsmoking times.
What if I have a medical emergency?
Advantage facilities are equipped with emergency alert systems. Staff members are on site 24 hours a day to respond.
Keeping Busy
Can my family and friends visit me?
Of course! As a matter of fact, we encourage guests to visit. Family and friends bring life into the facility and offer opportunities to socialize and stay connected during your stay. Whether you are hanging out for dinner, participating in a community event, leading a program, a simply sitting to talk or play a game, family and friends bring welcome company! So fill up the calendar and enjoy your time together.
Are there a variety of social, recreational, religious, or cultural activities?
Yes. At Advantage, we believe life at the facility should mimic life in the community. We are here for you! Let us know what you are interested in doing and we will do what we can to make it happen. You have opportunities to lead an activity or program, arts and crafts, watching the big game and hosting the party or simply reading.
If volunteerism is in your heart, we will support you in giving back to your community. Fundraisers, support for the homeless, helping children with their homework, or ministering to the sick are all examples of how we will help you contribute to the internal and external community.
What types of activities do you offer?
We provide an array of events that are specially designed to engage people in mind, body and spirit. We also regularly plan fun and engaging activities outside our communities—from ball games and art exhibits to shopping and much more. There’s always something to look forward to!
Can residents request specific events or activities?
Yes! In fact, each Advantage Living community maintains its own unique activity calendars, because each one is tailored to its specific residents’ requests and interests.
How’s the food?
Advantage Living residents can choose to dine with their neighbors, and choose from many delicious menu options created and prepared by our culinary arts team. Many special dietary requirements, including no-salt-added and no-concentrated-sweets diets, are easily accommodated. If you have a favorite recipe let us know! We may feature it one day!
Will I have privacy?
At Advantage Living, each individual can have as much or as little privacy as he or she chooses. We have many group activities and events, but those who wish can spend quiet times in their rooms or communities with good books, puzzles, or soft music. All our facilities offer private bathroom spaces.
Assisted Living
Do we have to sign a long-term lease?
No
What should I bring for my stay?
You can bring the belongings you need to help you feel at home (we provide the basic furniture). Just like any relocation, your goal is to be comfortably surrounded with your own treasured possessions.
Do you have a medication management program?
Yes. Our team of resident assistants provide medication management in conjunction with the Pharmacy and your physician.
Will I pay real estate taxes or need to carry home insurance?
No. All Advantage fees include taxes applicable to residency.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
It is not required, but may be of help in certain circumstances. We recommend discussing specifics with your insurance provider.
What is included in the monthly fee?
In general, the monthly fee covers room, utilities and 3 meals per day plus most activities. Additional fees are based on your medical and medication needs and are calculated on a tiered basis.
Is a security deposit required? How about other fees?
Yes, a move in fee is required.
Is any portion of the monthly fee tax-deductible?
Residents of licensed assisted living and memory care communities may have a portion of their monthly fees deemed tax-deductible based on qualifying criteria. We recommend that such residents speak with their own income tax advisors for clarification about their personal situations.
What financial options exist to make senior care more affordable?
Many state and federal programs offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. For instance, a federal benefit known as “Aid and Attendance” offers both veterans and their spouses funding to help with assisted living fees. Some long-term insurance policies may also cover part or all of the costs for assisted living care. It is wise to speak with your family’s financial advisor to learn more about available options.
Considerations for Families
I feel so guilty. How can I reassure my family member—and myself—that I’m not giving up?
Most seniors value their freedom and independence, as well as loving relationships based on trust. Suggesting a new living arrangement may feel like an erosion of all these things. allowing Advantage’s highly trained team to take care of the physical and medical needs provides more time for you to pursue the activities and relationships that matter most.
We recommend open, honest and loving approaches to these issues. Our team is able to help in a variety of ways, and we can also connect your family with counseling support as needed.
Does Advantage Living provide respite care?
Our facilities do offer short-term care that allows caregivers to take a break from caregiving. Please see an admissions representative to discuss arrangements. Learn more about respite care here.