Written by Karen Sembello

For many families, assisted living can be a solution that works for everyone. Your parents can get extra help without feeling like a burden or giving up their privacy. And you have peace of mind knowing 24-7 that they’ll have the support they need.

Choosing the place that’s best for your family is a very individual decision. Every assisted living community has its own feel and program, and there are different ways of charging for services. Karen Sembello, a retirement counselor at The Pines at Whiting lifecare community, discusses some important questions to consider:

Q. Are there strong community ties?

A. Many people want to stay connected to the community where they’ve built their life. One of the first things you’ll notice when you come to The Pines at Whiting is all of the familiar faces. You’ll probably recognize some of the people who work and live here from the grocery store, your neighborhood, or church.

Because of our community ties, we often have visitors from local schools and youth groups. There are regular trips to restaurants and shopping centers, and we take part in community events like the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk in Point Pleasant.

Q. What kind of support is offered?

A. Caring for an older adult who is experiencing loss of health, memory, or motivation is quite challenging.

Assisted living communities typically provide help with meals, housekeeping and daily activities like bathing and getting dressed. Some also offer certain types of health care.

At The Pines at Whiting, our Georgetown Assisted Living program is divided into three different neighborhoods based on the type of care a person needs. This design makes it easy to connect with other residents who are at a similar place in life.

Families also have peace of mind knowing that residents are eating properly and taking their medications.

The Commons neighborhood is for people who need minimal help like meals prepared, housekeeping and laundry. Some residents also need assistance with tasks like getting dressed and taking medicine. Everyone lives in apartments decorated however they choose with belongings from their home. With a full activity schedule, fitness classes, entertainment and bus trips, most people stay very busy.

The Pavilion neighborhood offers more support for people who need health care and a lot of help with daily activities. Residents continue to live in a private studio apartment with their own refrigerator and microwave. They’re also just a short walk from the dining room and living room, where many of our activities take place.

The Garden Walk is our small, private neighborhood specifically for people with memory loss. There are 20 studio apartments designed to encourage self expression and create a soothing atmosphere. Residents enjoy a country kitchen and courtyard — plus a special walking path with stations to help them reminisce.

At Georgetown Assisted Living, we also have licensed nurses onsite 24 hours a day

Q. How are the costs structured?

A. Assisted living in our area typically costs between $3,600 and $5,600 per month. Some places charge a flat rate based on the level of care needed, while others charge for each service separately.

With our Georgetown Assisted Living Program, we want care and charges to be as straightforward as possible. That’s why we offer a Five Care Step program where each of the levels corresponds with one convenient monthly fee. This system allows prices to include most services, so your monthly bill doesn’t have any surprises.

Q. What if my parents need more care?

A. This is one of the most important questions when you’re considering assisted living.

One of the biggest advantages of Georgetown Assisted Living is that we’re part of The Pines at Whiting lifecare community. If residents ever reach a point where 24-hour nursing care is needed, it’s usually available right on campus. Our Hamilton Place Health Care Center is recognized as one of Ocean County’s top nursing homes.

Occasionally, residents will have a hospital stay and need rehabilitation before returning to assisted living. Here at The Pines at Whiting, we offer priority access to the “Transitions” program at Hamilton Place. Residents receive state-of-the-art therapy while staying in private hotel-like rooms with an electric bed, television and telephone.

Q. What’s the next step?

A. The best way to know which place is right for your parents is to visit together as a family. Ideally, you can start exploring your options before there is an urgent need to move. Good luck with your decision, and we hope to see you here!

For more information about assisted living, call The Pines at Whiting at (732) 849-0400.

About The Pines at Whiting

The Pines at Whiting is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located on 50 charming acres adjacent to Keswick Lake. Active independent seniors enjoy a spacious, maintenance- free apartment and the freedom to do what they enjoy best. Seniors looking for more support live in private assisted living apartments with licensed nurses on-site 24 hours a day. Those who need around-the-clock care find warm, caring staff in Hamilton Place Health Care, recognized as one of Ocean County’s top nursing homes. For more information on The Pines at Whiting, visit www.thepinesatwhiting.org.