Frequently Asked
Senior Living Questions

Moving to senior living versus staying home offers numerous benefits. These may include access to 24/7 professional care, social interaction, regular activities, and a worry-free lifestyle where meals, housekeeping, and maintenance are taken care of with all-inclusive pricing.

Independent living offers a carefree life without home maintenance, and so does assisted living. However, assisted living includes more personalized help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management while encouraging independence.

Our specialized memory care at The Cottage provides assistance for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It takes place in a secure atmosphere with specialized activities and cognitive engagement programs.

Both options at Civitas Senior Living are built on passionate service, cleanliness, and care through our Passion Program, a signature approach that celebrates every resident’s individuality. They’re also available in respite care.

Recognizing when it’s time to move into senior living is one of the most complex and emotional parts of the journey. It’s rarely about one single moment, but rather noticing a pattern of changes.

You may start to see:

• Increased forgetfulness or confusion
• Missed medications or unpaid bills
• Falls, poor nutrition, or unsteady mobility
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Caregiver exhaustion among family members

When safety, socialization, and self-care become difficult, senior living can restore balance. At Civitas communities, residents rediscover joy, independence, and purpose in a supportive, caring atmosphere designed around their passions.

According to national data from Genworth, senior living costs can vary by state, community, and care level. On average:

• Assisted living: $3,000–$6,000 per month
• Memory care: $4,000–$7,000 per month
• Independent living: $2,500–$5,000 per month

At Civitas, rates are all-inclusive or tiered based on care level and typically cover:

• Apartment or suite rental
• 24-hour care team and emergency response
• Chef-prepared meals
• Utilities, housekeeping, and laundry
• Scheduled transportation
• Daily activities, events, and wellness programs

Senior living often replaces multiple separate expenses of a home or standard all-age apartment (utilities, groceries, home maintenance, in-home care, or respite care) with a single predictable monthly rate and no surprise “hidden costs.”

In most cases, standard health insurance does not cover assisted living, as it’s considered custodial rather than medical care.

Families can explore other options, such as:

• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans Aid & Attendance
• Private health insurance supplements
• Bridge loans or home equity programs

Our expert community team can help guide you through what’s available and provide local financial resources to make care more cost-effective.

Safety is our top priority. Communities feature:

• 24/7 on-site team and emergency response systems
• Secure entrances and monitored access for memory care
• Routine wellness checks
• Regular staff training in CPR, dementia care, and infection control

Civitas has emergency response plans in place to protect residents’ well-being. These plans include procedures for evacuation, communication, and immediate response to various types of emergencies. Contact the community near you for more specific information.

We combine advanced technology with genuine human compassion to create an atmosphere that feels safe and secure, but also luxurious and uplifting.

Civitas offers a wide range of resort-inspired amenities and engaging activities, enhancing residents’ quality of life. These include fitness programs, social events, arts and crafts, and more. The common areas in our communities are professionally decorated for an upscale experience.

Trained professionals at our communities make sure that residents receive their prescribed medications at the correct times and in the right dosages. The residents’ personal care plans will include detailed instructions for medications.

The high staff-to-resident ratio at Civitas Senior Living lets all residents receive the attention and care they deserve. While the ratio can vary depending on the residents’ specific needs, we always maintain a strong presence of team members.

Yes, Civitas Senior Living communities welcome couples who want to stay together while receiving the support they need. Some couples share an apartment, while others live side by side with care plans adapted to each person.

This approach allows loved ones to age together gracefully, preserving connection and companionship through all stages of life.

Unlike some senior residences, Civitas communities are pet-friendly because we know how much comfort and joy animals bring. Small dogs and cats are often welcome, along with birds or fish in certain cases.

Pets are part of the family, and we believe that companionship should never be left behind. Ask your local community about specific pet policies and size restrictions.

Each day is shaped by connection, comfort, and purpose. A typical day might include:

• Morning stretching or walking groups
• Fresh restaurant dining
• Art classes or gardening clubs
• Live entertainment or social hours
• A cozy movie night or book club

Residents enjoy the freedom to choose how they spend their time, supported by compassionate staff and surrounded by friends who feel like family. Life here is about living well, not slowing down.

In addition to memory care, dementia education and engagement are essential parts of life at Civitas. Our communities host dementia-friendly activities and events, such as fitness programs, music therapy sessions, and sensory activities, helping residents stay connected and joyful.

Families and local professionals are often invited to attend free workshops and community education events that focus on brain health, understanding memory loss, and building a more dementia-friendly community. Ask your local Civitas community about upcoming opportunities to learn and participate.

Start with empathy. Acknowledge their independence and emotions before discussing practical reasons. Avoid language that feels forced; instead, focus on how the move could reduce stress, improve safety, and create new friendships.

• Tips for talking about the decision include:
• Visit communities together; seeing is believing.
• Focus on the positives (chef-prepared meals, activities, safety).
• Find reviews or testimonials from — and if possible, speak directly to — other families who’ve made the transition.

At Civitas Senior Living, we understand that choosing care for a loved one can bring out many emotions — and sometimes, disagreements. We believe in supporting the whole family, not just the resident.

Our compassionate team members can help facilitate family discussions, recommend trusted counselors or social workers, and offer a listening ear. We encourage open communication so that every family member feels heard and confident in the path forward. Our goal is to help families heal, unite, and focus on what matters most: each other.

Change is natural, and our communities are built to adapt. If your loved one needs more care, such as transitioning from assisted living to memory care, we offer seamless support through personalized reassessments and flexible service plans.

This continuity allows residents to age in place, staying in the same familiar atmosphere surrounded by staff and friends who know them best.

We encourage family partnership from day one. Families are welcome to visit anytime, join community events, and attend care meetings.

Many of our communities offer:

• Family nights and themed events
• Secure photo-sharing or resident apps
• Group texts or updates from care teams
• Volunteer opportunities

Staying involved helps loved ones thrive emotionally while giving families peace of mind that their parent or partner is engaged, happy, and cared for.

Many families hesitate to bring up hospice care because they fear it means giving up. We believe hospice care is about comfort, dignity, and connection — not surrender — which is why we work hand in hand with trusted local hospice providers to support residents and families physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Hospice can be offered by other providers right here in your loved one’s familiar apartment, surrounded by the people and routines that bring them peace. You can ask us anything, including how hospice blends with our assisted living or memory care services, and we’ll guide you with compassion and transparency.

Yes, many Civitas communities offer monthly or quarterly senior care as well as dementia care support groups designed for spouses, adult children, and caregivers. These gatherings create a safe space to share experiences, find encouragement, and learn practical caregiving tips from professionals who understand.

In addition, our team can connect you with community and virtual resources, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s organizations, so you’ll always have someone to lean on, no matter where you are in your journey.

We’re not a chain; we’re a family. Civitas Senior Living is known for our signature Passion Program, locally inspired community design, and hands-on leadership.

Every residential community is built around the idea that life should be celebrated at every age. We empower our residents to live with joy, purpose, and independence, supported by thoughtful care and hospitality.

Civitas takes pride in our positive reputation and high resident satisfaction. We invite you to explore the community reviews page of a location near you to learn more about the experiences of residents and family members.