FAQs
Do you take Medicaid or Medicare as payment?
Assisted Living is private pay similar to an apartment.
Medicaid and Medicare do not recognize Assisted Living as a medical necessity. Someone needing to use these options for payment may need to look into Skilled Nursing Facilities.
There are benefits for Veterans and their spouses that may cover the cost of Assisted Living.
Some Long-term Care Insurance policies may cover the cost of Assisted Living. One of our team members can help you review your specific policy to determine eligibility.
There are benefits for Veterans and their spouses that may cover the cost of Assisted Living. Visit the VA for details.
Are the rooms shared?
All rooms are private occupancy; studio-type rooms. We do have accommodations for couples who would like to share living space.
How much is the cost for ThE “full package” room?
As a non-profit organization, Golden Age Home is dedicated to providing Assisted Living services at an affordable rate.
Golden Age Home contracts a local beautician to operate an independent salon inside our facility. Pricing is set by the beautician and payments are rendered separately from Golden Age Home.
Do you have a beautician?
One third of the rooms at Golden Age Home are designated for Independent living at the HUD low income rent rates.
Do you have rooms for those on a fixed income?
Can residents have pets?
Pets are allowed. Pets must be in compliance with State guidelines (listed below). There is a non-refundable pet deposit upon move in of pets. Resident must be able to properly care for and provide the basic needs for their pet. There must be no history of illness or violence in the pet’s past. All cats must be declawed. Cats and dogs must be neutered or spayed and be continent and house broken.
An excerpt from the State guidelines is as follows:
Must have proper vaccination (with documentation)
Must be under supervision of a specific veterinarian
Animal cannot go into the dining room; nor Resident may not take food from the dining room for their pet
It is defined who is responsible for the pet
It is the resident owner’s responsibility to feed and care for the pet
The pet is not allowed on community furniture
The pet must be on a leash when in the common areas of the community
Resident must be able to tend to cleaning of cages, litter box, etc. and/or take on regular walks.
At this time, Golden Age Home does not have a separate memory care community or area.
We evaluate each person’s unique situation to determine if we can meet their needs.
We do accept residents who are in the earlier stages of memory loss and have found that they are successful and able to stay at Golden Age Home for a long period of time.
Do you have memory care?
Unfortunately, we may not be the last home for a resident. There are many factors that will decide the answer to this question. A resident may require more assistance than our team members are qualified to provide. There are times when these services can be provided by another source (home health, hospice, private caregivers, etc.). These things will be determined along with the resident and family members with the resident’s best interest as the top priority. (see answer below concerning discharge)
Will this be their last home?
Each year during the fiscal budget meeting, the Board of Directors take into consideration the cost of living increase for Social Security benefits and makes pricing adjustments as necessary.
Does rent increase yearly?
Medication management for residents needing help with their medication is offered in the Level Two & Three Care.
Is there a medication management program and what is the cost?
The following could cause temporary transfer to skilled care:
Medication Instability
Medical condition requiring 24 hour nursing care
Resident requires services the community does not provide
Unable to maintain personal hygiene
Unacceptable physical or verbal behavior
What events may cause
a resident to be transferred to skilled care?
The following could cause permanent discharge:
Need for 24-hour nursing care
Need for consistent transfer assistance in and out of wheelchair
Behavior management for verbal aggression
Behavior management for physical aggression
Bladder or Bowel incontinence care
Feeding by team members
Intravenous therapy
Medication injections
Oxygen administration
Special diet needs
When required, the Assisted Living Manager along with consultation from the Executive Director will determine whether or not discharge of a resident is necessary. In the event that discharge is required, families will be fully informed and consulted. They will receive assistance in making discharge plans.
What events may cause permanent discharge of a resident?
Gardening
Outdoor Activities
Pets + Activities
Laundry basket, laundry detergent, hangers
Be aware that when you hang curtains, Golden Age Home Assisted Living is required to treat them with a clear, odorless liquid which helps make them fire retardant.
All trash cans in the building must be made of metal or be U.L. or F.M. approved containers. Golden Age Home Assisted Living provides two trash cans in each resident’s room to meet these standards. Please do not bring others to replace them.
Extension cords are deemed a fire hazard and therefore not permitted. Power strips are usable if protecting “fragile electronics”.
Rugs are a nice addition to any room; however, make sure they have the non-slip material on the bottom.
Toilet Paper is provided by Golden Age Home Assisted Living.
For your own safety and in the event of an emergency, remember to maintain a clear pathway through your room free of clutter.
What items should I bring?
The rooms in the community are not furnished. We encourage residents to bring as many items from home as possible to help the room feel familiar. Residents are encouraged to decorate their room to give it personality and make it home. The following are a few suggested items to bring and guidelines to follow when setting up your new home.
Twin or full size bed
Recliner/chair
Dresser
Desk
Television (cable TV provided)
Mini refrigerator (provided in Independent living)
Small microwave (provided in Independent living)
Linens
Shower caddy & robe
The use of oxygen is allowed. The administration and maintenance of the oxygen and any equipment needed for its use is the responsibility of the resident and/or resident family.
Can a person use Oxygen in the Assisted Living?
Residents may continue using their current physicians once they have moved to Golden Age Home. The resident may use GAH bus or make their own arrangements for these appointments. Doctors and/or PAs who come into the community are also available. Ask for more information.
Will I be able to use my current Physician?
Are Scooters & Electric Wheelchairs allowed?
Scooters & electric wheelchairs are permitted in the common areas of the community with the exception of the Dining Room. The maintenance and upkeep of these items are the task of the resident. To ensure the safety of all residents and team members, “drivers” are asked to maintain a low speed while inside the buildings. Due to limited space scooters & electric wheelchairs are not allowed in the Dining Room. Residents must be able to walk or use a manual wheelchair from the hallway to their place in the Dining Room. Management reserves the right to revoke a resident’s scooter privileges on a case by case basis.
Golden Age Home is a non smoking community. Residents, team members, and visitors may smoke in designated outside areas. All residents and team members are encouraged to stop smoking for good health. The patio outside the activity room has been set aside as a smoking area for both team members and residents. Residents and visitors may also use the patio off the Wing 3 middle sunroom. Ashtrays have been placed in both these areas. Please do not throw cigarette butts on the ground or in the trash can as this has the potential to cause fire. We also ask that the main entrance be smoke free for those entering and leaving the building.
Is smoking allowed?
Therapy is not a service offered by Golden Age Home. A resident may contract with Home Health Agencies to fulfill the physical, occupational and speech therapy prescriptions received from a physician.
Does Golden Age Home offer Therapy?
Residents are allowed to have and operate personal vehicles. Parking is available in front of the community. It is the responsibility of the resident and/or their family to maintain the upkeep and legal status of the vehicle. Golden Age Home is not responsible for items left inside the vehicle or the conditions of the vehicle.
Can I keep my Vehicle?
Visit the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services for more information.