Assisted Living in Dothan & Ozark

Assisted living is a residential option for seniors who want or need more personal care services than you can get at home or at an independent living retirement community. Since the 1970’s, Extendicare has been at the forefront in developing assisted living services for Dothan and the Wiregrass Community. The same commitment to excellent service and quality of care that we offer in our long-term care and rehabilitation services drives the delivery of services to our assisted living residents. Resident’s dignity, independence and freedom of choice are our first concern each and every day.

Making the decision to leave your home for an assisted living facility can be difficult- even if you’re looking forward to the extra help, security and social perks that it brings. It can also be difficult for your family. We hope the information on this page can make the transition easier and help you find the right fit for yourself or your loved one.

Staying Active

Throughout our lives, it is the connection that we make with others that adds to the richness of life. At Extendicare’s Assisted Living Dothan & Ozark Communities, we experience the truth of this fact each day. Socialization, sharing mealtimes, and enjoying activities together assures our residents that they not only have their own families but have an extended family of other residents and staff that care deeply for each other.

We offer many opportunities for our residents to stay physically active with exercise and wellness programs, that are unlike any nursing home. The availability of lovely walking trails and garden areas encourage our residents to enjoy time out of doors. Group trips to local restaurants, shopping and attraction sites enable residents to remain a part of the community.

Top Quality Care

We know that character counts. Our staff is specially selected because of their strong personal integrity, compassion for seniors and their desire to improve our resident’s quality of life

Assisted Living Community Staff:

• Director of Assisted Living Services
• Community Administrators
• Registered Nurses
• Nursing and Personal Care Assistants
• Activity Staff
• Housekeeping Staff
• Dietary Staff
• Maintenance Staff

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I know if my family member is appropriate for Assisted Living?

Typically individuals qualify who are mobile with a walker or cane, with sufficient cognitive status to recognize their name on their medication package. Our professional staff can assist with an individualized assessment to determine the appropriate level of care needed.

Question:  How can I know when it’s time to move to assisted living?

When it becomes evident that your family member does not take their medication as prescribed, are not eating properly even though meals may be provided, and need reminders or help with bathing and grooming, you should begin to explore options for expanded in- home care or assisted living.  The best indicator for moving to assisted living is whether or not you worry about them at night or when no one is there.

Question:  What is the difference in Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care?

The current model for assisted living may provide services very similar to a nursing home.  However, there are significant differences in the levels of care, environment and cost.  Skilled nursing serves long term, chronically ill or more severely debilitated patients in a clinical setting with licensed nurses on duty around the clock.  Assisted living provides a supportive living arrangement for those who need some assistance with grooming, dining, housekeeping & laundry services; and who desire 24-hour security.  Assisted living communities offer as much independence as desired, and also provide socialization through family style meals and daily planned activities. Along with providing individualized care, assisted living services offer residents a relief from the stress of worrying about day-to-day responsibilities.

Question: How do I choose an assisted living facility?

The most important factor when choosing an assisted living facility is that it feels friendly, safe, and comfortable to you. The facility you’ll be happiest at won’t necessarily be the most fancy or expensive. The bottom line is that the right facility for you is the facility where you feel most at home. In choosing our staff we place utmost importance on their ability to connect with residents so that our residents feel at home and secure.

There are many websites that offer suggestions to help you choose an assisted living facility, but nothing takes the place of word of mouth. Talk with friends and family members who have had experience in choosing an assisted living facility. Your physician can be an excellent source of information. If you visit several assisted living facilities, spend time talking with the residents and staff. All facilities should welcome your visits and questions.

Question: How do I know when it is time to move into an assisted living facility?

Do you need more help than family and friends are able to provide? If family and in-home help is not able to bridge the gap, assisted living is an option. Having an active social life is vital to your health and happiness. Being alone much of the time is a recipe for depression. The social aspect of assisted living is a huge benefit.  Perhaps mobility is limited, making it difficult to get out of bed by yourself, for example. Additionally there are a lot of responsibilities that come with living in your own home; cooking, cleaning, shopping for groceries, and doing laundry. Maybe you are tired of managing all these on your own. Having access to good balanced and nutritious meals, taking medications on a regular schedule and paying attention to your personal hygiene are essential to remaining healthy and independent.

Question: Should I plan a visit?

A picture is worth a thousand words. Plan to visit facilities in your area. The most important factor is that it feels friendly, safe and comfortable to you. Do you prefer cozier environments? Each of our facilities is designed for 16 residents. With a smaller population, the facilities are easier to navigate and offer a more home like feel.  We encourage interested inquiries, to share a meal with us. This gives you a chance to sample the excellent meals that will be available to you each day, plus meet our residents and staff.

Question: What ways make the transition easier?

Life in an assisted living facility is an undeniable adjustment. You will be getting use to a new environment and meeting new people. There are things you can do to make the transition easier. Allow plenty of time to pack and make decisions about what you want to take to your new home. Do your homework on the facility. Ask about mealtimes, activity schedules and how the daily routines go each day. Get out of your room as often as possible to meet everyone and get a “feel” for the things you enjoy doing. Most importantly, go easy on yourself. Adjustments take time so use the time to ask questions, questions, questions! Our residents and staff are always happy for conversation and will enjoy helping you get acclimated.

Question:  How much does assisted living cost?

Cost varies at each of our communities based on the size of the room and level of care required. Our staff will gladly assist you in understanding the costs of the services provided. Please call for a tour and current pricing information. For additional information, please download a cost comparison worksheet to help you.

Question: How is assisted living paid for?

Presently, assisted living services in Alabama are not funded through any government program, except the Veteran’s Administration for veterans and widows of veterans. Traditional options include liquidating savings, investments, and retirement income. Insurance options might include long-term care insurance or life insurance settlements. There is also an option to finance through a home equity loan or reverse mortgage. A Cost Comparison Worksheet is available to help determine the feasibility of paying for Assisted Living.

Question:  Are visits out of the community allowed?

Assisted living residents are not limited to the number or length of visits outside our facilities.  Some residents continue to drive and have automobiles.