Q&A
The answers below are intended to provide a range of insights about senior living, but they’re no substitute for what you’ll learn during a visit to our unique healthy living community. Explore the questions and answers – and get in touch to schedule a conversation and tour.
INDEPENDENT LIVING FAQ
IF I CAN STAY IN MY HOME, WHY IS INDEPENDENT LIVING BETTER?
The Langford offers a unique setting for friendship, social interaction and meaningful activities – all designed to create a healthy living community of opportunity and fulfillment. If you don’t want to cook, you can have all your meals in our restaurant-style dining room or Fireside Bistro. And if your family has ever voiced concerns for your safety in that house of yours, you’ll have staff nearby 24/7 here. On the other hand, it’s proven that living alone typically means reduced social interaction – and that’s hard on your health.
Can my grandchildren, family and friends visit?
Your guests are always welcome and are invited to indulge in many of The Langford’s amenities with you – including recreational activities, dining and educational events.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome. As a pet-friendly campus, we love the cats and small dogs of our residents. Please ask about our pet policy and approval process when you visit.
Will I have a voice in my community?
Residents are encouraged to actively participate in decisions that affect programming, dining, activities and outings. The community’s resident council is a vital part of community life, and residents are encouraged to participate.
Do I own my Independent Living apartment home?
As is typical of a CCRC, The Langford owns and maintains the property. With your entrance deposit and monthly service fees, you’re entitled to live in your residence as long as you can live independently – with neither property taxes nor property insurance, because you’re not the homeowner.
How much is my entrance deposit?
Your entrance deposit will be comparable to College Station-area home values, and is otherwise determined by the floor plan you choose. When you leave the community, your deposit is as much as 90% refundable.
Why can’t I just rent this?
The Langford doesn’t provide an option for month-to-month rates on independent living – and for good reason. With your entrance deposit, you secure lifetime discounts on assisted living, memory care, rehab and skilled nursing – and you’ll discover how important that is if you develop a need for long-term care (it’s estimated 7 in 10 will). Communities that provide similarly enriched lifestyle settings for senior living with entrance deposits will typically charge market rates for the levels of care. A rental contract can be flexible upfront because it’s sacrificing your long-term stability and security.
If I live to be 109 and run out of savings, what happens next?
As a member of the MRC family, we’re upholding a tradition of never evicting residents who, through no fault of their own, deplete their finances. We can tell you more about this when you visit, but take confidence in knowing there’s a Resident Covenant Fund, supported by free-will contributions from friends, families, residents and others, that helps residents who reach a point of financial need.
Health Services FAQ.
Which level of living is the right choice?
When you think your loved one may need more assistance than Independent Living provides, we recommend you seek guidance from a physician. Our professional team will meet with you and your loved one to answer questions and provide information regarding the various types of housing and services available on our campus, enabling you to reach the best decision for your loved one and your family.
What is a CCRC?
The traditional CCRC (continuing care retirement community) is an integrated community of services anchored in Independent Living. If residents’ health declines, they can move through the additional levels of living to meet their changing needs – into Assisted Living, for example, for assistance with the tasks of daily life or even Memory Support, when individuals develop Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of age-related dementia. The continuum of care in a CCRC is designed to keep residents within the community as long as possible, where their social network will continue to sustain their well-being.
What’s Assisted Living?
For those who can still live independently but need extra assistance with daily tasks – taking medication, bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, transportation and other everyday needs – Assisted Living may be just what’s needed. Designed to maintain a person’s important sense of independence, Assisted Living offers the resident a team of nurses and other caregivers who are accessible 24/7.
Assisted Living FAQ
IS THERE AN ENTRANCE DEPOSIT IF I MOVE DIRECTLY INTO ASSISTED LIVING?
No. Our entrance deposits are only required in Independent Living, while our Assisted Living and Memory Support contracts are available on a month-to-month basis.
Are the apartment homes furnished?
No. Assisted Living services should help you feel and function more independently, and having your familiar furniture and belongings with you underscores your independence. You’re free to furnish and decorate as you wish, with treasured furniture and belongings – or you might prefer to make a fresh start with new pieces that make everyday living even more comfortable.
Is there a calendar of activities?
Every day offers opportunities. You’re encouraged to nurture friendships and join activities where you can socialize, be entertained or educated, or pursue your hobbies and other interests. Assisted Living residents also have access to many of the events and services of The Langford.
Are there off-campus events?
In addition to private transportation services for physician visits and other needs, there are frequent group shopping, dining and entertainment excursions to many popular off-campus venues.
What if Assisted Living isn’t enough?
As a CCRC, we offer a continuum of care. In addition to Assisted Living, we also provide Memory Support. Furthermore, as a resident of The Langford, you’ll get priority access to Skilled Nursing or In-patient Rehabilitation which is available at our sister community, Crestview in Bryan. These programs provide round-the-clock care for residents who are recovering from illness or injury, or who need more long-term supervision or support. So if it happens that the services provided in Assisted Living aren’t sufficient for the level of need, we’ll already be prepared to recommend the additional health services required, and assist in making that transition as easy as it can possibly be.
Memory Support FAQ.
IS THERE AN ENTRANCE DEPOSIT IF I MOVE DIRECTLY INTO MEMORY SUPPORT?
No. Our entrance deposits are only required in Independent Living, while our Assisted Living and Memory Support contracts are available on a month-to-month basis.
What is Memory Support?
Memory loss, whether from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, diminishes an individual’s ability to manage daily life. So, care provided at The Langford – from dining to staffing to activities – is designed around supporting the resident in every moment, enabling them to have a successful day. Specially trained professionals work together with the resident and their family members to create structure, familiar schedules and surroundings, all in a secure and uniquely safe environment that promotes purpose and celebrates accomplishments.
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functions (thinking, reasoning and the ability to remember) that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. Dementia itself isn’t a disease, though it often accompanies diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or certain injuries. It may be partially or fully reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, depression or imbalances in substances, such as hormones or vitamins. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80% of dementia (per WebMD and other sources). It’s a progressive, degenerative brain disease affecting parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. 1 in 8 people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s, and it affects women more than men.
Is Memory Support staff trained in any special way?
Yes, those who provide services in this specialized area are people with a knack for working with Memory Support residents. Carefully selected and trained Memory Support staff members have the gift of being person-centered in their interactions and, given their compassionate temperament, bring exceptional patience, gentleness and a passion for consistently providing dignified and respectful care to our Memory Support residents and their families.
