Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Living in White Bear Lake
Q: What’s the difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living?
A: A resident who chooses the “independent living” package rents an apartment like they would in a regular apartment building. The benefit of living at The Pillars of White Bear Lake as an independent resident is the opportunity to participate in activities and entertainment, the choice to eat chef-prepared meals onsite, and the choice to have housekeeping.
A resident who chooses the “assisted living package” gets the benefits of the “independent living” package, and then also receive three meals a day, weekly housekeeping, two loads of laundry each week, an emergency safety alert system, daily safety checks, and access to our 24/7 nursing team.
Q: How much does Senior Living or Assisted Living cost?
A: Cost of living does vary based on the size and style of apartment, as well as, what services you are interested in having. It is best to speak with our staff about your needs to be able to determine the cost.
Q: Do you buy or rent apartments at The Pillars of White Bear Lake?
A: The Pillars of White Bear Lake is a senior living rental community. Our leases are month-to-month, so there are no long-term commitments. We also offer a Stay by the Day option for Assisted Living and Memory Care in White Bear Lake, where guests can stay with us for a time as short as 3 weeks if they wish.
Q: Does Medicare or Health Insurance pay for senior living?
A: No. However, your health insurance may help to pay for some of the services you receive while living in our community. For example, if you decide to be seen by our visiting Fairview Geriatric Physicians or if you’re receiving prescribed physical therapy or hospice services from our visiting providers, those services can most likely be billed to your health insurance. Some people may have Long Term Care Insurance. Depending on your LTC Insurance Plan, that may help to reimburse you for some of the cost of the services you receive in our assisted living or memory care communities.
Q: What senior care options are available at The Pillars of White Bear Lake in MN?
A: We offer senior housing options for 55+ independent living, assisted living, short-term-stays, and memory care as well as coordination of hospice and other care services.
Q: What is community life like now, amid a pandemic, for senior living residents?
A: Due to COVID-19, in-person activities are limited, but are still taking place. We offer a lot of individual activities to help meet the need of our active residents. This is subject to infection control protocol, but lately we’ve been enjoying our entertainers, exercise classes, movies in our theater, and much more – physically distanced, of course. Our residents are also able to give suggestions for what we should offer next to be able to keep them going.
Q: How do you plan for a future move to senior living?
A: Planning to move into senior living is a big choice. Here at The Pillars of White Bear Lake we do our best to answer all your questions, give you resources, and the time you need to decide. We are here to help you make the best decision for you.
Q: Do you have a medication management program?
A: Yes, The Pillars of White Bear Lake has Ebenezer Home Care in house and offers a medication management program, which may be added to an individualized service plan and varies based on regulations and need. Residents participating in our medication program may choose their own pharmacy or use the Fairview pharmacy. If a resident prefers to use an alternate pharmacy, the resident and pharmacy must comply with certain requirements.
Bluestone Physicians is an onsite visiting geriatric physician that visits the residents once a month and can easily schedule x-rays, bloodwork and other tests in the comfort of your own apartment.
Q: If needed, how is my level of care determined?
A: Prior to move-in, our nurses and care team will assess your current health and review your medical history to see how we can best meet your needs. They will also discuss your preferences as well as your normal routines to develop a care plan that is tailor made for you. This individualized service plan details your plan of care and is regularly updated to meet your evolving needs.
Q: What training do staff members receive?
A: We provide continued education and training, clinical care protocols and multiple quality assurance measures to reinforce our strong standards. The Pillars of White Bear Lake’s extensive training programs have been developed throughout the years and include; classroom, online and hands-on training, as well as employee shadowing and mentoring.
Q: Do you offer 24-hour nursing?
A: We have a nurse on-duty 7 days a week during business hours and on-call after hours.
Q: How do I arrange a visit?
A: Please call our Director of Sales and Outreach at 651-653-3288 to set up a visit. During your visit, we will talk with you about your personal circumstances and how we can meet your individual needs.
Q: How does the dining program work?
A: In assisted living and memory care, we serve three meals a day and our dining services team serve our residents restaurant-style. Emphasizing choice is important. In addition to the unique entrees featured at each meal, we also offer an “always available” menu for our residents.
Q: What types of activities do you offer?
A: Our programming and activities are designed to engage a senior’s mind, body and spirit. Our mind activities include games, discussion groups, outings, happy hour, and more! The Pillars of White Bear Lake offers daily programming that helps our seniors stay physically active with chair yoga, walking clubs and much more. For residents that like to get in touch with their inner spirit, we provide musical programs, classes and a variety of religious offerings. Additionally, we regularly plan fun and engaging activities outside of the community. There is always something to look forward to!
Q: What is the average age of residents in assisted living?
A: While age varies by each community, in general, our residents are in their late early to early-80’s.
Q: Do you allow pets? Can I bring my dog or cat with me?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your pet with you! If you are comfortable caring for your pet and they are an appropriate pet for the community setting, we would love for them to join our Pillars of White Bear Lake family. Guidelines apply.
Q: Are there restrictions on visiting hours?
A: This is our residents’ home, we welcome visitors and work with our families and friends to visit their loved ones at a time that works best for them. Due to COVID-19, our options for visiting is limited. Please contact us for our most up to date visiting protocols.
Q: How quickly can you help me move in?
A: We work with each family to support their needs as best as we can, including accommodating urgent move-ins when possible. Residents in Assisted living and Memory Care receive a full care assessment prior to moving in, which helps our care team develop his/her Individualized Plan. In some cases, a move-in can occur in as little as a day or so.
Q: Can I bring my own furniture?
A: Yes, you can bring your own furniture with you because this is your home! We encourage you to design your apartment to be as comfortable and familiar as possible.
Q: Do we have to sign a long-term lease for the apartment?
A: No. Our community does not require long-term lease commitments. Our communities requires a community fee upon signing the residency agreement. We also require 30 days/ one calendar month’s written notice prior to moving out of the community.
Q: Do you offer any short-term stays?
A: Yes, we do offer short term stays at our community. A short-term stay (Stay by the Day) is a convenient option when planned or unforeseen circumstances occur such as an extended family vacation or recovery from an illness.
Q: Can we move in as a couple?
Q: Can we move in as a couple?
A: Yes! At The Pillars of White Bear Lake, couples can live together in their own apartment surrounded by their familiar belongings. A reduced fee for the 2nd occupant applies.