What is the difference between independent living, Enhanced Living, and assisted living?
Each living option offers a different level of support.
Independent living is designed for older adults who don’t need ongoing support with daily activities. They want a maintenance-free lifestyle with conveniences like chef-prepared dining, activities, and social opportunities.
Enhanced living — unique to StoryPoint Group — offers that same independence with the flexibility to add personalized support through a licensed third-party provider as needs change.
Assisted living provides more comprehensive care in a licensed setting, with support provided directly by the community’s trained care team. This can include assistance with daily activities, medication assistance, individualized service plans, and 24/7 support.
What does "aging in place" mean at a StoryPoint Group community?
Aging in place means choosing a community that can support your lifestyle today while offering options to adapt as your needs change. Depending on the community and living options available, residents may be able to add support services or transition to another living option while remaining in the familiar community they know and love.
Are the apartments pet-friendly?
Yes! Many of our communities are pet-friendly and welcome residents’ furry companions. Pet policies vary by community, including guidelines for size and breed, so our team can walk you through the specific requirements when you schedule a tour.
How do I choose the right living option for my loved one?
The right living option depends on your loved one's current needs, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. Our team will help you understand your loved one’s needs and explore which living option may be the best fit. Key questions to consider:
- Does your loved one need assistance with daily personal care?
- Are safety at home or social isolation concerns?
- What social, culinary, and wellness experiences matter most to them?
What is StoryPoint Group and what communities are a part of it?
StoryPoint Group is the parent organization for six distinct community brands: Danbury, Flourish Collection, Independence Village, Leisure Living, Southwick Village, and StoryPoint. Each brand has its own character and geography, but all share the same commitment to resident-centered living and genuine human connection.
Who is independent living the right fit for?
Independent living is a great fit for older adults who want fewer everyday responsibilities. With home maintenance, landscaping, and other chores taken care of, residents can enjoy the added convenience and social opportunities of community living, with more time for the people, interests, and experiences that matter most.
What is included in independent living?
Independent living brings many of the conveniences of everyday life into one monthly rate. This typically includes a private apartment, chef-prepared dining, utilities and Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping and linen service, scheduled transportation, fitness and wellness programs, and a full calendar of activities and outings.
What does a typical day look like in independent living?
Days are entirely your own in independent living. You might start with a fitness class or coffee in the bistro, join a lecture or art workshop, head out on a group outing, share a chef-prepared dinner with friends, and end the evening at a live performance — or simply enjoy the quiet of your own apartment. The calendar is full, but participation is always your choice.
What exactly is Enhanced Living?
Enhanced living offers the independence and community experience of independent living with the option to add personalized support as needs change. Residents enjoy their own apartment, chef-prepared dining, activities, amenities, and opportunities to connect while choosing additional services through a licensed third-party provider. Support can include medication reminders, assistance with daily activities, mobility assistance, companion care, wellness checks, and more. This flexible approach allows residents to choose the support that fits their needs while continuing to enjoy an independent lifestyle.
Who is Enhanced Living designed for?
Enhanced living is designed for older adults who could benefit from some additional support with everyday routines but don’t need the more comprehensive care offered in assisted living. Residents enjoy the lifestyle, amenities, and social opportunities of independent living with the flexibility to add services as their needs change. Through a licensed third-party provider, support can include medication reminders, assistance with daily activities, mobility assistance, companion care, wellness checks, and more — creating an experience tailored to what each resident needs.
How is Enhanced Living different from assisted living?
Enhanced living offers the lifestyle and amenities of independent living with the option to add personalized support through a licensed third-party provider. Residents can choose the services that fit their needs, such as medication reminders, assistance with daily activities, mobility assistance, and wellness checks. Assisted living provides more comprehensive care in a licensed setting, with support provided directly by the community’s trained care team. This can include medication assistance, 24/7 support, care assessments, and individualized service plans.
What kind of support can be added through Enhanced Living?
Through a licensed third-party provider, services can include medication reminders, assistance with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, mobility assistance, incontinence assistance, companion care, wellness checks, coordination with health care providers, family care conferences, and housekeeping.
Does choosing Enhanced Living mean moving to a different apartment?
Not necessarily. In some communities, residents may be able to add enhanced living support while remaining in the apartment they already know and love. If a move is needed, the new apartment may be nearby, allowing residents to stay connected to the community, routines, and relationships that are already familiar to them.
How is Enhanced Living priced?
Our team will walk you through pricing and available options, so you know exactly what to expect. While enhanced living apartments typically have a slightly higher monthly rate than independent living apartments, additional support services are selected and priced based on each resident’s individual needs.
What is assisted living and who benefits from it?
Assisted living is designed for older adults who could benefit from regular support with daily activities while continuing to enjoy an active community lifestyle. Residents receive personalized assistance with needs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and medication assistance, along with 24/7 support, chef-prepared meals, activities, and social opportunities.
What daily support is provided in assisted living?
Residents receive personalized assistance with needs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and medication assistance, along with 24/7 support. Assisted living also includes chef-prepared meals, daily housekeeping and laundry, activities, events, and social opportunities.
How is the level of care — and cost — determined in assisted living?
A personalized health assessment helps determine how much support each resident needs. The monthly rate includes the apartment, community services, and the cost of that support. If a resident’s needs change, their support plan and pricing may change too. Our team will clearly explain all costs, so you know what to expect.
Will my loved one still have independence and privacy in assisted living?
Absolutely. Assisted living is designed to support independence — residents have their own private apartment, set their own routines, and choose how to spend their days. Support is there for the tasks that need it, while giving residents the freedom to continue living life on their terms.
Is nursing and medication management included in assisted living?
Assisted living residents receive personalized support from trained care team members based on their individual needs. This can include medication assistance, help with daily activities, and 24/7 support. Nursing services vary by community, so our team can explain the specific services and support available at your community.
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides support with everyday needs like bathing, dressing, mobility, and medication assistance. Nursing homes are designed for people who need more intensive, skilled medical care, such as wound care, IV therapy, injections, complex post-surgical care, or management of serious medical conditions. Assisted living focuses on providing personalized support within a community lifestyle, while nursing homes focus on managing more complex medical needs.
What is memory care and who does it benefit?
Memory care provides specialized support for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory impairments. Specially trained employees, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, personalized support, and meaningful daily experiences help residents feel comfortable, connected, and engaged. It also gives families greater peace of mind knowing their loved one is surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges of memory loss.
What is Connection Points™ and how does it work?
Connection Points Memory Care is StoryPoint Group’s unique approach to memory care, designed to create more personal and meaningful connections throughout the dementia journey. The approach includes specialized programs and practices focused on residents, families, employees, dining, and the overall community experience.
How do I know when it is time for memory care?
The right time for memory care is deeply personal, but common indicators include:
- Wandering or becoming lost in familiar places
- Significant difficulty managing daily personal tasks safely
- Increased agitation, anxiety, or behavioral changes at home
- Caregiver exhaustion that puts both of you at risk
- Safety concerns that a home environment can no longer address
Our team can help you understand your options and determine what may be the right fit for your loved one and family.
What makes memory care different from the other living options?
Memory care is specifically designed for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory impairments. Specially trained employees, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, personalized support, and meaningful daily experiences create an environment where residents can feel comfortable, connected, and engaged throughout their dementia journey.
What does a memory care apartment and neighborhood look like?
Memory care neighborhoods feature thoughtfully designed private or companion apartments, easy-to-navigate layouts, secured access, and inviting spaces for dining, activities, and gathering. Every detail is designed with the unique needs of people experiencing memory loss in mind, helping residents feel comfortable, familiar with their surroundings, and at home.
How do I know whether memory care or assisted living is the right fit?
The right fit depends on the type of support your loved one needs. Assisted living provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, mobility, and medication assistance. Memory care provides specialized support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory impairments. Our team can help you understand your loved one’s needs and determine which option is the best fit.
What is included in the cost of memory care?
Memory care pricing includes personalized support from specially trained employees who understand the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory impairments. Residents receive support with daily needs, meaningful experiences designed around their abilities, and the added benefit of a thoughtfully designed memory care environment.
How much does senior living cost at a StoryPoint Group community?
Monthly rates vary by community, apartment, and level of support. When considering the cost of senior living, it can be helpful to look at everything included — from dining and activities to maintenance, transportation, amenities, and support — and compare that with the expenses of living at home.
Our team will walk you through pricing, what’s included, and any additional costs so you have a clear picture of what to expect.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover senior living?
Medicare generally does not cover the cost of independent living, assisted living, or memory care, though it may cover certain short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation services. Medicaid coverage varies by state and is based on eligibility requirements.
Other ways families may help cover senior living costs include long-term care insurance, veterans benefits such as Aid and Attendance, personal savings, life insurance options, and bridge loans. Our team can help you explore available resources and better understand the options that may apply to your family.
Are there veterans benefits that can help cover the cost of senior living?
The VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit may help qualifying veterans and surviving spouses cover the cost of assisted living or memory care. Eligibility is based on factors such as military service, financial qualifications, and the need for assistance with daily activities. Because every situation is different, our team can connect you with a veterans benefits specialist at no cost to help you understand eligibility and explore the benefits that may be available to you or your loved one.
What is typically included in the monthly rate?
Monthly rates typically include your apartment along with services and amenities such as chef-prepared dining, utilities, Wi-Fi, housekeeping and laundry, scheduled transportation, fitness and wellness programs, social activities and outings, and maintenance-free living. What’s included varies by community and living option, and additional support services may be available based on individual needs. Our team will walk you through specific community’s pricing and what’s included in your monthly rate, so you know exactly what to expect.
Is there a buy-in or entrance fee required?
StoryPoint Group communities operate on a monthly rental model, so there is no large buy-in or entrance fee required. This gives families greater financial flexibility without the upfront investment required by some senior living communities. A community fee or deposit is typically collected at move-in, with specific costs varying by community.
What health or medical assessment is needed before moving in?
Before moving into assisted living or memory care, a health assessment helps us understand your loved one’s needs and determine how we can best support them. This typically includes a review of their medical history and an in-person or telehealth assessment. From there, we create a personalized support plan based on their individual needs. Our team will guide you through each step and let you know exactly what information is needed.
What activities and programming are available for residents?
There’s always something to look forward to. Our communities offer a full calendar of activities, events, and experiences designed around residents' interests. Depending on the community, that may include fitness classes, creative workshops, educational programs, live music, social events, clubs, games, gardening, outings to local restaurants and attractions, holiday celebrations, and more.
Can residents come and go as they please?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to continue their usual routines, whether that means visiting family and friends, running errands, attending appointments, or heading out for the day. Depending on the living option and a resident’s individual needs, some additional considerations may apply.
What on-site amenities are typically available?
Amenities vary by community but commonly include:
- Fitness center and group exercise studio
- Beauty salon and barbershop
- Library and quiet reading rooms
- Café or bistro
- Movie theater or media lounge
- Beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyards and walking paths
- Private dining room for family gatherings
- On-site Wi-Fi throughout the community
Does StoryPoint Group offer home care services?
Yes. CorsoCare is StoryPoint Group's affiliated home care and hospice brand, providing in-home personal support and hospice services for those who need health care in their current home before or in addition to community living. CorsoCare team members are held to the same standard of compassion and quality as all StoryPoint Group communities.