Senior Living FAQs in San Diego, CA

A Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) provides residents the comfort of inclusive services and amenities, as well as priority access to care options should they need them. In addition, as a Type A Life Plan Community, residents at Casa have the added benefit of their independent living monthly fee carrying over with them to the higher levels of care. They simply pay for the additional meals and ancillary services needed.

This term is used to outline a type of senior living contract. The community offers independent living and a continuum of care, and under a Type A contract, residents can seamlessly transition to different levels of care with virtually no additional increase to their monthly fee. Casa de las Campanas is the only not-for-profit Type A Life Plan Community in San Diego County. By contrast, some Life Plan Communities provide continuing care with a modified contract or a fee-for-service contract, which both require additional fees when the resident transitions to higher levels of care

Communities often charge a one-time entrance fee. This upfront payment enables access to continuing care for life. Casa residents are assured unlimited access to all levels of health care if they ever need it. The final figure of an entrance fee is based on the size of residence you choose and the number of occupants (just you, or you and one additional occupant).

Monthly fees for residents include use of all community amenities as well as services, such as meals, flat linen service, housekeeping, all utilities, cable and internet.

Residents pay for their own telephone service, medications, therapies, outside medical bills and personal expenses.

Of course. Each resident is designated an uncovered space at no charge. Apartment residents may rent a garage space for a modest monthly fee. We also offer charging stations for electric cars and scheduled transport when you don’t want to drive.

Pets are permitted in all living residences at Casa. We have two dog parks on campus and are right across the street from a larger dog park in Rancho Bernardo Community Park. When you visit, please speak with a marketing representative regarding the complete details of our pet policy.

Casa is a not-for-profit corporation formed under the laws of the state of California. The community is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of local businesspeople who serve without pay. The community retains an Executive Director and Administrator as part of its partnership with Life Care Services® to manage Casa’s day-to-day operations.

Applicants must be at least age 60 or have a spouse of that age, be able to live independently with reasonable accommodations, and demonstrate the financial ability to meet the terms of the residency agreement. There is no maximum age limit, provided these criteria are met.

Yes, depending on availability. Any moving or renovating expenses will be your responsibility.

A Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) provides residents the comfort of inclusive services and amenities, as well as the peace of mind of knowing they’ll have care options such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation if they need them in the future.

As a not-for-profit organization, our mission, vision and values govern each management and financial decision. Instead of making choices based solely on profits, surplus revenues are reinvested into the community. This focus on growth and improvement ensures Casa remains among the most stable independent living communities in the country.

For seniors tired of living alone, an independent living community offers social connection and meaningful activities. For people who don’t want to cook every day, communities like Casa offer delicious chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style settings. And for people whose families worry about their safety, independent living has staff on-site 24 hours a day. Read our blog to learn more about why independent living may be the best option for you or what the differences are between independent living and assisted living.

Yes. Long-term care insurance is great, but policies vary and coverage is limited. A Life Plan Community like Casa offers more comprehensive support, a concrete plan for the future and predictable costs. Most long-term care insurance policies can complement the Life Plan Community contract since they’re able to be used while receiving services that are covered under their individual plans. We don’t work directly with these policies, but long-term care insurance essentially can be considered an offset of the community’s monthly fee.

Assisted living communities are an ideal residential option for people who can still live independently but need extra assistance with activities of daily living — bathing, eating, taking medication, dressing, walking, transferring and other everyday needs, such as transportation and housekeeping. A trained licensed nurse and certified nurse aides are available at all times to provide individualized support while helping the resident preserve their active lifestyle.

Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical care, usually for residents who have numerous serious health care requirements. Assisted living communities are intended for people who are generally able to care for themselves except for a few activities of daily living. These services are also helpful for people who are sometimes confused or experiencing occasional memory lapses.

Our goal is to support a resident’s independence as much as possible. Residents have access to the wider community, along with enriching activities and familiar neighbors. Specially trained team members provide senior care services in the comfort and privacy of the resident’s apartment.

Whether you’re wondering about yourself or a loved one, it’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. You can then match needs to the right level of care. If a senior needs help with daily tasks, assisted living is likely the answer.

Absolutely. You have the freedom to furnish and decorate your space any way you like. Bring beloved furniture and belongings, or make a fresh start with new pieces that make daily living even more comfortable.

We offer a full schedule of activities. Each day is filled with opportunities to build new friendships through activity choices, socials and entertainment, as well as access to life-enriching services and amenities around the community.

Of course. In addition to transportation services for physician visits, Casa offers frequent group shopping, entertainment and dining excursions to many popular local venues.

We offer a continuum of care. In addition to assisted living, we provide memory care, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing. These levels of care provide round-the-clock attention for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing long-term support or supervision. For an overview of the different levels of care we offer at Casa de las Campanas, read our blog.

Memory loss, whether from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, affects more than just the person diagnosed. Team members at Casa de las Campanas work with residents, caregivers and family members to create an approach to care that prioritizes safety and dignity. The thoughtful design of our community reduces confusion and provides security. With special programs designed for those with memory loss, dementia care at Casa enables peaceful and pleasant days.

Yes. Memory care team members are uniquely trained in person-centered care for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These specialized caregivers provide compassionate support and a passion for providing dignified, respectful care to seniors and their families.

Dementia care services can be seamlessly combined with assisted living and skilled nursing care. If your loved one’s needs change, we’re equipped to enhance their level of care. Our on-site continuum of care allows us to serve residents and their families at the highest level.

Of course. Familiar surroundings and long-beloved items are comforting for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Guests are always welcome and invited to enjoy recreational facilities, meals, amenities and activities with residents. Your presence and support are vital to your loved one’s happiness and peace of mind.

Skilled nursing is for seniors who need greater short-term care while recovering from illness, injury or a hospital stay, or for seniors who need long-term care for chronic conditions. Professional, compassionate support is delivered around-the-clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LVNs and CNAs.

Skilled nursing requires daily involvement from licensed nursing and/or rehabilitation team members. Medicare will cover a portion of the cost of care. By contrast, assistance with basic activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, walking, etc.), is deemed custodial care and isn’t covered under Medicare.

Skilled nursing is the right choice for seniors who need 24-hour attentive medical care but don’t have acute needs that require hospitalization or require memory care. It provides a higher level of care than assisted living, whether the senior needs rehabilitation services, more attentive assistance with routine activities, or long-term care.

Some conditions that require skilled nursing care include (but aren’t limited to) cardiac failure, late-stage Parkinson’s disease, stroke, hip or bone fracture, surgery recovery, etc.

Casa de las Campanas is Medicare-certified. After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare typically covers 1-20 days of skilled nursing. A daily coinsurance rate set by Medicare will be applied for days 21-100. Medicare payment rules are strict and vary depending on any number of factors. Out-of-pocket expenses may fluctuate based on additional insurance coverage you may have. Visit medicare.gov/coverage/skilled-nursing-facility-care for more details.

Occupational therapy is designed to help seniors improve their abilities to complete everyday tasks. Physical therapy allows seniors to regain strength, balance and mobility. Speech therapy gives seniors the tools to enhance their communication and eating or swallowing abilities.

It’s similar in that it can also help restore strength and mobility. But the focus of occupational therapy is on helping seniors improve their abilities to carry out daily tasks through modifications to the physical environment as well as adaptive techniques and equipment that create a greater sense of independence.

Expert speech and language pathologists will address swallowing dysfunctions and communication challenges. Team members design unique treatment plans to help with a resident’s individual issues with language ability. Pathologists will also teach alternate communication strategies and give appropriate diet recommendations.

Each resident receives their own individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan is based around medical certification by their physician, which addresses their individual condition and specific rehabilitation requirements.

The team begins with a doctor and nurses and includes expert insight from a social worker, dietitian, and therapists. All specialists work together with residents and their family members to provide care and guide the rehabilitation process.

No, they don’t. Short-term rehabilitation services at Casa de las Campanas are available to area seniors through direct admission. We accept most major insurance providers, and our services are Medicare-certified. Our team will be glad to help guide residents and their families through the administrative process.

Prior to discharge, the team will determine the senior’s equipment needs and necessary in-home services. If further treatment is required, seniors can visit the Casa campus to continue outpatient therapy services.