Helpful answers for individuals exploring senior living
Choosing a senior living community is an important decision, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. Whether you’re just beginning your search or narrowing down your options, we’re here to help make the process clearer and more comfortable.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions residents and families ask about life at Franklin Park® Senior Living, from community amenities and care options to daily living and support services. Our goal is to provide transparent, helpful information so you can feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
If you don’t see your question answered, our team is always happy to help.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living services provide assistance with activities of daily living, typically offered at different levels depending on resident need. All residents are assessed prior to moving in to ensure that their current needs can be met in accordance with the community’s state licensing and to help develop a customized care plan.
Assisted living support may include help with medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and other personal needs. Fees for assisted living services are typically added to the monthly base rate, which includes housing, meals, and amenities.
At Franklin Park, assisted living focuses on maintaining independence while offering the support needed to feel safe and confident. Many individuals continue living active, socially engaged lives with just the right level of added support.
What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
Activities of daily living, also known as ADLs, include:
- Medication Management: Assistance with storing, administering, and re-ordering medications.
- Bathing: Help ranging from stand-by support to full assistance.
- Dressing: Assistance in selecting and putting on appropriate clothing.
- Grooming: Help with personal hygiene such as brushing hair, shaving, or oral care.
- Toileting: Support with transferring, hygiene, and incontinence care when needed.
- Transferring: Help moving safely between bed, chair, walker, or wheelchair.
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is a general term describing symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be caused by several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and others.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 50 to 70 percent of cases. It is a progressive condition that affects memory, reasoning, communication, and daily functioning.
Understanding the difference helps families seek appropriate support and care options.
How Does Franklin Park Support Those Living with Memory Loss?
Our memory care neighborhoods are designed specifically to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and feature:
- Structured daily routines to promote familiarity and comfort
- Purposeful engagement activities designed around abilities and interests
- Staff trained in dementia care and communication approaches
- Secure, thoughtfully designed environments that promote safety and independence
Care plans are individualized and regularly reviewed to reflect changes in cognitive, physical, and emotional needs.
Are Franklin Park Communities Pet-Friendly?
Yes, Franklin Park communities welcome pets, recognizing the companionship and emotional benefits they provide.
For safety and comfort, dogs are limited to 40 pounds, leashes are required in common areas, and visiting pets follow the same guidelines.
However, specific policies may vary by community. Please contact a community directly for more information.
How Does Franklin Park Determine the Appropriate Level of Care for a Resident?
Before moving in, each prospective resident completes a personal assessment conducted by a licensed nurse or qualified clinical team member. This assessment reviews medical history, mobility, cognitive function, medication needs, and daily living support requirements.
The purpose of this process is to ensure that the community can safely and appropriately meet current needs and to develop a personalized care plan when applicable. Care plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needs change over time.
This process helps ensure residents receive the right level of support while maintaining as much independence as possible.
Can a Resident Remain in the Community if Care Needs Change Over Time?
Many Franklin Park communities offer multiple levels of care, allowing residents to transition should their needs evolve. This approach can reduce the disruption of moving to a completely new environment and allows residents to remain within a familiar setting, supported by staff who already know them.
Transitions between care levels are guided by updated assessments and conversations with the resident and their family to ensure the move remains appropriate and supportive.
What Training Do Franklin Park Caregivers and Team Members Receive?
Team members receive role-specific training that includes safety procedures, resident support practices, emergency response protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Caregivers working in assisted living and memory care receive additional training related to personal care, medication support, dementia care principles, communication techniques, and resident dignity and safety.
Ongoing education helps ensure that care remains consistent, informed, and aligned with best practices.
How Does Franklin Park Support Families During the Transition into Senior Living?
Moving into a senior living community is both a practical and emotional transition for individuals and families.
Support begins with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and time to ask questions and consider options. Families are encouraged to be involved in conversations about preferences, routines, and needs so that the transition feels informed and supported.
This collaborative approach helps create a sense of continuity and reassurance during a time of change.
How Involved Can Family Members Be?
Families are encouraged to remain actively involved in their family member’s life and care. Open communication between families and the community team helps ensure that preferences, concerns, and changes in needs are addressed thoughtfully and promptly.
Families are also welcome to participate in visits, celebrations, and special events as appropriate.
What is Included in the Monthly Fee?
Monthly fees typically include:
- Apartment residence and utilities
- Meals and dining services
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Scheduled activities and programs
- Access to amenities and common spaces
Additional care services are priced separately based on individual needs. Please contact a community directly for more information.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in a Franklin Park Senior Living Community?
Costs vary depending on the community, apartment size, and the level of care needed. Franklin Park offers month-to-month rental options with no long-term lease or buy-in fee.
Additional care services, such as assisted living or memory care, are added based on an individual assessment conducted by the community team.
For current pricing and availability, please contact a community directly for more specific information.
Are There Financial Options for Paying for Senior Living in Metropolitan Areas of Texas?
We know everyone’s financial situation is different, but it’s important to consider all sources of income that can cover the costs of a senior living community. While the costs associated with senior care can seem overwhelming at first, taking the time to compare the costs of living in your own home (or with a family member) versus those of a senior living community can help identify which type of community is within your budget.
Common financial resources may include:
- Personal savings and retirement income
- Proceeds from the sale or rental of a home
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits, when applicable
- Social Security and pension income
It is always recommended to speak with a financial advisor who can help customize an approach that reflects your specific goals and circumstances. Tax credits and deductions related to senior care and caregiving may also be available.