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Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Senior Living

What is senior living?
Senior living communities are made for older adults who want support, connection, and an easier lifestyle than living alone. They offer things like dining, activities, social spaces, and different levels of daily help based on what each person needs. The main goal is to help residents live safely and happily while keeping their independence and sense of purpose.
What’s the difference between independent living, assisted living, and memory care?
Independent Living is best for adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with social activities, dining, and amenities, but do not need daily help.
Assisted Living includes everything in Independent Living, plus help with things like taking medication, getting dressed, or bathing, while still encouraging as much independence as possible.
Memory Care, like our Tempus Memory Care, offers secure and specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory conditions. These areas focus on routine, connection, and activities that support emotional well-being.
How do I know which type of senior living is right for my loved one?
Begin by considering what your loved one needs each day. Are they independent but feeling lonely? Do they need reminders or physical help? Have there been any safety concerns at home? A personal Health and Services Evaluation (HSE) can help find the right level of support. Our team is here to help families look at options and make confident decisions.
What are the signs that it may be time for senior living?
Some common signs include:
– Difficulty managing medication.
– Missed meals or poor nutrition.
– Trouble with hygiene or dressing.
– Falls or safety concerns.
– Isolation or loneliness.

Senior living can help by providing gentle support while still honoring independence.
What are the signs it may be time for memory care?
You might notice:
– Increased confusion or forgetfulness.
– Wandering or getting lost.
– Personality or behavior changes.
– Difficulty recognizing familiar people or places.
– Safety concerns or repeated emergencies.

Memory care provides a safe environment, structured routines, and special programs to support comfort and connection. You can learn more about our Tempus approach to memory care here.
How does senior living differ from staying at home with home care?
Home care brings help to your house, but seniors and their families often still handle meals, repairs, cleaning, scheduling, and safety concerns. Senior living offers a community where meals, activities, emergency help, social connection, and support are all provided. Many families choose senior living for peace of mind, companionship, and 24/7 professional support.
What should families look for when choosing a senior living community?
Consider things like:
– Staff warmth and responsiveness
– Safety and cleanliness
– Genuine social engagement (not just a calendar on paper)
– Quality of dining
– Care philosophy and transparency around pricing

Most importantly, notice how the community feels. Is it welcoming, lively, and a good match for your loved one’s personality?
What questions should I ask when touring senior living communities?
A few helpful questions include:
– How do you determine care levels and pricing?
– What training do caregivers receive?
– How do you keep families informed?
– What activities or programs are popular here?
– How do you handle changes in resident needs over time?

Asking about staffing, resident activities, and how changes are handled can help you see if the community is a good fit. If you’d like a more thorough checklist to take with you, our guide offers even more questions and tips for touring with confidence.
How do seniors adjust emotionally when moving to senior living?
Every transition takes time, but most residents feel at home once they’re engaged in activities, connected with neighbors, and free from home responsibilities. Families can help by staying involved and easing the change. Our team checks in regularly, and our New Resident Welcome Program helps new residents feel seen, supported, and included from their very first day.

About Claiborne Senior Living

What makes Claiborne Senior Living different from other senior living communities?
Claiborne Senior Living blends Southern hospitality with excellent care. Our communities are designed to feel like home, with fun activities, restaurant-style dining, and support tailored to each person. We believe every stage of life should be vibrant, fulfilling, and filled with meaningful moments.
What is the Claiborne approach to care?
We focus on dignity, independence, and connection. Support is tailored to each person through a Health and Services Evaluation (HSE) and regular communication with residents and families. We value meaningful interactions, personal routines, and helping residents have as much choice and independence as possible.
What is Tempus Memory Care?
Tempus Memory Care is Claiborne Senior Living’s special program for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory conditions. Tempus neighborhoods provide safe spaces, structured days, and activities that support identity, comfort, and connection. The Tempus philosophy meets residents where they are, focusing on purpose, dignity, and meaningful moments.
What amenities and lifestyle features are common across Claiborne Senior Living communities?
Each Claiborne Senior Living community is unique, but many offer inviting spaces and amenities like fitness centers, salon and spa services, theater rooms, walking paths, outdoor lounges, activity areas, and restaurant-style dining. A busy calendar of outings, clubs, classes, and special events helps residents stay active and connected.
How are Claiborne Senior Living team members trained?
Team members receive role-specific orientation and ongoing education in areas such as safety, communication, emergency response, and resident engagement. In addition, we invest in coaching and leadership development so our teams grow their skills over time. The goal is simple: to serve residents with professionalism, consistency, and heart.
What safety and security measures do Claiborne Senior Living communities use?
Resident safety and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. Our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods are staffed 24 hours a day, with secure entry points and emergency response systems in each apartment. Our team members receive regular training in safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and resident care to ensure fast, compassionate responses when needed.

Independent living residents enjoy a more private, home-like setting and can add safety devices or services if they prefer.

Some of our communities also have advanced fall-prevention systems that quickly detect and respond to possible falls, adding extra protection and peace of mind.

Beyond technology, safety is part of our culture. We work closely with families, healthcare providers, and residents to create an environment that’s secure, supportive, and empowering, so residents can live confidently every day.
Are Claiborne Senior Living communities pet-friendly?
Many Claiborne Senior Living communities welcome pets because we know how much happiness they bring. Policies may vary by location, so please ask your chosen community about any size or type limits.

Levels of Care at Claiborne

What is independent living at Claiborne?
Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults who want freedom, convenience, and connection without the responsibilities of homeownership. Residents enjoy private apartments, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, social spaces, and a busy calendar of programs and outings. It’s ideal for people who don’t need daily support but want a vibrant community and services at their fingertips.
What is assisted living at Claiborne?
Assisted living is for people who want to stay as independent as possible but need some help with daily routines. Our teams help with things like medication, personal care, meals, and transportation, always respecting privacy and independence. Residents enjoy the same amenities and lifestyle as independent living, with the added comfort of support when needed.
What is memory care at Claiborne?
Memory care is provided through Tempus Memory Care, Claiborne’s special program for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory conditions. These secure areas have structured days, familiar routines, sensory activities, and caregivers trained in dementia support. The Tempus philosophy is about honoring identity, creating comfort, and building meaningful connections.
What if a resident’s care needs change over time?
We understand that needs can change over time, and we are prepared for that. Because Claiborne Senior Living communities offer different levels of care, residents can usually get more support without leaving the place they know.

If a resident’s health or abilities change, we will do a new Health and Services Evaluation and update their care level. Sometimes this means just a little extra help. Other times, it may mean moving from assisted living to memory care for more support.

If outside help is needed, we can work with trusted partners like home health or hospice providers, so care continues smoothly for families. Our goal is always to help each resident stay as independent, comfortable, and connected as possible, even if their needs change.
Can couples live together if they need different levels of care?
Yes. Many couples choose Claiborne Senior Living for this reason. Depending on their needs, one partner may get more care than the other while still living together, or they may live in different areas but stay close and spend time together every day. Our teams work with families to find the best arrangement to keep both people connected and well supported.
Do Claiborne Senior Living communities allow outside healthcare providers (physical therapy, home health, hospice)?
Yes. Many Claiborne Senior Living communities work with trusted providers to make therapy services easy for residents. In most places, licensed professionals, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapists, can provide care on-site.

Some communities also work with groups like Fox Rehabilitation, bringing expert therapy services directly to residents in familiar surroundings. Residents can also keep seeing their own doctors or outside care providers.

Our goal is to make quality care easy to access and comfortable, so residents can focus on living well every day.
Do residents keep their own doctors?
Absolutely. Residents can keep seeing their preferred doctors. Many providers visit our communities, and if appointments are off-site, we help with scheduling and transportation when possible. Our goal is to make healthcare easy and comfortable.

Life at Claiborne Communities

What is daily life like at a Claiborne Senior Living community?
Daily life here is lively, social, and meaningful. Residents might start with a fitness class, enjoy art or music, spend time outside, or relax with friends over coffee. Outings, games, and special events add variety, and there are quiet spaces for reading or conversation.

Every day brings chances to connect, learn, and enjoy life, and residents choose how involved they want to be.
What types of activities and programs do you offer?
Our communities offer many programs to support well-being, belonging, and fun. These include exercise and balance classes, workshops, live entertainment, movies, socials, creative arts, spiritual programs, and group outings. Memory care areas also have sensory and familiar activities to help residents feel engaged and confident.
What are meals like at Claiborne Senior Living communities?
Dining is a highlight of life here. Residents enjoy fresh, restaurant-style meals in welcoming dining rooms that make it easy to connect with others. Menus often have seasonal dishes, healthy options, and choices for special diets. Family and friends are welcome to join for meals or celebrations.
Can residents personalize or furnish their own apartments?
Absolutely. We encourage residents to bring their favorite furniture, decorations, and keepsakes to make their apartment feel like home. Having familiar items, like a favorite chair or family photos, helps create a sense of independence and belonging from the start.

Many families enjoy adding personal touches together, like setting up cozy reading corners or picking colors that show the resident’s style. For ideas, check out our blog post on simple DIY tips to make senior living more comfortable and independent.
Are families involved in care planning and community life?
Yes. Families are important partners. We keep loved ones updated about a resident’s well-being and include them in care discussions or transitions when needed. Families are also welcome to join events, visit often, share meals, and stay connected to community life.
Do you offer transportation services?
Yes. We offer transportation for scheduled outings, medical appointments, shopping trips, and community events. Availability depends on the location, and our team is happy to help residents arrange rides that fit their needs.

Cost, Financials & Policies

How much does senior living cost?
Costs vary based on the apartment style, community location, and the level of support a resident needs. Each Claiborne Senior Living community has a monthly apartment rate, and additional levels of care can be added if more day-to-day assistance is needed. This flexible structure helps families select the combination of services that fits their loved one best while still knowing exactly what they’re paying for.

Our team is always happy to walk through pricing in detail and explore financial options such as long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits.
What is included in the monthly rate?
Our monthly rate covers nearly everything you need for comfortable, maintenance-free living: your apartment, restaurant-style meals, housekeeping, utilities, and access to daily programs and amenities.

We personalize care services to fit each resident’s needs. Many residents are covered by our standard monthly rate, but for those who need more support, we offer several levels of care. This way, everyone gets the right amount of help.

This structure allows families to understand exactly what’s included and helps us provide care that’s truly tailored to each person.
How are care levels priced?
Care levels are set using a Health and Services Evaluation (HSE) that looks at each resident’s needs. This evaluation decides the right care level. This way, families know what they are paying for and residents get care that fits them.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living or memory care?
Medicare usually does not cover room and board in assisted living or memory care. However, it may cover some medical services like therapy, home health, or hospice if ordered by a doctor. Our team can help families see how these benefits might work with a senior living plan.
Does long-term care insurance help cover costs?
Yes. Many long-term care insurance policies can help pay for assisted living or memory care. Coverage depends on the policy, so we encourage families to review their benefits or ask our team for help understanding their plan.
Do veterans qualify for financial assistance programs?
Some veterans and their spouses may qualify for benefits, like VA Aid and Attendance, which can help with senior living costs. We can connect families with trusted resources to check eligibility and learn how to apply.
How do families plan and budget for senior living?
Families usually begin by looking at their budget, care needs, and benefits. We’ll walk through pricing with you and discuss options like long-term care insurance or veterans’ support. For extra clarity, our financing guide breaks down planning tips and considerations in an easy-to-follow way.
Is there a required contract or deposit?
Claiborne Senior Living communities typically ask for an initial deposit to hold an apartment and start the move-in process. Contracts and deposit amounts vary by location, and our team will go over the details with you so everything is clear.

Locations & Tours

How do I find a Claiborne Senior Living community near me?
You can see our locations across the southeastern United States on our website. Listings include photos, floor plans, amenities, and contact information so you can easily find the closest community and learn more about what it offers.
Do all Claiborne Senior Living communities offer the same services?
Core values, hospitality, and care standards are the same at all Claiborne Senior Living communities, but amenities and living options vary by location. Some offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, while others focus on assisted living and memory care only. Features like pools, walking trails, or therapy partners may also be different. Our team is happy to help you learn what each community offers.
Can I tour a Claiborne Senior Living community?
We would love for you to visit. Tours are the best way to experience the warmth and energy that make our communities special. You can walk through our apartments, meet residents and team members, and get a feel for community life. Schedule a tour today at a location near you.
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