FAQ
HOW IS THE HEATHERS SENIOR HOMES LICENSED?
We are licensed under the Illinois Department of Public Health, Section 295 regulations as Assisted Living and with an Alzheimer's Disclosure for memory care.
WHY DOES THE HEATHERS FAMILY SAY "CARE PARTNERS", RATHER THAN "CAREGIVERS"?
First, because The Heathers' entire staff is responsible for the care we provide. Kitchen help, custodians, etc., are all trained to engage with our residents and to be on the lookout for somebody who needs a hand. Second, we want our residents to understand that our Ringwood and Lake in the Hill’s residential assisted living staff members' jobs are to partner with the residents themselves in maintaining their health. And last, because we emphasize a feeling of family so that our residents also watch out for each other.
HOW LONG CAN SOMEONE LIVE AT THE HEATHERS?
We follow the Residency Requirements of IDPH Section 295. If one of our residential assisted living residents in Lake of the Hills or Ringwood experiences physical and mental health changes, a new assessment may be required. Unless skilled nursing care, such as that found at a Skilled Nursing Facility, is required five times or more per week, residents are able to remain at The Heathers. We allow additional services to attend to more serious needs, which oftentimes is covered by Medicare Part B. And, of course, while on hospice, a resident would be welcome to remain at The Heathers, a care service covered by Medicare.
WHAT ARE THE VISITING HOURS?
Under normal circumstances, for the resident's comfort and well-being, most visitations should occur during daytime and early evening hours. However, visitors to our Lake in the Hills residential assisted living home will be admitted at any time. Each family receives their own "keyfob" that allows them to come and go as they please just like you would if you were visiting your loved one at their home.
HOW DOES SOMEONE PAY FOR YOUR SERVICES?
Medicaid and Medicare programs do not cover what The Heathers offers. Private pay and long-term care insurance are accepted. There are many other ways to help families pay for elderly care services in Lake in the Hills or Ringwood. Please see the Financial Resources section of this website for more information.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A RESIDENT RUNS OUT OF MONEY, MUST THEY LEAVE?
Most often, a resident's health dictates that they must leave an Assisted Living community, usually because they require a more skilled level of care. The family's transparency regarding the financial health of the resident allows us to assist them in making new arrangements for care, if necessary. Please see the Financial Resources section of this website for suggestions of ways to help alleviate the financial obligations.
WHAT OUTDOOR OR OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?
The Heathers locations have a spacious campus available for many outdoor activities. For example, gardeners will love our raised produce and flower beds. Residents will enjoy walking throughout the beautiful grounds. Warm evenings will find many of our Lake in the Hills elderly care residents listening to music (sometimes live in the pavilion) and enjoying conversation around the fire pit. The Heathers will soon have a large van equipped to take residents off campus to local art fairs, farmers' markets, musical and theater events, and other activities chosen by the residents. However, it is our preference to "bring the community" to the residents to maintain a lesser anxiety-provoking environment often caused by outside trips, particularly with memory care residents.