You have questions? We have answers.

Independent living is a term that describes a senior living lifestyle for retired adults who want the conveniences of community life without the burdens of homeownership. Seniors who are tired of home maintenance and repairs, yardwork and housekeeping can relax and focus on the things they would rather do. In our 55+ resort-inspired community, we offer all the comforts of home, as well as services, amenities and activities that bring socialization, learning and fun into each day. We offer chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style dining rooms. And for seniors whose families worry about their safety, we have security and health services staff on duty 24/7.

No one likes to talk about it, but with age, our health can change at any time. It’s wise to plan ahead for that possibility and make a decision about where to live while you’re in control. Moving in while you’re active and independent means you can enjoy all the perks our community offers without the burdens of traditional home ownership. If you or a loved one ever needs health care, you won’t have to move elsewhere as a full continuum of care is on campus, including emergency services 24/7. You’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is in place if you need it.

Bring your pet! We welcome dogs, cats and other animal companions according to our pet-friendly policy. After all, pets are family too!

While senior independent living and assisted living both provide services and amenities for residents, the primary difference is that assisted living provides the hands-on care with activities of daily living (ADLs) that independent living does not.  These ADLs may include bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, mobility assistance, medication management, etc.

Senior independent living provides residents with on-campus restaurants, activity and event spaces, fitness facilities and more and provides services like housekeeping, transportation, maintenance and more.  The single greatest benefit that seniors receive from independent living is living life together with other likeminded seniors.

Some senior independent living communities offer tax benefits for residents, but this varies based on the community, the product and the state.

It is never too early to start downsizing, but if there is any aspect of your current living situation that is starting to overwhelm you, it’s probably time to start downsizing.

Independent Living in Virginia Beach is a great choice for seniors due to the mild climate, abundant medical resources, the coastal lifestyle and the vast array of events, festivals and happenings in the area.

Yes, Atlantic Shores offers all levels of care that a senior could need as they age, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.

Independent living residents benefit from a host of services and amenities, including on-campus restaurants, housekeeping services, fitness facilities, daily fitness classes, art studios and courses, transportation services, 24/7 EMT support, all utilities and more.

Yes, community activities are offered daily and are open to residents’ guests.

This depends on the community, but most seniors find that the costs are closer than they may expect, once all costs of home ownership are factored.

Memory Care is a specialized environment created to assist people experiencing memory loss and/or cognitive impairments. The environment is designed to assist with activities of daily living, activities, hobbies and management of memory impairment. Memory care facilities provide an environment that enhances safety and quality of life for individuals with memory impairments. Memory care facilities are secure environments to protect residents from wandering.

When someone is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it affects their whole family. Family members often care for their loved one in the early stages, but caregiving can become more challenging as the illness progresses. Our Marina Bay memory care neighborhood is designed to be safe and secure for all levels of cognitive decline. We provide, round-the-clock care that lifts the burden from family members. It restores the relationship they have with their loved one, with more opportunities to enjoy their time together.

Your loved one’s private suite is set in our safe and secure Marina Bay neighborhood. Rooms are equipped with an emergency call system and monitored 24 hours a day. Indoor spaces are specially designed to reduce confusion and wandering. Your loved one can safely enjoy the outdoors in our secure courtyard and gardens.

Our fully trained staff members get to know your loved one like family. They understand their life history, likes and dislikes, and when they prefer to do things. This nurturing relationship helps them improve daily interactions and gently redirect behaviors when needed.

Assisted living is designed to help with activities of daily living and medication management. It promotes independence while providing medical oversight. Memory care is designed to help with cognitive declines to include changes with activities of daily living. It will focus more on safety and security and is a secured environment that provides more consistent supervision. The training that staffing receive and the available resident activities will also be different between the two environments.

Memory care costs can range from $8,000 to $14,000 per month. At Atlantic Shores, private suites cost $286/day and shared suites cost $255/day.

The transition from assisted living to memory care is typically based upon the individual’s evolving needs, especially when the individual requires a secure and safe environment. A lot of factors come into play when deciding if it is the right time to move into memory care. Wandering, getting lost, decreased personal safety, increased falls, changes in behavior, changes in physical ability and cognitive decline are just a few reasons that may determine a move to memory care. All cognitive impairments are not equal, so its best to discuss a move to memory care with the community and your primary care physician.

Medicare does not pay for assisted living and memory care communities. It may cover a portion of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy costs.

Residents in memory care communities pay out of pocket for the services, amenities and care that they receive. Many residents of memory care communities utilize their long-term care insurance policies to cover costs.

Our therapists will personalize a plan for your needs to help you move better, reduce pain, restore muscular function and prevent future injury. Physical therapy may include strength and mobility training, muscle reeducation and therapeutic exercise. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills and improves your ability to perform daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt or writing. Speech therapy addresses changes in communication, eating and swallowing skills.

You will receive an individualized treatment plan based on medical certification by your doctor. We’ll care for you, guide your rehabilitation process, and work in partnership with you and your family members.

Before you’re discharged, we’ll review your treatment plan to determine if you’ll need in-home services or equipment. Atlantic Shores staff will be available to help with your transition home, providing therapy as needed. You may also visit Seaside Health Center to continue outpatient therapy.