FAQ

How many apartments are there at Decatur House?

Decatur House has 23-private apartments of varying styles and sizes.  Each apartment has a private bathroom, kitchenette and technology designed to enhance safety and peace of mind for residents and their families.

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Who owns and operates Decatur House?

Steve and Linda Austin both own and operate Decatur House.  Linda grew up in Sandwich, and together with Steve, they raised four children just down the street in Sandwich Village. Needless to say, they are intimately involved in care decisions, staffing, and even the flowers on the table in the dining room.

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How long has Decatur House been in business?

Linda and Steve converted the formerly private residence into an assisted living community in 1999.

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What is the type of care that is provided to residents?

Assisted living services at Decatur House consist of help with bathing, dressing, medication monitoring, and care coordination. Ideal for the person who cannot live safely at home alone yet does not need skilled nursing care; assisted living is a residential model of providing care for seniors.

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How do I know if my mom needs assisted living?

No two stories are the same, yet many similarities do exist within those seeking assisted living. Largely, lifestyle burdens such as an inability to drive, physically care for oneself or for their home, and manage household activities on a daily basis warrant a senior’s need for assisted living. But choice is also a reason.

For example, mom living at her daughter’s house may seem appropriate for the daughter, but mom is lonely during the day and feels a lack of independence being in a house she cannot maneuver as well as she used to. Assisted living can help a senior regain independence.

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How is assisted living at Decatur House paid for?

Assisted living is largely private pay, which means residents pay for the services and their monthly rent from their private funds. Decatur House does not offer any state or federal subsidy. We do assist families with finding additional funding sources to help defray the cost of care. An example of this would be accessing a Veteran’s Benefit or long term care insurance. Residents at Decatur House pay a one-time entry fee upon move-in and an ongoing monthly rental fee. The entrance and monthly fee varies depending on the apartment type.

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What is your staffing like?

We take great pride in the staff at Decatur House. With just 24 residents, and several not requiring personalized care, our staffing ratio is approximately 3 caregivers to 10 residents. This means residents have tremendous access to personalized care 24 hours a day. Our staff is awake overnight, and in addition to certified nurse aides, we have companions who spend time with residents. All are trained, experienced, and compassionate.

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Who makes arrangements for appointments or services and is transportation included?

Our concierge team at your request will coordinate appointments and communicate information as needed. Included in the monthly fee, this service is not an added cost to the family.

Other communities will offer this service as an additional cost. We do not charge for transportation within the town of Sandwich. Outside of this, there is a nominal vehicle charge.

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How is Decatur House licensed?

Decatur House is certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

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