When you’re searching for the right community for yourself or your loved one, you need to be certain you’re choosing the right place. Wentworth Senior Living has served seniors in the Greater Portsmouth area for decades (more than 100 years, in fact), and we’re continually striving to provide information that makes the decision-making process easier.
We invite you to schedule a visit and see the WSL community for yourself; in the meantime, here are some of the questions we hear most often—and their answers.
1. How is Wentworth Senior Living different from assisted living or a nursing home?
Our senior living model provides individualized support to each and every senior within the residential community. While some residents are simply ready to have someone else cook and clean for them, others require more active support throughout their day (such as help with personal hygiene or medication administration)—or assistance navigating cognitive impairments.
In contrast, a licensed assisted living community usually serves more independent residents by offering prepared meals and maintenance service, but provides limited support with medical care when needed. An assisted living facility may not be able to support residents with substantial health concerns.
A nursing home is a long-term care residence with a much more medical, hospital-like feel. Within this clinical environment, living spaces are typically shared. The daily schedule is often regimented as a result of the facility’s standard requirements for health monitoring, rather than resident preference.
2. What does the daily schedule look like?
Residents may tailor their days as they like, and have the freedom to attend whichever activities and meals they desire. Rather than asking our residents to adapt their lives to fit into the program we’ve created, we shape our programming around our residents’ hobbies, preferences, and existing lifestyles. Our enrichment programming is led by a dedicated staff that takes their lead from our seniors’ interests. While offerings are continually changing, popular types of programming include discussion groups on everything from current events to travel; Seacoast outings; tai chi or yoga; music, movies, and book clubs; educational programming; computer and technology offerings; and much more. Check out a sample schedule here.
3. How do you support residents’ daily health or medical needs?
Our nursing staff provides customized support to meet residents’ daily health needs, including medication management and mobility assistance. All services are delivered in the privacy of a resident’s own room by specially trained staff members who prioritize individualized support with the highest quality medical care. We’re able to adapt to various levels of need, from minimal to end-of-life care.
4. Are supplemental medical services available on site?
Our Health Resources team, in partnership with a resident’s doctor, can arrange for many additional services, which may be delivered on- or off-site, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, lab work and x-rays, oxygen delivery, podiatry, dental hygiene, dermatology, medication delivery, and durable medical equipment sizing, rental, and delivery.
5. What happens if my condition changes and I need more care than I did when I moved in?
Wentworth Senior Living is equipped to serve our residents’ changing needs as they continue to age. Our Service Plans are designed to provide a level of care appropriate for each resident, and you can change your plan if your needs increase over time. This means that, unlike “typical” assisted living communities, you don’t need to leave if you need more care—we can address your needs while you remain in your apartment, among your peers, settled into the lifestyle and activities you’ve come to know here. WSL also provides expert care for residents who benefit from a personalized program while experiencing the symptoms of mid- to late-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
6. Does WSL provide a special environment for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory care issues?
Yes. We recognize that when cognitive function begins to deteriorate, seniors depend on their instincts and emotions—so it’s imperative to inspire comfort, trust, and security through a nurturing environment with attentive, qualified support. WSL offers a specially designed living and dining area, comfortable bedrooms (shared rooms provide the option for companionship, which can keep disorientation at bay), and added support from staff. As specialists in dementia care, our staff members support each individual in achieving moments of success, maintaining dignity, and promoting a sense of self worth. These moments of success look different for every resident—and, for most, it’s simply about remaining in touch with the tasks and routines that once represented “normal” life.
7. Do I have to sign a long-term contract to become a resident at Wentworth Senior Living?
No. Residents of Wentworth Senior Living rent their apartments, and residency is on a month-by-month basis. You do not have to purchase your residence, nor do you have to sign a long-term lease. You will be asked to sign an admissions contract which outlines the month-to-month commitment.
8. How is Wentworth Senior Living managed?
Wentworth Senior Living is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a multi-faceted leadership team. With decades of experience, our leadership is committed to providing the very best in senior living. And though our executive team guides the organization, our entire team—from health resources, to enrichment staff, to housekeeping—is integral to our operation. Since our founding in 1911, the WSL Board of Trustees has included citizens from the community who provide guidance and support to our leadership.
9. May I bring my car?
Yes. We provide you with a reserved space and will help you to clear snow from your vehicle in the winter. However, you will likely find that your own car is not needed because of the breadth of transportation options available.
10. Do I bring my own furnishings?
You are encouraged to bring as many of your own belongings as possible. All of our apartments are rented unfurnished. All rooms in our memory care environment offer a bed, night stand, dresser, and reclining chair, but you may also bring those things from home if you choose.
11. Are pets allowed?
WSL offers volunteer companion animal visits for residents who enjoy animal companionship. We do not permit pets.
12. What’s included in the rates at Wentworth Senior Living?
Wentworth Senior Living’s basic fees include daily chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and laundry services, daily enrichment programs, basic cable television, and transportation to medical appointments around Portsmouth. Many of our residents benefit from the additional support provided through either our Intermediate or Advanced Service Plans, which are priced accordingly. Please contact us for specific information on current fees.