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Important COVID-19 Resources for Arkansas Residents

May 6, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we want our residents to feel empowered and educated to protect themselves from the risk of infection.

We’ve compiled some of the most important coronavirus resources for residents of Arkansas below.

Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Portal

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This is Arkansas’s most complete resource for information on the coronavirus. Find information on testing, personal protective equipment, and complete county data on COVID-19 infections.

You can also find information on the ADH’s coronavirus hotline, open 24 hours a day for healthcare providers and the general public.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Center

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The CDC is the most reliable source for the latest information for the public about the novel coronavirus. Find CDC guidelines on personal protective equipment, read a list of symptoms, track your own symptoms, and learn about the best ways to prevent the spread of the infection.

AHCA/AALA COVID-19 Information Center

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From the Arkansas Health Care Association/the Arkansas Assisted Living Association
Explore information for assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities, as well as the latest protocols for facility employees and residents.

Arkansas Department of Health: COVID-19 Guidance for Mental and Behavioral Health

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Many Arkansas residents are experiencing mental health crises during the coronavirus outbreak. To support residents with mental health concerns, the ADH has launched a special online center where people can find mental health hotlines, domestic violence hotlines and other support options.

Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus

There are a few important guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 that everyone should follow:

Practice social distancing (at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others)
Cover your face and mouth with a cloth covering when around others
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay home if you feel sick
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Have more questions about assisted living in Arkansas? Explore our blog or contact us directly today.

COVID-19: Exercising During Social Isolation

April 8, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

During the COVID-19 outbreak, seniors need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. This is because elderly people are more likely to experience severe illness if they contract the coronavirus.

Seniors in assisted living communities have to be especially vigilant about social distancing, since recreation and activities in senior communities are often group-oriented.

For many seniors, the inability to mingle in groups has a huge impact on their exercise regimen, since they rely on senior exercise classes to stay fit.

Since fitness is a vital part of senior health and quality of life, we’re examining a few easy ways to continue exercising, even while you’re stuck at home.

Find Senior Exercise Videos on YouTube

YouTube is a vital resource for seniors who want to continue exercising during COVID-19 quarantine. There are a number of YouTube channels that cater specifically to seniors’ exercise needs. Here are a few of our favorites:

Jenny McClendon

Senior Fitness with Meredith

Curtis Adams

As little as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day can help reduce seniors’ risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Incorporate Easy Strength Training

Strength training is important for seniors because it helps them maintain muscle mass that naturally declines during the aging process. Weak muscles contribute to loss of bone mass, increased frailty and increased risk of falls.

Check out this easy 20-minute strength training workout for seniors. This workout incorporates upper body and lower body exercises for optimal results.

If you’re mobility-challenged, this workout outlines seated exercises, including strength training moves. Simply find a sturdy chair, and follow the prompts to get the workout your muscles need.

Move More Throughout the Day

It’s easy to sit down on the couch and stay there, especially during social isolation when there’s really nothing else to do.

However, the human body is not designed for a sedentary life. Lack of activity, especially in seniors, leads to accelerated muscle weakness. A sedentary lifestyle has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease.

During quarantine and social isolation, make an effort to incorporate more movement into your day.

While you’re watching television, make an effort to stand up during every commercial break.

During household chores, like laundry folding or dishes, take a break every five or ten minutes to do simple arm or leg exercises. Sets of 10 take less than 30 seconds to complete, and will help get your heart rate up without making you feel winded.

Drink more water throughout the day. Instead of filling up a large container at the beginning of the day, fill a small 8- or 10-ounce glass and refill it periodically. Keep your water in the kitchen so you have to walk to refill your glass.

Don’t Forget Mental and Emotional Health

While physical exercise is a vital part of health and quality of life for seniors, so is mental and emotional well-being.

It’s important to work out your mind during social isolation. Puzzles, games and books help stimulate the mind. If you have a smartphone, explore the Games option on your app store.

It’s also important to fight feelings of loneliness during social isolation, too. Even though you can’t see your friends and loved ones, telecommunication makes it possible for you to stay in touch in a variety of ways.

You can use social media, email, telephone and video chatting to stay in touch with friends. Video chatting services through Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp can help you see your loved ones while you talk.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to help our residence use telecommunication methods to stay in touch with their loved ones during COVID-19.

Find out more about our services and locations by calling us today.

4 Best Springtime Activities for Seniors in Hot Springs, AR

March 10, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to provide Arkansas seniors with a top-rated senior living experience, as well as ample opportunities to explore the community around them.

At Brookfield, we love helping our residents get the most out of life–and that means getting outside and enjoying some of the amazing activities in Arkansas. Check out some of the best springtime experiences in Hot Springs and surrounding areas below.

The Grand Promenade

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Located in Hot Springs National Park

Wheelchair Accessible

This beautiful, paved brick walking path is the perfect spot for seniors to take in the sights and sounds of springtime in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The Grand Promenade is a half-mile trail located inside Hot Springs National Park, between Bathhouse Row and the distant mountains. The walking path is flat and only slightly inclined, making it great, easy exercise for people of all mobility levels. The park features a variety of trees, plants and flowers, as well as a variety of local bird species. The trail is dotted with benches, so seniors can stop and rest while taking in the breathtaking view.

Downtown Hot Springs, AR

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Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas is nationally famous for good reason. The main thoroughfare, Central Avenue, offers shopping, art, amazing restaurants, live music and breathtaking natural beauty. The thermal springs for which the town is named power the thermal baths at Buckstaff Bathhouse, while the Fordyce Bathhouse houses the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center.

You can also visit the Gangster Museum or take in the art at a number of art galleries.

Downtown Hot Springs also offers a variety of springtime events, including Arts & the Park and the Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Lake Catherine State Park

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1200 Catherine Park Road

Hot Springs, AR 71913

Lake Catherine is one of the five lakes in the Ouachita Mountains, and offers stunning views for visitors–whether you’re boating or not.

Boat rentals are available year-round, and the park offers a variety of walking trails for people of all abilities.

There is also a variety of outdoor activities available, including boat tours, guided hikes and fishing. There is also a fully-accessible cabin that offers porch views of the lake.

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

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401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Wheelchair Accessible

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a 216-foot tall steel observation tower inside Hot Springs National Park.

The elevator takes visitors all the way to the top floor, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs countryside. On the bottom floor, you can read about the history of the tower through local exhibits or visit the gift shop.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas

Springtime in Hot Springs is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and the warmer temperatures. Brookfield Senior Living is proud to support our residents’ adventurous sides with regular trips and recreational outings.

Are you an Arkansas senior searching for a comfortable, vibrant community? Contact us today to schedule a tour or to learn more about our locations!

Most Common Heart Problems for Seniors

January 13, 2020 By brookfieldseniors2017

For American Heart Month, Brookfield Senior Living is examining some of the common heart issues faced by people as they age.

High Blood Pressure

Sometimes called “the silent killer,” high blood pressure often causes no symptoms. Many seniors with high blood pressure or hypertension feel perfectly healthy. Over time, however, untreated high blood pressure can cause the arteries to harden and cause damage to multiple organ systems, including the brain and kidneys. Heart disease has also been linked to stroke.

Because high blood pressure can be asymptomatic, it’s important for seniors to regularly monitor their blood pressure.

While high blood pressure is common in older adults, it isn’t inevitable.

Here’s how you can control your blood pressure naturally:

Maintain a healthy weight

Quit smoking

Limit alcohol consumption

Eat a heart-healthy diet (limit high-salt food, saturated fats, trans fats, fried foods; eat more fruits and vegetables)

Manage stress

Get adequate sleep (most seniors need 6 hours of sleep per night)

Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States. Unsurprisingly, it is also the leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older.

Heart disease refers to a number of heart-related conditions, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, and congestive heart failure.

Oftentimes, heart disease is not diagnosed until a major health event, such as a heart attack and arrhythmia, send a person to the hospital.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

Congenital heart defects

Diabetes

Smoking

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Excessive drinking

Sedentary lifestyle

Fortunately, there are several lifestyle adjustments that can help lower your risk or even prevent heart disease. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and discontinuing habits like smoking and excessive drinking can lower your risk.
Additionally, it’s important to control your stress and regularly visit your doctor to manage chronic illnesses.

Specialized exercise programs in Arkansas can also help seniors who need attainable fitness goals.

Atrial Fibrillation

As we age, the electrical system in the heart can be damaged or begin losing cells. As a result, the at-rest heart rate can be lower for older people than younger people. Electrical changes in the heart can also make older people more susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms (also known as arrhythmia). The most common type of arrhythmia is called atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation doesn’t cause harmful effects on its own, but over time, it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, blood supply issues, and chronic fatigue.

It’s important for seniors with atrial fibrillation to monitor their heart health with regular doctor visits. It’s also important to make heart-healthy choices, exercise regularly, and make important changes like quitting smoking.

For seniors concerned about their heart health, it’s important to make small, heart-healthy changes every day. Have more questions about senior health and wellness? Check Brookfield Senior Living’s Education page for regular updates!

How Can You Pay for Alzheimer’s Care in Arkansas?

December 10, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, there may come a time when he or she needs round-the-clock care and supervision. Providing this care can be overwhelming, especially for caregivers who are balancing careers and families of their own. Memory care in a facility-based setting can help give you peace of mind while also ensuring that your loved one receives the support and supervision he needs.

In Arkansas, memory care units are designed and built specifically to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

Unfortunately, many families are unfamiliar with memory care and are even more confused about how to pay for it.

Today, Brookfield Senior Living is examining the key components of paying for Alzheimer’s Care in Arkansas.

Average Costs of Memory Care in Arkansas

Costs for memory care services will vary from facility to facility. Costs will also fluctuate based on the size of the apartment you choose for your loved one.

In general, monthly costs for a private apartment in a memory care unit in Arkansas are between $3,500 and $5,000.

Nationally, the average cost of memory care in an assisted living facility is nearly $60,000 per year.

Again, these costs vary widely depending on location. Memory care units in bigger cities in Arkansas typically cost more than those in smaller towns.

Monthly costs typically cover room and board, electricity, water, internet services, laundry, housekeeping, meals, activities, daily caregiving and round-the-clock supervision.

Why Is Memory Care More Expensive?

Memory care units in Arkansas are required by law to uphold very specific design standards.

For instance, these units must be separated from the non-memory care portion of the facility. Common spaces, outdoor spaces and walkways must be secured so memory residents cannot wander off of facility grounds and can remain under the supervision of staff.

Rooms in memory care apartments and hallways must have contrasting colors on the floors and walls so residents can navigate the facility easily. Apartments must also be designed so that residents can identify their own living areas. Exterior doors, entryways and elevators must have minimal design and no attention-attracting details.

Memory care units also provide care that is specific to the needs and challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Staff in memory care units are specifically trained to communicate, respond and care for people with dementia. Additionally, residents in these units are under 24-hour supervision for safety and security purposes.

Most memory care units also offer recreation, activities and programs created specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Sensory programs, communication programs and family member support groups can help residents and their families live happier, healthier lives.

Assistance Paying for Memory Care in Arkansas

For individuals who need help paying for memory care in Arkansas, some government programs and waivers may be able to help.

The VA Aid and Attendance Program helps eligible veterans offset the costs of long-term elder care, including care in an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit (ASCU). This pension provides additional monthly income on top of a veteran’s Basic Monthly Pension.

Eligible veterans and their spouses could receive up to $2,226 per month.
In Arkansas, the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver can help qualified seniors aged 65 and older to pay for the cost of care at an assisted living facility.

Medicare does not pay at home health care or long-term assisted living care. Medicare benefits for nursing home care end after 100 days.

Memory Care at Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Are you an Arkansas resident searching for reliable, compassionate memory care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease?

The Memory Care unit at Brookfield Senior Living in Hot Springs can provide the safety, security and high-quality Alzheimer’s Care your loved one deserves.

Our Memory Care unit is the largest unit of its kind in Garland County, AR. Learn more about our facility by contacting us today!

Helping Your Senior Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays in Assisted Living

November 15, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

Do you have a senior parent or loved one who lives in an assisted living facility? You may worry about them as the holidays approach. After all, it can be a stressful and lonely time of year, especially for seniors who have lost spouses or family members recently.

Brookfield Senior Living of Arkansas is dedicated to helping each of our residents feel a sense of community and belonging. During the holidays, we encourage our residents and their families to enjoy time together, either at our facility or in the homes of their loved ones. We also organize regular events throughout the holidays to ensure that each resident can make the most of the season with their neighbors and close friends in their community.

If you’re concerned about your elderly loved one this holiday season, these tips will help you make their season bright.

Spend Time Together

One of the most important gifts you can give an elderly loved one during the holidays is your presence. Loneliness can be pervasive and more noticeable during the holidays, since family and togetherness is such a big theme of the season.

Make an extra visit to your loved one’s facility to help them decorate their apartment for the holidays. Enjoy a holiday dinner together in the community dining room. Plan a holiday shopping outing, and wrap gifts together afterward.

However you choose to spend your holiday time with your loved one, the important thing is to make them feel loved.

Help Keep Traditions Alive

Many seniors have beloved holiday traditions that they’ve kept alive for decades.
If your loved one has lost a spouse or a loved one recently, he or she may be feeling especially attached to their holiday traditions.

Whether it’s a holiday recipe, hanging up decorations and stockings, watching holiday movies or singing carols, traditions are an important part of our attachment to the holidays.

Keeping your loved one’s traditions alive, and beginning new traditions in their new community, can make the season very special.

Encourage Socialization in the Community

Most senior living communities hold special holiday events and parties throughout the season.
Encourage your loved one to take part! Ask the community director for a copy of the holiday calendar, and make reminders for your loved one to attend special events.

Help Your Loved One Contact Other Family Members

Many seniors long to speak to loved ones who have moved away, especially during the holidays.
If you can, help your senior loved one contact family members. Video chatting services like Skype and apps like Facetime will allow your loved one to see family members while they talk. You can also help your loved one correspond via text and email.

Help Vulnerable Loved Ones Get Help

Do you suspect that an aging loved one is depressed? There are resources available to help vulnerable seniors.

Visit helpguide.org to learn more about depression in seniors and to find out how you can help.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is one of the premiere senior living options in Arkansas. We offer three beautiful locations in Hot Springs, Fort Smith and Bella Vista.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour.

The Advantages of Choosing Assisted Living in Arkansas

October 14, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

As we age, it can become more difficult to complete the activities of daily living, perform daily chores, drive, and maintain a home. A decline in cognitive or physical abilities can even make it dangerous for seniors to continue living alone with no assistance.

An in-home caregiver can help ease the burden of daily chores and provide necessary transportation. However, there are other aspects of aging in place that a single caregiver may not be able to address. A lack of community, social engagement, recreational activities, and nutritious meals can contribute to seniors’ overall mortality and lower quality of life.

Joining a senior living community can be the solution to many of the issues that aging alone in a private home presents.

Are you an Arkansas senior considering a change in your living arrangements? Assisted living offers plenty of benefits.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas offers three locations, offering licensed Level I and Level II assisted living options. We also offer memory care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia.

Here are the biggest benefits of assisted living communities.

Daily Assistance and Support

Level II assisted living facilities in Arkansas are equipped to offer a range of services to residents.

These services typically include the following:

Three balanced meals per day

Assistance with ADLs like bathing, dressing and personal care

Housekeeping and laundry services

24-hour monitoring and security

Some medical assistance, such as medication administration

Social and recreational activities

Transportation services

The biggest difference between living at home alone and joining an assisted living community is resident support. When you move to an assisted living community, you will complete an initial evaluation of your care needs. This allows the facility team to cater your care plan to your unique situation.

For residents who don’t need medical monitoring or daily support, it’s still important to have laundry, housekeeping, meals and transportation services. In assisted living facilities, seniors are free from the taxing and often overwhelming burden of maintaining a home.

Built-in services empower seniors to focus on living well and enjoying life.

Social Engagement

For seniors, social interaction is highly important to mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many seniors have lost loved ones or moved away from family members, leaving them mostly alone in their day-to-day lives. Others lack resources, like transportation, that are necessary to being able to regularly socialize.

Social isolation has been linked to a number of health problems, including dementia and strokes. Seniors who live alone are more likely to experience cognitive decline, depression and mood problems.

Assisted living communities are just that: communities. Residents have regular opportunities to engage with one another through community events, clubs, outings and mealtimes. In addition to official community events and outings, assisted living facilities encourage social interaction through the layout of the community. Common areas and recreation areas throughout the facility encourage seniors to engage in social interaction throughout the day.

Independent Living At Its Best

Many seniors fear losing their independence when they move to a senior community. Unlike a nursing home, however, assisted living communities emphasize seniors’ independence.

Residents in assisted living facilities have their own private apartments they can decorate and furnish with their own belongings. Seniors in assisted living facilities are encouraged to have their own social lives and to take part in hobbies and activities that interest them.
Arkansas Assisted Living at Brookfield Senior Living
Brookfield Senior Living offers three separate communities in Bella Vista, Hot Springs and Fort Smith.

Our Hot Springs community is a Level II assisted living facility with a specialized memory care unit. Our Bella Vista and Fort Smith locations are Level I assisted living facilities.

All of our facilities offer compassionate staff, welcoming common areas and amenities that make life enjoyable. We’re proud to offer daily and weekly activities, excursions and special events to enrich the lives of our residents.

If you’re ready to explore Level I or Level II assisted living in Arkansas, contact Brookfield Senior Living today.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Can You Protect Yourself?

September 6, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What steps can you take to protect yourself as you age?
Breast cancer, a disease in which the cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, affects 268,600 women in the United States each year. Despite advances in detection and treatment, female breast cancer remains the 4th-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re examining some key information about the disease and its outcomes.

Get Educated

Most people don’t realize that there are multiple kinds of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the most common types of breast cancer are:

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ – This cancer is generally non-invasive or is in the pre-invasive stage when detected. Learn more today.

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ – While not technically a cancer, LCIS causes non-cancerous cells to grow in the milk-production glands of the breast. However, the cells do not grow past the glandular walls. Learn more today.

Invasive Breast Cancer – This cancer has spread into the other tissues of the breast. The most common types of invasive breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Learn more today.

About 80% of all diagnosed breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas.

Know The Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer typically causes few symptoms in its early stages. However, you should schedule a visit to your doctor if you notice any of the following warning signs:

New breast lumps or armpit lumps

Changes in skin thickness or texture around the breast

Indentations or dimpling on the breast

Swelling

It’s important to note that breast pain is also associated with cancer. Visit your doctor if you are experiencing persistent breast pain.

Know When to Get Screened

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 50 and 69. However, women who are diagnosed later in life have a higher rate of mortality.
Generally, yearly mammograms are recommended for women between the ages of 45 and 54. Women younger than 44 can also choose to get yearly mammograms if they want to.
Women over the age of 55 should get mammograms every 2 years, but can receive yearly screenings if they choose to. Regular mammograms should continue as long as a woman is healthy and has a reasonable life expectancy.
It’s important to note that the single most important determining factor for survival rates is early detection. Women who are diagnosed at the earliest stage of breast cancer have a 90% 5-year survival rate.

Know the Risk Factors

There are some risk factors for breast cancer that all women should be aware of:

Being obese

Being older

Family history of breast cancer

Certain genetic mutations – BRCA 1 and BRCA2 are genetic mutations that have been linked to an increased risk for developing both breast and ovarian cancer

Fortunately, there are also some key lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. These changes include quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol and being more physically active.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment plans can range from surgery to hormonal therapy.
Here are the most common therapies available to treat breast cancer:

Surgery – A surgeon removes cancerous breast tissue.

Chemotherapy – A special array of drugs is used to kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy – An intense beam of energy is used to target and kill cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy (Biologic Therapy) – Specific cancer cells are targeted during treatment without harming normal cells.

Thanks to advances in research, medicine and science, breast cancer death rates declined by 39% between 1987 and 2015.
Have more questions about senior health and wellness? Check Brookfield Senior Living’s blog for more great topics and information!

Assisted Living in Arkansas: FAQs + Key Information

August 22, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

How is a Level II assisted living facility in Arkansas different from a Level I? Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to offer both Level I and Level II assisted living communities in Bella Vista, Hot Springs, and Fort Smith, Arkansas.
When it’s time to choose a long-term care option for yourself or an aging loved one, the multiple categories of care can be overwhelming.
If you’ve settled on facility-based senior care in Arkansas, it’s helpful to know the different levels of care you can expect at different facilities. Two of the most common levels of assisted living in Arkansas are Level I and Level II.
Here’s what families and residents should know about these different facility levels.

What Is Level I Assisted Living in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a Level I Assisted Living Facility (ALF) provides a number of care services to residents, including meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, resident activities and transportation services.
Residents who are admitted to Level I ALF must be able to perform most Activities of Daily Living (ADLS) without assistance from a nurse or caregiver. ADLs include walking/transferring, using the bathroom, dressing, feeding oneself and maintaining bladder and bowel continence. While staff at Level I facilities cannot administer medications to residents, they can provide medication reminders to residents who need them.
Most importantly, Level I facilities cannot admit or provide service to individuals who require a nursing home level of care.
Nursing home level of care (NHLOC) is defined as formal care requirements that would make an individual eligible for Medicaid funding through the Arkansas home and community-based services waiver.
According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Level I facilities cannot admit or provide service to individuals who:

Need 24-hour nursing services (exceptions are made for individuals needing care from a certified home health agency for 60 days or less with one 30-day extension)

Are bedridden

Are not able to move independently

Present a danger to themselves or others

Require medication to be administered by a staff member or caregiver

Every potential resident at an Arkansas assisted living facility is required to undergo a health needs assessment by a registered nurse.
Some Level I ALFs are licensed to provide care in an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. However, facilities that offer these living quarters must meet special unit and staff requirements.
What Is Level II Assisted Living in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, Level II ALFs can admit and provide service to individuals who require nursing home level care. However, they cannot admit residents who are bedridden, completely incontinent, or unable to ambulate (move around) independently.
Similarly to Level I facilities, Level II ALFs cannot provide service to individuals who need 24-hour nursing care. However, Level II’s are permitted to administer medications to residents.
Additionally, Level II facilities must maintain physically distinct wings for residents who receive a nursing home level of care and those who do not.
They must also employ at least one registered nurse who must be available to other staff by phone or pager. Level II ALFs must also employ licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and personal care aides.
Perhaps the most important distinction between Level I and Level II assisted living is a resident’s ability to have nursing care covered by Medicaid.
Under Arkansas’s Medicaid 1915(C) home and community-based services waiver, eligible low income residents at Level II facilities can have a portion of their nursing care services covered. Medicaid does not cover cost-of-living fees in assisted living facilities.
Senior Care at Brookfield Senior Living

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is dedicated to providing assisted living options for Arkansas seniors across multiple care levels.
Our Level II assisted living community in Hot Springs is perfect for seniors who need a higher level of care. Our Level I communities in Bella Vista and Fort Smith can accommodate seniors who are mostly independent but may need some daily assistance.
Are you searching for a reputable senior community in Arkansas? Explore our facilities or learn more by contacting Brookfield’s team today.

Exceptional Respite Care for Arkansas Seniors

July 18, 2019 By brookfieldseniors2017

Every single day, 10,000 people in the United States turn 65. Within the next 10 years, that daily number will rise to 12,000. What does this mean for unpaid family caregivers and their aging loved ones?

If you provide daily assistance to an aging or disabled loved one, you know how much love, patience and care goes into the job. You also know how physically and emotionally exhausting the job can be.

Research shows that a huge portion of unpaid family caregivers experience high levels of stress and depression. These caregivers may also neglect their own physical health while providing care for others.

If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or poor health as an unpaid family caregiver, it’s important to search for relief.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care of Arkansas is proud to provide compassionate respite care for seniors. Here’s what you should know about respite care–and how it can help you and your loved one.

Risk Factors for High Caregiver Stress

Respite care is ideal for unpaid caregivers who need a break from the day-to-day demands of caregiving.

Are you concerned about your stress level as a caregiver?

Here are some key risk factors for caregiver increased stress and anxiety:

Being female

Having less education

Past episodes of depression

Being socially isolated

Suffering from chronic illness or disease

Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia

Being financially unstable

Many caregivers feel as if they can’t ask for help when they feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that there are support systems and options available for you.

Investing in respite care, even for a few days, can help you unwind, reset and get the rest you need.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term care for an elderly, disabled or sick individual that allows their primary caregiver to take a break.

Respite care can take place in a facility or in your loved one’s home. It can be arranged for a few days or weeks, depending on your needs and the needs of your loved one.

How Can Respite Care Help?

Caregivers who are feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or depressed often need time away. Respite care can allow them that time–to go on vacation, tend to other family matters or simply relax.

It’s important to choose a respite care provider you can trust. If you know your loved one is in caring, capable hands while you take a break, you can get the most from your time away.

Arkansas Respite Care at Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care communities of Arkansas are proud to offer respite programs at each of our locations. Our facilities offer a caring staff, assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, nutritious meals, and peaceful accommodations. Brookfield Senior Living offers three Arkansas locations: Bella Vista, Hot Springs, and Fort Smith. Each of our facilities offers state-of-the-art amenities and compassionate team members.

To arrange for respite care for your loved one, simply contact one of our facilities. Our team members will be glad to provide information and specifics on our respite care services.

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