Have questions now? Visit Keepsake Kottage Home Plus or call (316) 650-4526. We’re located at 8428 W 13th St N, Ste 130, Wichita, KS.
When to Consider the Next Stage
- Higher medical needs – Frequent clinical interventions, complex wound care, or 24/7 skilled oversight.
- Safety risks – Recurrent falls requiring two-person transfers or specialized equipment beyond policy.
- Cognitive changes – Wandering, exit-seeking, or behaviors that exceed assisted living supervision.
- Frequent hospitalizations – Recurrent infections or exacerbations that aren’t stabilized with current supports.
- End-of-life goals – Comfort-focused care becomes the priority.
Common Next Levels of Care
1) Memory Care
For moderate to advanced dementia with exit-seeking, wandering, or behavioral symptoms. Offers secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines.
2) Skilled Nursing Facility (Nursing Home)
Provides 24/7 licensed nursing and rehabilitation for complex, unstable, or high-acuity medical needs (e.g., advanced wound care, IV therapies when indicated, or frequent clinical monitoring).
3) Short-Term Rehabilitation
Post-hospital therapy (PT/OT/ST) to regain strength, to return to assisted living or home once stable.
4) Assisted Living + Home Health or Hospice
When allowed by policy, outside providers deliver intermittent skilled services or comfort-focused care in the assisted living setting to delay or avoid a complete move.
5) Home with Expanded Supports
Some families choose to move home and build a stronger in-home plan (paid caregivers, adult day services, home health, safety modifications). Fit depends on reliability and total coverage.
Planning a Smooth Transition
- Reassess needs – List ADLs/IADLs, mobility, cognition, behavior, recent hospitalizations, and physician recommendations.
- Tour options – Visit two or three appropriate communities or rehab programs; compare staffing, safety design, and communication.
- Coordinate records – Share med lists, recent notes, therapy plans, and advanced directives to prevent delays.
- Personalize the space – Familiar items and a predictable routine ease anxiety during the first weeks.
- Set check-ins – Schedule care plan reviews in the first 14–30 days after the move.
Costs & Coverage Considerations
- Private pay – Still common for residential settings.
- Long-term care insurance – May reimburse once benefit triggers are met; confirm elimination period and max benefits.
- Medicare – Typically covers short-term skilled rehab after a qualifying hospital stay; not room & board in assisted living.
- Medicaid (eligibility-based) – May cover certain services or settings; verify current program rules.
- Veterans’ benefits – Some programs assist eligible veterans/spouses; coordinate with other coverage.
How Keepsake Kottage Supports Wichita Families
Keepsake Kottage Home Plus is a licensed, small-scale assisted living community focused on stability and dignity. When needs evolve, we help families…
- Recognize early signs that a different level of care may be safer
- Coordinate with rehab, memory care, skilled nursing, home health, or hospice
- Organize records and smooth the logistics of a transition
- Clarify pricing and expectations to avoid surprises
Start a conversation: 8428 W 13th St N, Ste 130, Wichita, KS | (316) 650-4526
FAQs: After Assisted Living
Is memory care always the next step?
No. Memory care is best for dementia-related safety and behavior needs. For patients with primarily medical complexity, skilled nursing or rehabilitation may be more appropriate.
Can we stay in assisted living with hospice?
Often yes, if the community’s policies allow outside providers and needs remain within licensing limits. Hospice focuses on providing comfort, managing symptoms, and offering family support.
How fast can we move if needs change suddenly?
Emergency transitions can happen, but planning (such as touring, paperwork, and finances) reduces delays and stress.
Will Medicare pay for the next level?
Medicare may cover short-term skilled rehab after a qualifying hospital stay. It does not pay for room & board in assisted living or long-term custodial care.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Policies and availability vary by provider and are subject to change over time. Always consult your clinicians and review specific community policies before making decisions.
