Frequently Asked Questions

Independent living is a residential option that offers independent, active older adults the opportunity to enjoy their current lifestyles without the burden of home maintenance. At Essex Meadows, that means a rewarding, worry-free lifestyle in maintenance-free cottages or apartment homes with a wide array of services and amenities, as well as friends, right outside the door.

Our independent living options are designed for seniors who want to maintain their current active lifestyle but have a smart plan in place for future senior residential care, if they need it. You’ll have the freedom to spend time with family and friends, take classes, work out, volunteer, even travel — knowing that trusted team members are looking after your home while you’re away.

Residents are welcome to participate in Essex Meadows’ resident council and other committees focused on various aspects of community life. Residents can voice their opinions in decisions that affect programming, activities, outings and more.

Most people who drive do, but with all the transportation options available as part of our service, a car isn’t a necessity. Many couples choose to keep one car instead of two, but the choice is yours. Garage space is available for an added monthly fee.

We want to support a person’s independence as much as possible. So we provide assisted living services — taking medicines, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping — in the comfort, privacy, and familiarity of the resident’s apartment or cottage.

No. While many senior living communities require residents to move to specific assisted living apartments, the team at Essex Meadows will provide care within a senior’s independent living residence.

At Essex Meadows, we also offer skilled nursing services in our health center, which is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report.

Skilled nursing is a level of care for seniors who need greater attention while recovering from a hospital stay, or seniors with chronic conditions who need long-term care. Professional, compassionate support is delivered around-the-clock by licensed professionals, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.

Skilled nursing is commonly called for after an illness or injury, but situations are as varied as individuals. Candidates for long-term care have an ongoing health condition or permanent disability. They may suffer from chronic pain or the natural symptoms of advanced age that call for 24-hour medical supervision. These are some conditions that often require skilled care for seniors:

• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Stroke
• Cardiac failure
• Parkinson’s disease
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Other major illness
• Hip or bone fracture
• Fall-related injury
• Orthopedic surgery
• Severe osteoarthritis
• Hospice

Yes, our award-winning services are often a more affordable option for short- and long-term care than other alternatives. We accept private payment and traditional Medicare and some Managed Care Medicare plans.

They are similar in that each helps restore strength and mobility. However, occupational therapy improves a senior’s everyday life by elevating their ability to perform daily tasks, modifying the physical environment, and using adaptive techniques and equipment to increase independence.

Our skilled speech and language pathologists address swallowing dysfunction and communication challenges. They design treatment plans for each individual to help with language ability, provide alternate communication techniques, and recommend diet adjustments.

Each person receives an individualized treatment plan, based on medical certification by their doctor. Their individual plan addresses their current condition and specific rehabilitation needs. We will provide the most appropriate services as often as the senior’s therapy team recommends.

A team that includes a doctor, nurse, therapists, dietitian and social worker will provide care, guide the rehabilitation process, and work in partnership with the senior and their family members.

No. While we are committed to our lifecare residents, and they are our first priority, senior rehabilitation in Essex, CT, is open to local community individuals through direct admission to the Essex Meadows health center. We are Medicare-certified, accept most major insurance providers, and will guide each senior and their family through the administrative process.

Prior to discharge, the rehabilitation team will develop a plan that determines any equipment needs and in-home services that may be required. If a senior needs additional therapy, they may also visit the rehabilitation area on campus to continue outpatient therapy services.