Frequently Asked Questions

We realize that selecting a retirement community is a big decision – one that sets in motion a major life transition. That’s why it’s so important to have accurate, complete information. If you’d like more details about our facilities, services, and philosophy of care, we invite you to contact us at (231) 941-1919 or by e-mail. In the meantime, here are answers to the questions we get asked most frequently.

What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a lifestyle option that allows seniors to maintain independence while providing many basic services necessary for a safe and healthy way of life. At Boardman Lake Glens, we define assisted living according to the needs and circumstances of each individual resident. As a comprehensive and flexible assisted living facility, we provide comfortable, affordable, senior-friendly housing along with a long list of standard services that range from meals and light housekeeping to laundry and personal errands. We provide 24-hour assistance and medical monitoring by a registered nurse. For those residents in need of more support, we offer optional customized services such as additional meals, medication reminders, medication assistance, and help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal needs. By offering exactly the right mix of services, we make it possible for seniors to experience both independence and security. More detailed information about assisted living is available at the website of the Assisted Living Federation of America.

Why choose assisted living?
Aside from obvious benefits such as freedom from home maintenance and the peace of mind of having assistance available around the clock, residing in an assisted living community can have many long-term benefits.

• Proper nutrition is vital at any age, and enjoying delicious meals in the company of friends is an important way to stay strong and energetic. Many seniors living alone suffer from malnutrition or dehydration, which negatively impact health.

• Keeping an active mind has many social and physical benefits. Interaction with others is an important aspect of being happy and well adjusted. If transportation becomes an issue, some individuals become isolated socially or suffer from loneliness.

• Physical activity is important in maintaining mobility and improving overall health and emotional well-being.

• “Aging in Place” is a term that describes the availability of various levels of care services in one location. Additional services can be added as they become necessary without requiring a move—which can be a difficult transition when facing health issues or changes in mobility.

Our goal is to you help you find a balanced solution that meets both your immediate and long-term needs. And because we offer a full range of personal care, assistance, and daily services, you may never need to move again.

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Is assisted living affordable?
Assisted living is more affordable than you might think, and because many vital services are included in one easy monthly payment, planning your budget and tracking expenses is much easier. One monthly payment for assisted living replaces many expenses, such as mortgage, insurance, property taxes, utilities, home maintenance, snow removal, and lawn service. A care plan is individually designed for you and you pay only for the services you need, at rates that are more affordable than visiting home care or long-term (nursing home) care.

When is the right time to choose assisted living?
Some individuals choose to move to a senior community that offers a wide range of options for services, and they do this before substantial services are needed—when they have freedom, energy, and control over their circumstances. Later, when the need for additional assistance arises, those services are available without having to move—and where friends are near and favorite activities can continue. If you wait to move until it becomes medically necessary, you are missing out on the benefits that can help extend your independence, improve your health and outlook, and allow you to maintain control over your life.

Boardman Lake Glens offers a full range of options. If you want to spend less time cleaning gutters and shoveling snow, we have spacious maintenance-free apartments with weekly housekeeping and linen service. We can also provide transportation and shopping assistance. If assistance with medications, dressing, or personal hygiene becomes necessary, these services are available from friendly staff you’ve already come to know and trust.

How do people feel about their decision to move to an assisted living community?
According to a recent study by ProMatura and the American Seniors Housing Association, two years after moving to an assisted living community, individuals surveyed were:

• more likely to be happy with their daily lives than their counterparts who chose not to move
  
  
• spending more time with other people and less time watching television
  
  
• more likely to say that their health was better than it was two years prior.

There are many benefits to living in a community with services and programs designed to meet your needs. Taking advantage of these benefits can help you maintain control over your life and prolong your independence.

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Where is Boardman Lake Glens located?
Boardman Lake Glens is located in Traverse City, Michigan, and offers the best of both worlds: a quiet location nestled on the shores of Boardman Lake plus all the recreational, educational, and cultural resources that Traverse City has to offer. We are just minutes from downtown, with easy access to dining, shopping, services, and healthcare, including Munson Medical Center. The Cherry Capital has many places of worship and a wealth of cultural events and recreational activities.

All three of our residences are located on the east shore of Boardman Lake, with great views of the water and access to the Boardman Lake Trail. Boardman Lake's wooded shoreline is home to many song birds and water fowl, including swans, as well as small woodland animals, and these beautiful and playful neighbors help make Boardman Lake Glens feel a part of its natural surroundings.

How many apartments does Boardman Lake Glens have?
Boardman Lake Glens comprises three separate single-level apartment buildings — Inverness, Brigadoon, and Highlander —each with 20 private one- and two-bedroom apartments, for a total of 60 apartments. Each residence has spacious community areas for the enjoyment of all residents and their guests and has been extensively refurbished in 2008, with new paint, carpeting, furniture and upholstery, drapery, and state-of-the-art kitchens.

Can residents bring their own furniture?
Yes. Your apartment is yours to furnish and decorate as you please. In addition, our administrators will be happy to help locate and schedule furniture-moving services.

What type of security does Boardman Lake Glens have?
In order to provide a safe and secure environment for all our residents, each building is equipped with an array of safety features, including:

• locked and alarmed outside exit doors
  
  
• emergency call system throughout each building, including apartments and personal and community restrooms
  
  
• heat and smoke detectors in every apartment suite
  
  
• fire sprinkler system throughout each building
  
  
• each apartment is individually keyed for privacy and security.

Does Boardman Lake Glens provide transportation for residents?
Yes. Boardman Lake Glens has its own van equipped with a wheelchair lift to take residents to medical and dental appointments and scheduled shopping trips and special outings.

Does Boardman Lake Glens have visiting hours?
No, there are no restrictions on visiting the homes of our residents, who are encouraged to receive visitors and entertain friends whenever and as often as they like.

Do you offer care for those with memory loss disorders?
Alzheimer’s and dementia require intensive, highly specialized care as well as an environment specially designed to promote the safety and comfort of residents. Our administrators can recommend a number of certified care facilities that offer services specifically for those suffering from memory loss disorders.

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Adult Care Resources

These links are provided for your convenience and will open in a second browser window.

U.S. Administration On Aging

Alzheimer's Association

American Health Care Association

Assisted Living Federation of America

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Aging

National Center for Assisted Living

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The Senior Corner - Traverse Area District Library