Q: Willow Towers Assisted Living is part of United Hebrew of New Rochelle’s Campus of Comprehensive Care. What does that mean for residents?
A: It means that we can meet your care needs no matter what stage of life you are in. Willow Towers offers just the right amount of support to give you or your loved one confidence in living independently. Willow Towers’ location on United Hebrew’s campus offers the added benefit of specialized healthcare services should you need them in the future.
In addition to assisted living, our comprehensive services include independent senior housing, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, memory support for those with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, respite stays, hospice and palliative care, and home health care services. Our family of services allows older adults to age in place as their health care needs change.
Q: Is Willow Towers a not-for-profit facility?
A: Yes, Willow Towers Assisted Living is part of United Hebrew’s nonprofit campus of care. Since 1919 our focus has been on providing the highest quality care, not on making profits for owners or shareholders. Our organization was established to address the needs of our community—a rich tradition that continues today.
Q. Do you have residents who live independently?
A. Yes! Many of our residents do not require any nursing services, yet they benefit from our other support services including housekeeping, linen and laundry service, meals, transportation, and an extensive array of arts, cultural, and recreational programs. “Assisted living” means we offer a senior living option for adults who can live on their own, but may require some assistance.
Q. What is a licensed Assisted Living Residence? Aren’t all senior living residences licensed?
A. It’s important to know that not all assisted living facilities are licensed by the New York State Department of Health. Licensed assisted living facilities are held to rigorous safety standards in order to maximize residents’ care and comfort. By definition, they provide or arrange for housing, on-site monitoring, and personal or home care services.
At Willow Towers, we provide those services and so much more! We emphasize autonomy, freedom of choice, and privacy, all to help our residents live life to the fullest. Willow Towers is licensed by New York State Department of Health as an Assisted Living Residence with two certifications: Enhanced Assisted Living Residence (EALR) for people with extra health needs and Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) for persons living with dementia.
We have nurses on staff who provide a continuity and consistency of care, ensuring residents receive the support they need to live the life they desire. Our EALR certification enables our residents to receive additional healthcare services in their own apartment as their needs change, allowing them to age in place and live independently as long as possible. Our SNALR certification means that we provide a secure unit and specialized services for people who are diagnosed with cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
When researching your options, you may find this state publication on Assisted Living residences helpful.
Q. What can you tell me about the quality of the care at Willow Towers?
A. The compassionate and expert care we provide to our residents has been nationally recognized! The Quality Initiative is a national effort that builds upon the existing work of the long term and post-acute care profession by setting specific, measurable targets to further improve quality of care in America’s assisted living communities. In 2018, Willow Towers received the Quality Initiative Recognition Award for its dedication to quality, from the American Health Care Association (ACHA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), a leading industry association for long-term and post-acute care. Willow Towers was one of only 66 facilities nationwide — and, the only facility in New York State — to be recognized.
In addition, we received the ACHA/NCAL’s Bronze Quality Award in 2018. This honor is the first of three progressive award levels through the ACHA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. Willow Towers one of only three facilities in Westchester County and one of only 38 facilities in New York State to be recognized by ACHA/NCAL with a quality award. We’re proud to serve as a model assisted living facility! Read more about our other recognitions here.
Q. So, if my or my loved one’s condition changes, you can help?
A. Yes! We provide individualized service plans that can be changed at any time. If there is a change in a resident’s medical status, we provide an assessment and will make necessary adjustments. We can provide a lot of help, or just a little. For example, we can provide morning or evening assistance with bathing and dressing, which may be all the assistance you or your loved one needs. We’re also able to provide a more comprehensive care package, depending on individual needs.
Q. What happens if my loved one or I need a nursing home?
A. One of the many advantages of Willow Towers Assisted Living is its location on United Hebrew’s comprehensive campus of care, which includes a state-of-the-art skilled nursing and rehabilitation pavilion. Willow Towers residents have priority access to our nursing and rehabilitation center, contingent upon a medical assessment. We will work with you and your family to ensure a seamless transition.
Q. Tell me more about your specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s and/ or dementia?
A. We have been caring for residents with dementia for over 90 years across our campus of care. At Willow Towers, we offer two options, depending on the resident’s level of memory impairment: our Griffen program provides half- or full-day supervised activities designed for cognitive and social stimulation. Our secure Phoenix Memory Care Neighborhood provides support to those living with Alzheimer’s or memory loss.
Q. When is the right time to look at Assisted Living communities? How will I know when my relative is in need of making a move?
A. We encourage families and their loved ones to visit senior living options when you have the time and flexibility to do your research, and before there is a medical emergency. Schedule tours, and ask a lot of questions! While it is advantageous to consider your living options without the sense of urgency a medical necessity creates, a fall or a hospitalization is often the prompt for older adults and their families to reassess current living arrangements and seek a more supportive lifestyle. Contact one of our eldercare specialists, who are happy to help, whether you choose Willow Towers or not.
Q. Is living at Willow Towers covered by insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid?
A. Willow Towers is a private pay not-for-profit residence. However, as a licensed facility, Willow Towers qualifies for long-term care insurance. Talk with your insurance provider for details.
Q. Are pets allowed to live with my parent(s) in Willow Towers?
A. Yes, we welcome pets! Please note, residents are responsible for the care of their pets.
Q. Does Willow Towers require an upfront buy-in fee?
A. Willow Towers is a rental community and therefore does not require a buy-in fee. When you join our community, you will sign a lease, and a medical assessment will help determine the level of services you wish to receive.
