FAQs

We Have Your Answers

If you have a question, we have an answer! If you want to learn more about the levels of care offered at Mease Life, please review our most frequently asked questions about independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and short-term care. For additional information, please contact us at (727) 738-3000 and we’ll be happy to help!

Independent Living FAQ

I’ve heard on the news lately that some CCRCs across the country are having financial trouble. What can you tell me about the financial strength of Mease Life?
In the state of Florida, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are closely regulated by the Office of Insurance Regulations. In fact, Florida has some of the toughest regulations in the country for retirement communities. We undergo triannual inspections from the state, and other parts of the community — such as Mease Continuing Care — are surveyed on an annual basis. Mease Life, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) has completed an affiliation with Pennsylvania-based Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Inc., one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior living organizations. Under the affiliation agreement, Mease Life has become an Acts affiliate member and part of its network of 27 CCRCs in nine states across the East Coast. By joining the Acts organization, Mease Life will realize significant advantages in purchasing power and added expertise and resources. Acts is currently the nation’s fourth largest not-for-profit senior living organization with assets of $2.4 billion and an A- rating from Fitch Ratings. Our financial decisions are made by a board of trustees in consultation with many financial experts in the field. Mease Life is very financially stable today and will continue to be so with careful growth and investment in the future.
What makes now the right time to move to Mease Life?
We often hear, “I’m just not ready.” The funny thing is we heard that from almost every one of our current residents! But if you ask them how they feel now, they’d probably ask you, “What aren’t you ready for?” Make your move to Mease Life while you can still enjoy everything active retirement living has to offer. You can leave all the responsibilities of homeownership behind, and wake up each day ready to explore and celebrate life. We do the maintenance, the cleaning, the cooking, and so much more — all you have to do is enjoy!
You offer both a membership program and one-year and two-year leases with the opportunity to convert to memberships at any time while residing in Independent Living. What is the membership option?
Our membership option allows you to become a member with an upfront payment, which decreases your monthly payments. Membership also provides two long-term benefits to plan for your future security. For example, if you move into assisted living, your membership gives you a 10% discount from the current published rate for that level of care. The biggest benefit of membership is we will never ask you to leave Mease Life if your assets are depleted through no fault of your own. The best way to understand membership is to make an appointment with someone in our sales office — and here’s how to start the conversation.
What happens if I fall or become ill in my apartment?
One great reason to live at Mease Life is peace of mind. Nurses are available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. If you can call the front desk, a nurse will be sent to your apartment immediately to assess your situation. We also have an emergency off-the-hook feature within our phone system. Simply knock the phone off the hook and someone will come to your apartment to check on you. Our monitored medical alert pendants will send help when triggered. Because we’re located next door to Mease Dunedin Hospital, emergency medical services are generally able to respond in less than five minutes. Contact us to learn more about an independent lifestyle you’ll love, or call us at (727) 738-3000 to set up your personal visit of Mease Life in Dunedin, Florida.

Assisted Living FAQ

What are your financial options for assisted living?
We accept private pay, VA, Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC), and long-term care insurance.
Are the apartments furnished?
No, which gives you the freedom to furnish and decorate your residence any way you wish.
Can someone give my mom her medication each day?
Yes. A nurse is available on all shifts to give your mom her medication.
Can my dad keep things to snack on in his apartment?
Sure. Snacks are provided as part of our all-inclusive rate, but residents often choose to keep their favorites in their apartments.
Mom loves to go shopping and have lunch at her favorite restaurant. Can she still do this with us?
Absolutely! In addition, our transportation service offers residents frequent group shopping and restaurant excursions off our campus.
How will my father visit a physician as an assisted living resident?
He has a few options available. You can take him to his doctor’s appointment. Or you can hire one of our private-duty staff to accompany him to the doctor’s office. We also have doctors who see patients in our on-site clinic.
What will the staff help my mom with?
This varies for each resident. Together, we can develop an individual plan to address the needs and preferences of your mom. Contact us to learn how you or someone you love can enjoy a greater sense of independence with assisted living at Mease Life.

Memory Care FAQ

How does Mease Life Memory Care integrate family into a loved one’s care?
Memory loss, whether from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, affects more than just one person. So we work not only with individuals, but with family members and caregivers, searching for the perfect balance of respect and care from day to day. Each of our 32 private suites is carefully designed to ensure residents feel safe and secure. Our program is structured to build confidence in an environment that promotes choice and celebrates accomplishments through familiar schedules and surroundings.
How do I know my loved one will be comfortable, safe, and secure?
Our 20,000-square-foot building has many safety and security features, including cameras inside and out, technology-based security for each resident, and total monitoring of the building. Residence bathrooms are designed to maximize the safety of residents and caregivers. And we pay great attention to detail — such as lighting, types of flooring, even the size of all the seating — to ensure each person’s surroundings are comfortable.
Does someone give residents their medications each day?
Yes. All medications are administered by nurses to ensure proper administration and monitoring. The nursing team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have questions or would like to speak with a nurse, they’re available to meet with family, caregivers, and physicians at your convenience.
Can my dad keep things to snack on in his apartment?
Absolutely. The kitchen is open throughout the day with snacks, and our trained team members can whip up a snack for your loved ones whenever they’re ready to eat. Because we get to know residents’ likes and dislikes, we can fix them whatever they like — and we’ll be sure to make it just right.

Skilled Nursing FAQ

Will Medicare pay for all of my stay at Mease Continuing Care?
Maybe. Medicare will only pay for up to 100 days of care if:
• A skilled service is needed
• There is a three-day hospital stay in the last 30 days
Visit medicare.gov for details.
Can I leave skilled nursing once I am admitted?
Yes, you can leave for dinners or even short stays at home. However, the doctor does need to give an order to do so, and charges will still accrue. Under the Medicare program, you will also have to be at Mease Continuing Care each night.
How many days each week will I receive therapy?
Typically six. However, if the physician specifies something more or less, the order will be followed.
Should I bring medications from home?
No. Mease Continuing Care cannot accept medication from any source other than our pharmacy.
What can I wear at Mease Continuing Care?
Any clothing you’re comfortable in, and preferably non-skid shoes.
Will I be seen every day by my physician?
No. We’re in touch with physicians or their offices when needed. Each physician has a varied schedule to see patients at Mease Continuing Care.
What will the staff help my mom with?
This varies for each resident. Together, we can develop an individual plan to address the needs and preferences of your mom. Contact us to learn how you or someone you love can enjoy a greater sense of independence with assisted living at Mease Life.

Short-Term Rehabilitation FAQ

What does short-term rehabilitation include?
We provide individualized therapeutic treatment to help restore function, which may include:
• Training in mobility, gait stability, posture, and positioning
• Exercise programs to increase muscle function, coordination, and endurance
• Joint and soft tissue mobilization to increase range of motion
• Wound care
• Pain management
Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?
It’s similar in that it helps to restore strength and mobility. Occupational therapy helps people adapt to their social and physical environment through:
• Education and training in areas such as dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming
• Activities for memory, orientation, and cognitive integration
• Adaptive techniques or equipment to overcome physical disabilities
• Strengthening and coordination exercises
• Exercises to maintain normal joint movement to reduce the effects of arthritis or other conditions
When is speech therapy needed?
Speech and language pathologists address general communication issues and swallowing dysfunction. Treatment plans are designed for such individual needs as:
• Recovery of speech, language, and memory skills
• Verbal and non-verbal communication, including programs for the hearing impaired
• Oral muscle strength and functioning required for speaking and swallowing
• Appropriate diet recommendations