Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What is an Assisted Living Community?
A: Assisted living is a long-term care option for elders who need a level of assistance higher than that of a retirement community, but not as extensive as a medical or nursing home or hospital. Assisted living facilities provide an independent lifestyle with customized assistance. Our community also provides a full-service temporary living arrangement within a minimum stay designed for those wanting support after surgery or illness, considering assisted living without the commitment, or needing help when the at-home caregiver is away.

Q: What services does The Cedars offer?
A: We offer exceptional all-inclusive services, spacious private apartments, one and two bedrooms, elegant dining, personal care assistance, medication management, wellness and exercise programs, 24 hour on-site staff, weekly housekeeping, plus a full social calendar, all surrounded by ten tranquil acres near the Westport line. The Cedars also offers a selection of short-term respite stays in fully furnished apartments for people wanting support after surgery or illness, considering assisted living, or needing help when the at-home caregiver is away.

Q: How do I know if my loved one requires Special Care?
A: The criteria that determines a move to Specialized Care Program is based on the level of care needed. There is a list of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) which is used as a checklist to evaluate how much assistance the resident will require. The number of activities the resident needs help with, as well as the amount of time required for those activities, determines whether the resident should be place in traditional /Assisted Living or Specialized Care. This decision is made by the nursing director, medical director, and the resident’s physician.

Q: Can you tell me more about dining services and how the seating is arranged?
A: A full Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM in the dinning room - open seating. After 9:00 AM we set up a continental tray in our Pub and we have coffee and tea available. Lunch and dinner we have two seatings available - assigned seating.

Q: What kind of programs do you offer under Special Care?
A: We offer two programs: Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Care.

Q: The country setting of The Cedars is tranquil and beautifully landscaped - however, what about transportation as I may not have a car?
A: We provide transportation to and from doctors appointments (Fall River - Fairhaven, beyond that, we would charge an additional fee). We also provide transportation to social outings. However, if additional transportation needs arise that are not included, we will certainly arrange to have transportation available to you for an additional fee.

Q: Parkinson’s Program
A: We provide a safe & secure environment, caring and specially trained staff, Wellness support enjoyable activities, socialization, nutritious meals, 24 hour care, personalized physical program activities including yoga and thai chi, customized services, in-house support group, access to appropriate health services. The Cedars is working closely with the Parkinson’s Association and the local community promoting and supporting education events, advocacy, and support groups, for seniors and caregivers.

Q: Alzheimer's’ Program
A: The Memory Enhancement 24 hour secured living area at The Cedars is designed especially for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Our fully trained 24- hour on-site personal care assistants, provide extensive and varied programs sensitive to each individual resident’s needs. Our Meadows community enjoys frequent outings, scenic drives, special events, exceptional all-inclusive services, and spacious private apartments.

Q: How many nursing staff are on duty?
A: In Assisted Living, there are health care professionals, Residents Assistants (CNAs, Certified Nursing Assistants) 24 hours per day, seven days per week. In addition, we have LPN’s and RN’s and a Master’s level Social Worker on staff.

Q: Do you have doctors on staff?
A: Although our visiting physicians are not Cedars Staff, we do have Podiatrists, Internists, Geriatricians, Clinicians, Physical and Occupational Therapists who follow their patients here at The Cedars.

Q: Can I "try it out" without committing right away?
A: Yes . The Cedars provides a full-service temporary living arrangement within a minimum stay ( weekend, one, two or more weeks ), designed for those wanting support after surgery or illness, considering assisted living without the commitment, or needing help when the at-home caregiver is away. This program also provides a much needed respite for the caregiver, affording them a break from stress of providing round-the-clock care—while knowing their loved one is being cared for in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Participants enjoy the comfort of fully furnished and spacious private apartments, well-appointed common areas for relaxation and activities, elegant dining and nutritious snacks, two hours per day personal care assistance including medication management, wellness programs, 24 hour on-site staff, weekly housekeeping, plus a full social calendar.

Q: My personal belongings over the years are important to me. How large are the apartments?
A: Our apartments are well-appointed and spacious. Our average studio is 385 Sq Ft. - 450 Sq Ft. Our one bedroom average is 479 Sq. Ft - 576 Sq. Ft. Two bedroom average is 759 Sq. Ft.

Q: Can I keep my current physician?
A: Yes. You can choose your own doctors, pharmacies, and therapists. Although you can choose your own doctor, many physicians choose not to make home calls. We provide transportation to get to your doctors’ appointments. Or, you may opt to choose one of our visiting doctors. We also offer a pharmaceutical delivery service.

Q: Is assisted living similar to rehab or nursing home?
A: Assisted Living facilities (ALF) offer an alternative to people who might have previously gone into a Nursing Home (SNF); yet are able to manage with more limited care. Assisted Living facilities offer help with activities of daily living (ADLs) also referred to as personal care, but no medical care. An Assisted Living facility also places greater emphasis on personal privacy and autonomy than does a SNF. SNFs have RN’s and MD’s on call 24 hours per day; while ALF provide only personal assistance that can be performed by RN’s, LPN’s and 24 hour CNA coverage.
ALF and SNF are two terms that often used interchangeably, however the two are actually very different, and a candidate for one is not a candidate for the other. ALF are regulated by teh Executive Office of Elder Affairs, while SNFs, (Rehabs) are governed by Department of Public Health and some Rehab Hospitals by JCAHO (Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)

Q: What Kind of Activities do The Cedars offer?
A: Activities include, arts and crafts, gardening, puzzle, painting, baking, bingo, knitting, Strawberry and Peach Festivals, weekly entertainment, Sumer-time Concert Series, Art Galleries and other showcases. We also have student interns from nearby UMASS Dartmouth, who come in and provide addtional activities, such as "Dance Movements", Wii games, movie days, one-on-one conversation, story telling and much, much more. During the Summer we also take our residents on special outings, ball games, picnics, and museum tours and tourist attraction sites.