Independent/ Retirement Living
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the monthly rate for Concordia of the South Hills retirement living?
Monthly rates typically include your private apartment, utilities (including basic cable), maintenance, activities and access to wellness programs.
2. Do I need to pay an entrance fee for independent living?
Yes. Concordia offers several entrance fee options, including refundable entrance fees, declining balance entrance fees and rental-style entrance fees. Our team can help you compare plans.
3. Are pets allowed in independent living?
Yes, small pets are welcome in our independent living community. Our admissions team can review guidelines and any restrictions.
4. Can I bring my own furniture and decorate my apartment?
Absolutely. Residents are encouraged to personalize their space and make it feel like home.
5. What happens if I need more care later?
Concordia of the South Hills offers personal care, memory care, short-term rehab and long-term nursing care on the same campus, making transitions easier and more convenient. Concordia home and community services agencies also offer in-home care should your needs change, providing another flexible option for support.
Personal Care/Assisted Living
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in personal care services at Concordia?
Services include help with bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, activities, housekeeping, utilities and 24/7 support.
2. Is personal care the same as assisted living?
In Pennsylvania, “personal care” and “assisted living” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are technically different levels of care, with assisted living facilities having slightly different regulations. At Concordia of the South Hills, individuals who need a higher level of care can transition from personal care to long-term nursing care right in the same building.
3. Can residents receive medical care while in personal care?
Residents in personal care receive basic medical care from onsite nursing staff, but those with more advanced medical care needs would typically transition to a skilled nursing facility or receive skilled medical care/therapy at the facility from a home health agency (which would require a physician referral).
4. Do you offer private rooms?
All personal care suites at Concordia of the South Hills are private. Several different floor plan and suite options are available.
5. Are special diets accommodated?
Yes. Our culinary team prepares meals that support nutritional needs, medical conditions and personal preferences.
Memory Care
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is memory care?
Memory care is a specialized level of senior living designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory-impairing conditions. At Concordia of the South Hills, memory care provides enhanced safety, personalized support and structured programming in a secure, homelike environment.
2. How is memory care different from personal care or assisted living?
Memory care offers a higher level of supervision and specialized support for individuals with cognitive impairment. While personal care and assisted living focus on help with daily activities, memory care includes enhanced security, dementia-specific programming and staff trained to support changing cognitive needs.
3. When is it time to consider memory care?
Families often consider memory care when a loved one shows signs such as wandering, confusion, frequent falls, medication mismanagement or increased difficulty with daily routines. Memory care can provide a safer environment and consistent support when care needs exceed what can be managed at home.
4. What services are included in memory care at Concordia of the South Hills?
Memory care services include assistance with daily activities, medication management, three daily meals, housekeeping and laundry, cognitive-focused activities, wellness programs, paid utilities and 24/7 staff support in a secure setting. Care plans are personalized and adjusted as needs change.
5. Are staff specially trained in memory care?
Yes. Our memory care team receives specialized training to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Staff members focus on compassionate care, consistent routines and meaningful engagement tailored to each resident.
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What conditions does Concordia of the South Hills treat in short-term rehab?
We care for patients recovering from surgery, joint replacements, strokes, fractures, cardiac conditions, pneumonia, COPD, wound care needs and other post-acute conditions.
2. How long does a typical rehab stay last?
Length of stay varies based on your therapy goals, insurance, recovery progress and physician recommendations. Many patients stay one to three weeks.
3. Does insurance cover short-term rehab?
Most stays are covered by Medicare or private insurance. Our admissions team can verify coverage.
4. Are rehab rooms private?
Yes, Concordia of the South Hills offers updated private accommodations for rehab patients.
5. What therapy services are provided?
Depending on your needs, you may receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and other specialized programs before discharge.
Long-Term Nursing Care
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does long-term nursing care include?
Services include 24/7 licensed nursing, medical oversight, medication management, meals, laundry, activities, therapy options and on-site spiritual care.
2. How do I know if long-term care is the right level?
If someone needs continuous skilled nursing, help with daily care or ongoing medical supervision, long-term care may be appropriate. Our team can assist with assessments.
3. Can families visit freely?
Yes. Concordia supports flexible visitation to keep families involved and connected with their loved ones.
4. What types of medical conditions can you support?
We care for residents with memory impairment, diabetes, cardiac conditions, wound care needs, IV therapy, orthopedic conditions and other chronic or complex diagnoses.
Questions
If you have questions about the different types of senior care or are interested in how Concordia can help you or your loved one, feel free to contact us.