FAQ

Frequently asked questions

If you are new to the world of retirement communities, assisted living communities and nursing homes, the terminology can be confusing. The following definitions will be helpful. For further information, feel free to contact us.

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or one with a continuum of care allows older adults the ability to “age in place” by providing, in addition to independent living residences, access to additional health care services such as assisted living, various levels of nursing care, and rehabilitation, usually on the same property. Independent living residents have the opportunity (and often a priority position, as is the case at all of The Loomis Communities) to apply for admission to the health care residences if their needs change in the future. In addition, communities with a continuum typically provide independent living residents with a service package designed to provide a carefree lifestyle. Transportation, activities, interior and exterior maintenance, flexible dining services, and utilities are just a few of the services available at many communities offering a continuum.

What is independent living?

Independent living is available at the following Loomis Communities:

When referring to retirement communities, independent living describes a house or apartment home in an age-restricted community setting designed for older adults who are able to manage their homes and daily activities without supervision or medical assistance. Independent living can be offered as an apartment in a stand-alone building, or as part of a larger community with a wide range of services, including access to a continuum of health care should you need those services in the future.

Our independent living apartments, villas, and cottages set the standard for distinctive retirement living. Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in a spacious, thoughtfully designed homes. Comfort and peace of mind are the focus of our independent living homes, with features such as a private balcony or patio, lovely views, a well-equipped kitchen, generous closets and storage, and many other amenities.

A wide selection of independent living apartments and homes is available at all of The Loomis Communities. Whichever of our communities you choose, you’ll find neighbors who become friends, and plenty of space for your treasured possessions. The Loomis Communities offers everything you need to create a healthy, happy, active retirement.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is available at the following Loomis Communities:

Assisted living offers a middle ground between independent living and nursing care. Assisted living is a good choice for you if you do not require the extensive medical care provided in nursing care but are not able to manage living on your own. Staff is available to provide 24-hour comprehensive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, grooming, eating, mobility and hygiene. A variety of activities and social events, as well as transportation, cleaning, and laundry services, also are typical features of assisted living. The Loomis Communities provides assisted living as part of a comprehensive continuum of care, while many organizations only provide one level of assistance.

Our assisted living features private apartments that residents furnish with their own personal treasures, providing all the comforts of home. Our studio and one-bedroom apartments provide a place where residents who need a little help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) can truly enjoy life. Caregivers are available to help residents with activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and medication management. The intimate residential design of assisted living allows our staff to get to know and understand the needs and desires of residents and their families.

What do all of these terms mean: home care, skilled nursing care, licensed skilled care, and long-term care?

Skilled nursing care and rehabilitation is available at the following Loomis Community:

Nursing homes are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and offer furnished rooms and health services to residents who require consistent and ongoing medical care with physician oversight but do not require hospitalization. This is called skilled nursing care. Our communities provide skilled nursing care, which includes post-hospital care, short-term rehabilitation, complex medical care, and long-term care. Oversight is provided by licensed professional nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. A comprehensive therapy department is staffed by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. The Loomis Communities nursing homes are designed to meet the individual needs of the residents.

Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing offers licensed, skilled nursing care in a cozy and supportive environment. Our nursing center is Medicare and Medicaid-certified and provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in well-appointed private or semi-private rooms. Our compassionate staff delivers care with respect and dignity.

The Loomis Communities is very proud to have been awarded a CARF/CCAC five-year Accreditation as a Continuing Care Retirement Community and as a Person-Centered Long-Term Care Community.

To learn more about the Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing nursing center, please contact

Front desk
413-782-1800

What is rehabilitation, skilled rehabilitation, or short-term rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is available at the following Loomis Community:

The Loomis Communities offers rehabilitation services in partnership with Genesis Rehab Services. Our combined staff of professionals such as physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, registered dieticians, registered nurses, licensed social workers, and gourmet chefs, work as a team to get you back home. We complete a comprehensive assessment to develop individualized care plans to manage residents’ physical, social, and emotional concerns.

Our unique approach promotes independence and a rapid return home after rehabilitation from a broad range of surgical procedures, injuries, and illness.

Our nursing center at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing is Medicare and Medicaid-certified, and provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in well-appointed private or semi-private rooms. We provide (CARF)in Person-Centered Long-term Care. This mark of excellence means that we have been recognized as a provider of quality care for your loved one that meets state-of-the-art, international standards of performance.

To learn more about rehabilitation at the Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing nursing center, please contact:

Front desk
413-782-1800

What is Live Well @ Loomis?

Live Well @ Loomis is available at the following Loomis Communities:

Our organization is pleased to present Live Well @ Loomis, a service offering companionship, transportation, and personal care assistance to the residents at all three of The Loomis Communities. Our fully-trained and supervised staff of caregivers provides the extra help that residents may need on a short-term or long-term basis.

How might a resident use Live Well @ Loomis? Here are some examples:

A group of friends have planned an afternoon of shopping and lunch at a local cafe. Because none of them really enjoy driving any more, they contact Live Well @ Loomis and arrange for a driver to transport them on their outing.

The daughter of an Applewood at Amherst resident would really like to accompany her mother to a doctor’s appointment but cannot leave her work. She contacts Live Well @ Loomis who provide a caregiver to drive her mother to the appointment and accompany her into the doctor’s office.

For more information or to schedule a Live Well @ Loomis caregiver, contact the Health Services Director at:

What is CARF/CCAC accreditation and why is it important?

The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC), which was acquired by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in 2003, is the nation’s only accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

Before CARF/CCAC was founded, consumers, financial rating agencies, and others had no clear way of determining whether a retirement community was financially stable, provided quality care, or was worthy of their investment. CARF International is an independent, nonprofit organization that surveys and accredits health and human services providers worldwide.

When the retirement community or nursing home you choose is CARF -accredited, it means the community has passed an in-depth review of its services. It is your assurance that the community meets rigorous CARF guidelines for service and quality—a qualified endorsement that your community conforms to nationally and internationally recognized service standards and is focused on delivering the most favorable results for you. A service or program that is CARF accredited has passed an in-depth on-site interview and has demonstrated substantial conformance to internationally recognized standards for quality.

CARF Accreditation

Applewood, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing and Loomis Village are accredited by CARF-CCAC as a continuing care retirement community.

Our accreditation is a public commitment that we strive to:

For more information about CARF International, the standards, or the survey process, visit www.carf.org.

Who provides dining services for The Loomis Communities?

Loomis is pleased to be a partner with Sodexo Senior Services, a leading food and facilities management services company in North America. Their mission is to improve the quality of daily life for everyone they serve. The professionals at Sodexo Senior Services know that taste and presentation are every bit as important as nutritional content.

Sodexo brings us a variety of special nutritious and flavorful menu items prepared from fresh ingredients, often using locally grown produce. Healthy entree choices are always available, and our desserts include sugar-free choices. To see today’s menu and a list of today’s activities, click here.