Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ page is designed to give you clear, straightforward answers to the questions we’re asked most often. You’ll find helpful details about our services, policies, and what to expect, all in one easy place.
Family Involvement & Communication
Are families encouraged to participate in care planning?
Yes. Our Director of Nursing reviews each resident’s plan of care with the responsible party at move-in, quarterly, and any time a significant change occurs.
How are families informed of changes in a resident’s condition?
When notable changes occur, the Director of Nursing or the charge nurse contacts the responsible party directly.
Are families encouraged to communicate with staff?
Absolutely. Department managers may be contacted on their mobile phones, and our care staff is always available to visit with you while you’re at the community.
Can family and friends participate in care?
Family members may assist with personal care activities (e.g., dressing, brushing teeth, restroom assistance) as long as it is safe to do so. Two-person assist tasks must still be completed by trained staff. We also welcome family input on care preferences and routines.
Do families need to schedule visits? What are visiting hours?
We do not have set visiting hours. Families are welcome any time.
Front doors lock at 6 p.m. and reopen at 8 a.m., and are locked on weekends—visitors receive an entry code for access.
Is there a private place for family visits?
Residents’ rooms offer the most privacy. All other community spaces (living rooms, sunrooms, dining areas) are shared spaces.
Medical Care & Nursing Support
Is medical care provided?
As an Assisted Living Facility – Level II/Memory Care, we provide medical services permitted by Arkansas state regulations and comprehensive assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
We cannot provide care for colostomies, ostomies, tube feedings, pressure ulcers, or other conditions restricted by regulation. Home health may provide wound care if needed.
We have a geriatrician who serves as our Medical Director and can become your loved one’s primary care physician. A visiting podiatrist also provides on-site care.
How often are physicians and nurses on site?
- Medical Director: Lives nearby and is reachable by staff at any time; typically visits several times per month.
- Nursing: LPNs/RNs on site 7 days/week from approximately 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- RN Consultant: On call 24/7.
- Director of Nursing: On call after hours.
- CNAs: In the building at all times.
Personal Care & Daily Support
Is personal care provided?
Yes. We assist with all ADLs, including bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and mobility.
Is care personalized?
Care is tailored to each resident’s abilities, needs, and preferences. Whether a resident needs help brushing their teeth, transferring, dressing, or engaging in activities, our team provides the appropriate level of support.
Is personal care delivered respectfully? Can my loved one have a female caregiver?
Respect and dignity are at the core of our care philosophy. We make every effort to honor requests for female caregivers, and historically we have had female staff on every shift. While we cannot absolutely guarantee that only female staff will ever provide care, we will assign female caregivers whenever possible.
Staff Training, Experience & Approach
Are staff trained in dementia care?
Yes. All employees—clinical and non-clinical—complete 30 hours of state-required Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Unit training within their first 90 days of employment. Training includes online coursework and written modules.
How long have staff worked at Wellington Woods?
While turnover is typical in senior care settings, Wellington Woods enjoys strong staff longevity. Several team members, including our activity director and multiple CNAs, have been with us since opening or for more than a year.
How does staff handle challenging behaviors?
We focus on understanding the root cause of behaviors and using redirection whenever possible. If redirection is not effective, the charge nurse is notified and may use physician-ordered interventions, such as medication or additional caregiver support, when appropriate.
Staffing Levels
What is the resident-to-staff ratio?
Arkansas regulations require:
- Daytime: 1 staff per 15 residents
- Nighttime: 1 staff per 25 residents (minimum of 2 staff on site)
Wellington Woods exceeds these minimums:
- First Shift: 3 CNAs + 1 nurse
- Second Shift: 2 CNAs + 0.5 nurse
- Third Shift: 2 CNAs
Our community has 20 residents.
Activities, Programming & Services
Are activities offered daily? Can we see a schedule?
Yes. We provide 3–4 structured activities each day. Activity schedules are available to families upon request.
Are activities tailored to individual interests and abilities?
Yes. Activities are designed to engage a wide range of residents, and individuals are encouraged to participate in ways that suit them. We offer multiple activity spaces—including two sunrooms, two living rooms, and two dining rooms—to accommodate varied needs.
Are religious services available?
Yes. Catholic communion and services are offered, and several Christian groups visit regularly for hymns and devotionals. We also celebrate major holidays and seasonal events.
Nutrition & Dining
What are the meal and snack times?
- Breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:00 p.m.
- Snacks & Hydration: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and approx. 7 p.m.
Menus are designed by a Registered Dietitian through Sysco Foods using the “Trendsetter” program.
Can family and friends join residents for meals?
Yes. Please notify us ahead of time so we can prepare adequately. Meal cost: $10 per guest.
How is nutrition monitored?
Meal intake is documented in each resident’s electronic health record. We track weights at least monthly and implement interventions if weight loss is identified.
Do staff assist residents during meals?
Residents receive encouragement and appropriate assistance. However, residents who cannot feed themselves may require a higher level of care per state guidelines.
Environment & Safety
Are indoor and outdoor areas safe and monitored?
Common areas are designed for resident safety, and staff check on residents at least every two hours.
Our courtyard is secured with tall fencing and monitored by cameras (not watched live, but available for review if needed).
We are an assisted living community and do not provide one-on-one continuous supervision, although families may hire private sitters if desired.
What is the rate of falls?
Fall frequency varies depending on resident needs at any given time. We track falls carefully, implement interventions, and notify families promptly. Residents with repeated falls despite interventions may require a higher level of care, such as a skilled nursing facility.
Can residents bring personal items from home?
Absolutely. Personal décor, family photos, bedding, and favorite furniture are welcome as long as they do not create safety hazards. We provide a queen bed, a power lift recliner, and a 55” TV, which families may use or replace.
We recommend not bringing items of high monetary or sentimental value due to the nature of memory care settings.
Outings, Transportation & Community Policies
Can residents leave with family for outings?
Yes. Families often take residents out for meals, appointments, holidays, and community activities. Please notify staff in advance so we can prepare medications and record expected return time.
Does the community escort residents to the emergency room?
We contact the responsible party and call an ambulance unless the family chooses to transport the resident safely. Families generally accompany residents to the ER and arrange the return trip.
Does Wellington Woods offer end-of-life care or hospice support?
We can care for residents at end of life as long as they continue to meet Arkansas Assisted Living regulations. Residents who exceed those limits may require transfer to a skilled nursing facility or inpatient hospice.
Hospice services are welcome and commonly supported in our community.
Is “aging in place” possible?
Residents may remain with us as long as they meet Arkansas regulations for Assisted Living Level II. Discharge is required if a resident:
- Can no longer feed themselves
- Requires more than a two-person transfer
- Cannot reposition independently in bed
- Needs services not permitted in an ALF
- Becomes a danger to themselves or others
Music & Special Interests
Can my loved one bring a musical instrument, such as a cello?
Yes, although we recommend caution with valuable items in a memory care setting, as residents may wander or misplace belongings. The community is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
That said—we would love to hear her play!
Will she have opportunities to play with others?
We currently have a resident who plays piano and would be happy to coordinate musical activities if residents enjoy the cello performances.
Will playing music in her room disturb others?
Daytime playing (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) is typically not disruptive. We also have corner rooms in our new wing that offer added sound separation.