Question 1

What is included with Independent Living at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Independent living communities cater to residents who need minimal help or no help at all with their activities of daily living – like bathing and dressing –but do want access to the myriad of benefits and amenities that retirement communities offer. In an independent retirement community, residents rent private apartments or cottages and then take advantage of shared spaces and amenities like walking paths, on-site gyms, and restaurant-style dining.

Although residents live independently, some available services provide a more comfortable retirement, like chef-prepared meals, lawn care, home maintenance, and on-site salons. Independent living communities allow residents to experience resort-style retirement for a fixed monthly rent, which is both predictable and affordable.

Question 2

Is The Continental in Austin a Licensed Independent Living Facility?

Accepted Answer

Because senior independent living facilities do not offer medical or personal care, licensing is not required. For this reason, most independent living facilities who only offer one level of service are not licensed with a state board or department.

However, some communities – often called continuing care communities – offer independent living in addition to other levels of care, like memory care or assisted living. Because these facilities do offer medical and personal care, they must be licensed by the department of health. Licensed facilities are subject to periodic surveys from governing bodies to ensure they continue to meet the requirements for certification.

Question 3

What type of activities and amenities does The Continental in Austin, TX offer with Independent Living?

Accepted Answer

Independent senior living residents enjoy access to a robust calendar of activities including socials, intellectual games, educational events, and other entertaining activities. Residents can fill their days with all kinds of fun happenings like trivia, fitness classes, crafting, concerts, movies, and more.

Amenities vary from one community to another but those that are most common include:

• 24/7 on-site gourmet and grab-and-go dining options
• On-site beauty salon offering colors and cuts
• Green outdoor spaces that often include walking paths
• Full access to a gym and sometimes wellness webinars, personal training, or fitness classes
• Move-in assistance
• Home and lawn maintenance
• Housekeeping services
• Access to a computer center with public computers and internet

Question 4

How does Independent Living at The Continental in Austin differ from a nursing home?

Accepted Answer

Independent living facilities and nursing homes have little in common. Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care to residents who are partially or totally dependent on others for some or all of their activities of daily living, like eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing.

Independent living residents live alone (or with a partner or spouse, of course) and care for themselves while taking advantage of the amenities and fixed expenses associated with independent living communities. Most residents choose this arrangement because they want to drive less, relax more, and build and nurture friendships and adventure during retirement. Other benefits include a sense of security, quick access to help in a medical emergency, and predictable monthly expenses.

Question 5

How much does independent living cost at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Independent living expenses vary from community to community, depending on the cost of living in that region and the floor plan the resident selects (ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments). Many residents are able to enjoy the luxury of retirement in an independent living community starting around $2,000 per month.

We encourage prospective residents to meet with their financial advisors to determine whether they can afford to move. Many residents find that they save money by selling their home and paying one low monthly fee for all the services, amenities, and utilities they need to enjoy security and adventure in retirement.

Question 6

What is included in the independent living monthly rent at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Residents pay one low monthly fee for rent, utilities, and access to all of the services and amenities available at that retirement community. This includes 24/7 dining, our easy-move program, transportation to and from appointments and local attractions, maintenance, housekeeping services, laundry, and all of our activities.

Additionally, your utilities (with the exception of your personal phone) are all included in your monthly rent, which means no unpredictable heating and cooling bills.

Question 7

Is independent living the same as assisted living?

Accepted Answer

There is one primary difference between independent and assisted living: independent living residents receive no help with their activities of daily living, like bathing, toileting, and dressing, while assisted living residents need some help. Because of this difference, independent living and assisted living communities are also staffed a little differently. Assisted living communities provide nurses and nurse aides to help with the medical and personal needs of residents.

Both independent and assisted living communities offer a myriad of complimentary services, amenities, and activities that residents can enjoy in their free time. Furthermore, utilities, maintenance, laundry, and housekeeping are standard in both independent and assisted living facilities.

Question 8

Is The Continental in Austin covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Long-term care insurance usually does not cover independent living. There are two primary reasons that independent living isn’t usually covered:

1. Independent living residents do not receive medical or personal care from licensed or certified staff.

2. Independent living residents do not need to live in independent living facilities; they choose to do so in order to experience resort-style retirement with easy access to amenities and services that allow them to rest, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Although independent living isn’t covered by long-term care insurance, many residents find that they save money when they move from their home to an independent living facility because of the fixed, predictable expenses and all of the services and amenities included in that price.

Question 9

Can I speak with current The Continental residents if I tour your Austin facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our residents love to share their experience with prospective friends and neighbors. We welcome and encourage you to tour the community, introduce yourself, and learn more about the experiences and recommendations of our residents when you visit.

You might also choose to experience our gourmet dining program while you visit or join in on a game of cards or Trivial Pursuit. Be sure to check out the gym and walking paths, too, to get a better perspective of what life is like in a Sunshine independent living community. When you call to schedule your visit, let our team member know what you’re most interested in experiencing so he or she can make arrangements for your visit.

Question 10

Can I visit The Continental in Austin anytime?

Accepted Answer

While you can visit an independent living facility anytime, scheduling an appointment in advance provides a number of benefits:

• It ensures somebody is available to meet with you. Bring your questions and leave with the answers you need to make an informed decision.

• It allows for you to visit during a time that gives you a memorable experience, like the opportunity to try a meal in the restaurant-style dining room, play a game of poker, or try a yoga class at the gym.

Calling to schedule a tour in advance has its benefits, but dropping in can certainly provide insights into the daily life of a retiree in our community, too.

Question 11

What reasons might a resident at The Continental be discharged?

Accepted Answer

Independent living residents can be discharged when the facility is no longer able to meet their needs. This may occur following a serious illness or injury, but sometimes changes occur slowly over time that make discharge necessary.

Independent living facilities are not staffed or licensed to provide medical or personal care to residents. If you require assistance with activities like bathing, eating, toileting, or dressing, independent living may not be able to provide the services you need to stay well. In this case, an Executive Director will work closely with you (and your family, if you desire) to help you transition to a facility that is able to meet your needs.

On rare occasion, discharge occurs because of violation of the community’s rules, like smoking in a non-smoking community.

Question 12

How does The Continental determine if my needs change as a independent living resident? Will I be forced to leave?

Accepted Answer

The team of people ensuring that the community is able to meet your needs includes your primary care doctor, your Executive Director at the independent living community, yourself, and your family if you choose to include them in your care. Any member of this team can bring forward concerns about the facility’s ability to meet your changing needs, initiating an evaluation and review.

In many cases, an independent living community will partner with a 3rd-party care provider to offer you additional services to help you age in place and remain in independent living longer. These additional care services are arranged between you or your family and the provider and is a contract you enter separately from the facility, although many times the facility can help arrange these introductions and schedule for the care provider to tend to your new daily or weekly needs.

If it’s determined that the facility isn’t able to meet your needs, your Executive Director will work closely with you (and your family if you choose) to help you transition to a community qualified to provide the services you need.

Question 13

What information does The Continental require for independent living applicants to provide prior to moving in?

Accepted Answer

You’ll complete an application ahead of time, sharing your basic demographic information, consent to a background and credit check, and detailed information regarding your needs. Because the admission team works closely with each resident to help them determine whether they can afford independent living, you may need to provide some additional financial information, too.

Our admission team is available to assist you with the application process, helping you determine which information is relevant and necessary throughout the process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the admissions team for guidance, and if there’s information you don’t feel comfortable providing, visit with the admissions team about that, too.

Question 14

Are your independent living apartments at The Continental in Austin private or semi-private?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, independent living residents have their own private apartments ranging from studio to two-bedroom, which means you have complete privacy when you want it. These residents enjoy their own private bathroom, sleeping quarters, sitting area, and kitchen or kitchenette depending on the floor plan you choose. Some communities offer shared suites for residents looking for companionship and camaraderie. Ask your local community about your options.

Many residents enjoy their privacy but take advantage of shared spaces like the courtyard, walking paths, dining room, library, computer lab, and gym. They often express that one of the greatest benefits of independent living is having access to so many amenities without sacrificing privacy and personal preference.

Question 15

What is The Continental’s pet policy for independent living?

Accepted Answer

Our independent living communities are cat- and dog-friendly and many of our communities offer concierge services so you can find a dog walker when you need one. We know what research says about the benefits of pet ownership in retirement – and the tremendous role they play in healing after the loss of a spouse or partner – so we’re proud to provide a community that embraces these benefits.

Residents are responsible for pet care, including:

• providing pet food and supplies
• feeding their pets and ensuring they have adequate water
• cleaning up after their pets
• taking their pets outside when needed
• walking and exercising their pets, and
• ensuring their pets are up-to-date on immunizations

Many communities feature dog parks or pet relief areas equipped with waste bags for resident convenience.

Question 16

Do you provide an activities calendar for The Continental’s independent living residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a new activities calendar is published every month to ensure residents know which activities are available to them. Common activities include:

• intellectual activities, like trivia, news, and educational courses
• creative activities, like arts and crafts and choir practice
• wellness activities, like presentations, fitness classes, and personal training sessions
• social activities, like pancake feeds, outings, and card games
• spiritual activities, like yoga and church services

Because Sunshine Retirement Communities are non-denominational, residents can request a service and the local community will set it up (Catholic or Hebrew services, for example). Residents choose the activities that speak to them and are never pressured to attend activities that don’t bring them joy.

Question 17

Who lives at your Austin independent living facility The Continental?

Accepted Answer

Independent living facilities are inhabited by both vibrant and adventurous retirees seeking more socialization and excitement, as well as more laid-back retirees looking for peace and relaxation (and someone to mow the lawn).

Independent living residents are as varied in hobbies and interests as anyone else, creating dynamic, lively communities. What they have in common, perhaps, is that they are all seeking a simpler life without all of the cooking and cleaning. They pick and choose how and with whom they spend their time. Most simply want to enjoy retirement a little more by staying active and engaged alongside like-minded peers.

Question 18

What are my options at The Continental if my spouse or partner requires a higher degree of care other than independent living?

Accepted Answer

As long as you are your spouse’s caregiver or legal guardian and they don’t pose a risk to themselves or others, they can stay in the community. Many couples with differing needs take advantage of third party caregivers to assist with care in the home so they can live together in an independent living community.

Question 19

What type of food options do you offer independent living residents at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Each independent living facility offers restaurant-style dining along with a 24/7 limited menu available for resident convenience. Gourmet menu options are available and designed to accommodate common allergies, food preferences, and doctor-ordered diets like heart-healthy, diabetic, and low sodium diets. During your visit, request to take a look at the current menu so you know exactly what to expect.

In addition, many residents enjoy cooking and prepare some meals in their en-suite kitchen or experiencing the city by visiting local eateries and grills in their spare time. There is no shortage of options in and around our retirement communities!

Question 20

How does independent living at The Continental help me maintain my freedom and autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Our independent living staff provide you with as much freedom and autonomy as you desire:

• You choose which services you’d like to take advantage of, which means you can waive housekeeping and laundry service if you’d rather do it yourself.
• You manage your daily schedule – you wake, dress, eat, and rest whenever you want.
• You choose which activities you’d like to participate in with no pressure and no expectations.
• You take care of yourself so your daily routine at home is on your schedule and exactly the way you like.

It is our goal to provide services and amenities that allow you to best enjoy your retirement, not dictate how you live in our communities.

Question 21

How does The Continental independent living facility keep residents safe?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of measures in place to ensure independent living residents are safe in our facilities:

• security staff are on-site 24/7 and available for emergencies
• concierges are seated near the entrance to screen and direct visits and guests
• each apartment can be dead-bolted from the inside ensuring privacy and security at home, and
• the building is locked and alarmed during night time hours

Many retirees consider independent living simply for the security and peace of mind they provide.

Question 22

Does The Continental offer transportation around the local Austin area for independent living residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether you prefer to take community transportation, walk, or drive yourself, our independent living facilities cater to your needs and preferences.

All of our independent living communities offer free transportation to local doctors’ offices, pharmacies, dentists, grocery stores, and shopping centers as well as transportation to certain special events on the calendar. In addition, residents park their own personal vehicles for free, so those who prefer the freedom of driving to and from their appointments and commitments can enjoy that luxury, as well. Finally, many services – like dining and salon – are available right on-site to limit the need to travel when you’d prefer to stay in.

Question 23

Does The Continental coordinate local health care (if needed) in the Austin area for independent living residents?

Accepted Answer

In an independent living facility, residents coordinate their own local healthcare. They choose the providers they want to see, schedule their own appointments, and manage their own medications. Benefits to living in an independent living community include free transportation to and from appointments and often close proximity to pharmacies and doctors’ offices.

Residents who would like help coordinating their medical care might consider assisted living services. Assisted living facilities can make appointments, communicate with family members, arrange for transportation, fill prescriptions, and administer medications and treatments ordered by your doctor.

Question 24

How is The Continental’s independent living community managed?

Accepted Answer

Each independent living community has local management with expertise in independent living and 24/7 staff. Prospective and current residents have direct access to facility management to ensure there’s open dialogue for any questions or concerns that arise. Because residents live independently, the staff at our communities is relatively small, which means that staff and management interact daily, develop close professional relationships, and know one another – and each resident – by name.

Please note that you’re also welcome and encouraged to visit directly with the manager of our independent living communities near you while you’re evaluating your options and trying to make a decision.

Question 25

What types of assistance does a traditional nursing home provide? How is an independent living community different?

Accepted Answer

Nursing homes and independent living communities serve two different groups of seniors. Nursing homes serve the needs of seniors who are unable to live independently and need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, oral care, and medication assistance.  
In contrast, independent living communities are designed for active seniors who are able to live independently but who prefer community-style living. Independent living communities are about enjoying a community of other seniors that caters to your lifestyle preferences. These communities are perfect for active seniors who need minimal assistance and want to live in a vibrant community of other seniors like themselves.

Question 26

How does the design of an independent living community differ from a nursing home?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest differences between independent living communities and nursing homes is in the design of the residences. Independent living communities typically provide units akin to apartments, complete with one or two bedrooms, private bathrooms, full or partial kitchens, and living areas. Because these communities are designed for seniors who still live independently, living spaces are comparable to those in a typical townhouse or apartment home. Sunshine Retirement Living independent living communities are even pet-friendly, allowing seniors to bring their beloved furry friends to live with them. 
In contrast, a nursing home facility is designed to support seniors who need additional care or who are otherwise unable to live independently. Therefore, the dwelling areas in nursing homes typically include a sleeping area and bathroom, but do not include kitchens or separate living spaces.

Question 27

What types of services and amenities do independent living communities provide? How are they different from those provided in a nursing home?

Accepted Answer

Both nursing homes and independent living communities provide services like dining programs, housekeeping, and 24/7 staff for their residents. 
But because independent living communities are designed to make life easier and more fun for active seniors, these communities may give residents additional options like concierge services and on-call apartment maintenance. Independent living communities may also include features that active seniors can enjoy at their leisure, such as fitness centers, hair salons, movie theaters, art studios, taverns, libraries, computer centers, and chapels.

Question 28

What types of activities are available for residents at an independent living community?

Accepted Answer

Both memory care and independent living communities offer fun weekly outings and activities for residents to participate in. Residents can participate in entertaining activities such as board games, movie matinees, and crafts. Independent living communities can also host outings and events that include light physical activity, such as museum trips, community-hosted barbeques at a local park, walking clubs, or beanbag baseball. Events can also include restaurant outings and happy hours.

For active seniors who wish to enjoy a flexible community lifestyle with others like themselves, Sunshine Retirement Living’s independent living communities are the perfect option.

Question 29

What are you doing in light of the COVID-19 virus to protect residents’ health at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

We have temporarily changed our policies relating to visitors and how we conduct our activities and dining programs. Please see the new and specific temporary changes as they relate to this community by clicking here.

Question 30

Are you testing residents and staff at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The health and safety of Sunshine’s residents and employees are our top priority. As such,
The Continental has partnered with Vikor Scientific to allow us to test our residents and employees
with their Respira-ID™ test kits. We will test under the following scenarios: (i) new
residents moving in; (ii) residents coming back from a hospital visit; (iii) residents with COVID-19
symptoms; as well as (iv) staff showing COVID-19 symptoms.

Question 31

Are you accepting new residents during the pandemic at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

Yes, new residents are accepted into the community after undergoing an extensive screening and
providing a negative test result, either through state-administered COVID testing or through Vikor
Scientific Respira-ID testing administered directly at The Continental.

Question 32

What pandemic protocols are expected of new residents and/or their families during the move-in process at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

We ask that families limit the number of persons assisting in the physical moving of the new
resident’s belonging in order to protect the resident population and staff. A move-in coordinator will
assist you by setting up a time in which to bring your loved one into the community and make them
comfortable in their new home. We will provide daily check-ins with you on your loved one’s process
and facilitate video conferencing calls so that you may continue to visit with them one-on-one while
ensuring that their safety and the health of the resident population and staff is not put at risk.

Question 33

What safety protocols do you have in place for resident and staff at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

In addition to temporarily changing our visitor policy in order to reduce foot traffic within the
community, staff are required to wear personal protective gear including facemasks and gloves.

Question 34

Will I be able to see my parents if I move them in at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

Per CDC and local health regulatory agency guidelines, we are restricting visitations in our community
except where required for medical care or by limited pre-approval by the community Executive Director
in order to protect our residents who are vulnerable to due to age and other medical conditions. We are
working with families and staff members to facilitate meaningful one-on-one or family group calls with
their loved ones via video messaging platforms. To schedule a video call with your loved one in our
community, please call (512) 436-0887.

Question 35

How long with the restrictions be in place at The Continental?

Accepted Answer

We are following state and federal guidelines for physical distancing and will resume normal
community visitation policies as soon as the guidelines recommend us doing so. We appreciate your
understanding during this time as we work together to protect our residents and staff.

Question 36

What types of accommodations does The Continental Retirement Community in Austin offer for independent living?

Accepted Answer

The Continental provides spacious 55+ apartments ranging from studio to two-bedroom layouts, featuring private bathrooms, sleeping quarters, and kitchenettes or kitchens depending on the floor plan.

Question 37

What amenities and services are included in the independent living monthly rent at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

The monthly rent includes utilities (except personal phone), 24/7 dining, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, transportation to appointments and local attractions, and access to community activities and amenities.

Question 38

How does independent living at The Continental differ from assisted living or nursing homes?

Accepted Answer

Independent living is for seniors who live independently with no personal care assistance, offering community-style living with amenities. Assisted living provides help with daily activities, while nursing homes provide skilled nursing care for residents needing medical assistance.

Question 39

Are pets allowed at The Continental's independent living community?

Accepted Answer

Yes, The Continental is pet-friendly, welcoming cats and dogs. Residents are responsible for pet care such as feeding, walking, and cleaning up after pets. Many communities also have dog parks or pet relief areas with waste bags.

Question 40

What transportation options are available to independent living residents at The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Residents can use community transportation for free rides to local doctors, pharmacies, grocery stores, and special events. They can also park personal vehicles on-site for free if they prefer to drive themselves.

Question 41

Can I visit The Continental Retirement Community anytime?

Accepted Answer

While drop-in visits are possible, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure staff availability and to experience activities like dining, games, or fitness classes during your visit.

Question 42

What are some nearby places of interest around The Continental Retirement Community in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Nearby places include Mental Health Resource of Texas hospital, Continental Retirement Community assisted living facility, Austin Tango Practica dance school, and Break Austin music and recreation venue, offering opportunities for health services and cultural activities.

Question 43

How might nearby health facilities support residents of The Continental?

Accepted Answer

Facilities such as Mental Health Resource of Texas and Tricity Pain Associates offer accessible counseling and pain management services. Residents benefit from close proximity and community transportation options for appointments.

Question 44

What entertainment and recreation options are nearby The Continental in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Nearby entertainment options like Austin Tango Practica, Break Austin music venue, and Balance Dance Studios offer dance classes, live music, and fitness activities, enriching residents' social and active lifestyles.

Question 45

Does The Continental provide opportunities to connect with current residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prospective residents can meet and speak with current residents during tours to learn about their experiences and get a feel for community life, including trying dining services and joining activities.

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