The Oberon is a special place individuals and families come when a loved one needs a safe and comfortable living arrangement. Following are a number of questions we're often asked.

"I'm looking for a place for my mother, tell me a little about The Oberon."

The Oberon started out as a small personal care boarding home in 1987. Jack and Catherine Brunel, the first operators, took great pride in providing for Arvada's elderly. In 1994, they started Lifetime Associates in order to realize a dream of creating an assisted living facility that could serve as a model for excellence. From three residents, the Oberon grew to six, then to fourteen. Now, on the original grounds where Jack and Catherine Brunel began ten years ago, the new Oberon is licenced to serve 61 residents. The emphasis is on providing the best quality of life possible for the frail elderly. This means providing a high quality basic package that includes meals, assistance with the activities of daily living, a warm, comfortable and attractive environment, and a social cohesion that comes as a result of participating in the activities and social settings provided. More than the basic package, The Oberon's management recognizes that each resident is an individual with specific needs, likes, and dislikes. We pride ourselves on the quality of our individual plans of care.

"How do I know that the Oberon is appropriate for mom or dad?"

Medically trained staff will, with the input of the applicant's primary care physician, assess your family member to determine if assisted living is necessary, and whether the Oberon is able to meet the individual's care needs. We attempt to work with the family well before admission to help answer this question. We understand and will assist in the transition from living in one's own home to living with assistance at the Oberon.

"What about cost? What if mom spends her savings while she is here?"

The Oberon practices sound financial management to keep rates low, and reserves nearly 25% of its units for financially challenged individuals. We are licensed by the State of Colorado to accept Medicaid residents and will assist in the process of applying for and receiving those benefits. Of course, if you enter the Oberon as a private pay individual and spend down until Medicaid benefits are necessary to stay, we will work with you to avoid unnecessary moves.

"What should I look for in an assisted living facility?"

Look for an assisted living facility that offers those programs and services that can meet the functional and socail needs of your family member. The Oberon is a moderate sized facility that provides the amenities and services of larger facilities yet retains the small personal care boarding home feel. Does the location provide access to the community, local markets and health care centers? Is the home in a safe neighborhood? Is the environment attractive, well-maintained and handicapped accessible? Is the food nutritional, varied, and good tasting? Does the atmosphere feel good when you walk through the door? Are the staff well-trained, friendly, and helpful? We believe that the Oberon offers satisfactory answers to all of these questions. Come and talk to us. We'll answer any specific questions you may have.

"What if my family member needs hospitalization and then after discharge, some rehabilitation?"

The Oberon works closely with the best home health agencies in the area. Upon a doctor's recommendation, the agency of your choice, or one that we know and trust, will come to the Oberon and conduct physical and occupational therapy in the comfort and privacy of your family member's own "home". Often this is paid for under the resident's Medicare benefits. We are knowledgeable about Medicare benefits and will help you access all the benefits to which you are entitled.

"What will happen to my family member as she/he ages in place?"

The phenomenon referred to as aging in place is not uncommon to seasoned operators. At the Oberon, we recognize the necessity for a flexible program of programs and services that continue to be tailored to the changing needs of all residents. Our professional staff are trained to appreciate and adapt to these changing needs. Functional and cognitive needs assessments are done regularly to update the care plan to appropriately address and adequately meet the needs of our residents.