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Frequently Asked Questions

Someone else’s question may help your situation so we thought it best to share what questions we hear most. Of course if you have a specific question, contact us any day of the week.

What are the entrance fee and monthly rent?

There is a one-time nominal community fee payable at the time of move-in. The monthly senior living rent is personalized based on level of care needed and the accommodations you select so you pay only for the care you need. Our team can review your individual needs, apartment style preferences and availability any day of the week and even show you these lifestyle options on a personalized visit.


Is the cost covered by Medicare?

Costs for living in retirement living communities are not covered by Medicare as they are “private pay” (the resident is responsible for payment). Only a portion of 24-hour nursing home care is covered. Ecumenical is not a skilled nursing facility.


Do you allow pets to live in residents’ apartments?

We certainly do—it’s the resident’s home, after all. For as long as the resident can care safely for the pet, we welcome your beloved family members. We recognize there may be a time when you will be away or no longer able to provide care alone. That’s why we created our Pet Care Program to support your pet caregiving. Just as we provide individualized services for our residents, we offer a care plan for your pet.


What is the difference between a personal care community and a nursing home?

As recently as the mid-1980s, the limited options for seniors needing assistance were living with a family member or living in a skilled nursing facility. There was really no place for a senior who needed some assistance with dressing, bathing and meals but did not need an around-the-clock nursing home care. For many high functioning seniors who live with some challenges, living in nursing homes with lower functioning residents can be counterproductive.

In many cases, living in a personal care home like Ecumenical Retirement Community will focus on a resident’s strengths and abilities. In other words, focus on what tasks the resident still can do on his or her own rather than emphasizing those areas in which the resident can’t.


What are things I should look for when looking for a retirement living community?

There are several criteria residents and their family should take into consideration when evaluating a retirement living community. We recommend playing close attention to:

  • Cost – What’s included? And what’s not?
  • Location – Is it convenient for family and friends to visit me?
  • Cleanliness – Is the facility clean and free of unpleasant odors?
  • Dining – Does the food taste good and is there a choice of entrees?
  • Atmosphere – Is it an attractive setting and well maintained?
  • Assistance – How much assistance is available and how do you determine what is needed?
  • Access to Medical Staff – Is there a nursing staff onsite 24 hours a day?
  • Continuation of Service – Will the facility or campus be able to continue caring for me (and my spouse) as our healthcare needs change?
  • Activities – Are there daily activities in which I would enjoy participating offered throughout the week?

Be sure to visit at different times, on different days and bring others whose opinion you trust. You should feel welcome and at ease as you would in any friend’s home.


How do I know when it's time for personal care?

If you or someone you love is finding it increasingly difficult to manage daily routines, you are not alone. Personal care services typically are recommended when an older adult requires occasional or on-going support with daily activities or routines. A supportive living environment with access to qualified caregivers can make a world of difference to individuals with a goal to retain as much of their independence as possible.

Evaluate if you or your loved one is having challenges with any of these areas:

  • Medical visits (frequent doctors’ visits, replying on others to take you, recent falls, recent hospital admissions)
  • Medication management (difficulty filling prescriptions, hard to interpret pharmacist’s instructions, missed dosages)
  • Meal preparation (difficulty planning meals or cooking, skipping meals, challenging to grocery shop)
  • Driving abilities (lack of confidence due to hearing, vision or walking issues, recent auto accident)
  • Home responsibilities (overwhelmed with paying bills or managing bank account, difficulty performing chores, feeling fearful or anxious when alone)
  • Personal connections (have given up favorite activities, relying more on others for help)

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