Frequently Asked Questions
About Independent Living
- Are pets permitted?
- Yes, pets that are no larger than 20 pounds are welcomed. As stated in the contract, any pet-related damage is the responsibility of the resident. There is a one-time, non-refundable $500 fee.
- Is there a minimum age for residency?
- Yes, residents must be at least 55.
- Is smoking permitted?
- Presbyterian Senior Living communities are committed to providing a healthy environment for both residents and staff. Residents, employees, visitors, vendors, contractors and volunteers are not permitted to use any tobacco products on our properties. We are pleased to join many other organizations that have taken this step and are reaping the benefits of a healthier environment.
- May an overnight guest visit?
- Guests are always welcome.
- Is there a waiting list?
- Please call for our current availability.
- Can I have DIRECTV® or other satellite dish service in Independent Living?
- Satellite dishes are not used in the community for aesthetic reasons. Cable TV hookup is provided.
- What kind of heat is in the Independent Living apartments?
- Gas forced hot air.
- Do you permit hunting weapons or heirloom firearms?
- Liability is an issue regarding the storing or the displaying of weapons on site. Guns and other weapons may not be retained or stored in Independent Living. Collector weapons on display may be displayed providing that they are certified as not being able to be fired.
- Are criminal background checks conducted?
- We are committed to the safety of all of our residents. Criminal background checks have historically been routinely conducted for all staff prior to hiring. In addition, criminal background checks are conducted during the application process for independent living residents to identify felony convictions which may interfere with the health, safety and right to peaceful enjoyment of other community residents.
- As a resident of Westminster Village’s Independent Living community, what kind of insurance should I have to protect my personal possessions? Renter’s Insurance? What about other insurances?
- You need Renter’s Insurance for the amount of your personal property. In addition, you should retain your health, liability, auto, and life insurance, just as though you were living outside of a retirement village.
- Are there additional costs/fees other than the monthly fees, cost to move in and telephone bill? Any hidden fees similar to condo or maintenance fees?
- There are no hidden charges. Naturally, if a resident chooses to upgrade appliances, paint a room or entire residence or make other interior or exterior changes to the unit, outside normal wear and tear and repair for which Westminster Village is responsible, the resident would need approval for such changes from our Executive Director and would be billed accordingly.
- Are the monthly fees fixed for a set period of time or permanent? What criteria determine any increases?
- Monthly service fees can increase annually (normally January of each year) and increases reflect operational cost increases, such as utilities, liability insurance, employee health insurance, etc.
- Is full payment of the residency entrance fee required at the time of move in or can it be done in payments? Is financing available?
- 35% is required at the time the contract is signed. Balance is due at move in. You may wish to obtain a bridge loan from your bank.
- Once a deposit has been made and I am placed on the waiting list, am I allowed to turn down an apartment that becomes available? Is there a limit to the number of times I can turn down an apartment without losing my priority on the waiting list?
- Yes, you can turn down an apartment that becomes available. The deposit remains good and can be applied toward the entrance deposit upon signing a contract. You can turn down any unit offered without losing your place on the waiting list.
- How do you assess my ongoing needs?
- We meet with each person when he or she joins our community to identify their unique health and wellness needs. We then meet periodically so that we are able to take advantage of every opportunity to promote wellness, safety and as much independence as possible.
- Must I be Presbyterian or a member of a Presbyterian Church to be accepted for admission?
- No. As a Presbyterian Senior Living Community, we enjoy the strength and stability of an organization that has served seniors for more than 80 years. Caring for people is not just our job – it’s our calling. It is our policy to admit and treat all residents without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, religious creed, handicap or disability.
- What makes Presbyterian Senior Living Communities different?
- Presbyterian Senior Living Communities have the strength of a relatively large organization and the financial resources to provide the security that older adults expect from an organization that promises to be there for as long as needed. Our individual communities, however, offer a range of sizes and reflect our commitment to the personal touch. They are places where the staff can know each resident as an individual, and where residents’ likes and dislikes are recognized and accommodated whenever possible. Being not-for-profit gives our organization the freedom to concentrate on the needs of residents first. While for-profit corporations have the dual responsibility of providing care for residents, as well as satisfying the needs of investors, we can remain more sharply focused on meeting the needs of residents. We believe that the ability to express these higher values also enables us to attract employees and volunteers with similar values.
- What happens if you are with us longer than your resources last?
- No one has ever been asked to leave the Presbyterian Senior Living system of care because they had outlived their resources. There is, however, an application process, which requires that eligibility for Medical Assistance and other third-party reimbursements be maintained. Divesting assets through gifts, trusts, or in other ways could disqualify you for this assistance or result in a longer time period before which you would qualify. We have an unwavering history of keeping our commitment to the people we serve.
- How do you handle refunds when residents leave the community?
- Under all entrance plans, any refund is payable when the apartment has been vacated, the resident has permanently departed from all levels of care in the community, and when the apartment has been resold and reoccupied.
