Frequently Asked Questions
About Independent Living
- Are pets permitted?
- Yes, dogs, cats, each weighing no more than 50 lbs, and birds are welcomed in Independent Living. Permission for more than two pets must be obtained from the Executive Director. Any pet-related damage is the responsibility of the resident.
- 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.
- Can I have DIRECTV® or other satellite dish service in Independent Living?
- The Residents’ Association has voted not to allow satellite dishes in the community for aesthetic reasons. Expanded basic Comcast Cable is provided to all residents at no additional charge and there are cable outlets in all units. Residents can upgrade their cable to Digital Cable and/or phone/internet to high speed DSL at their own expense.
- Are residents in the cottages permitted to have a garden?
- Absolutely! This is encouraged and is a popular resident activity. There is also a community garden residents may cultivate.
- What kind of heat is in the Independent Living cottages and apartments?
- Gas forced hot air.
- As a resident of Westminster Village, 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 community.
- 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.
- Is full payment of the residency investment fee required at the time of move in or can it be done in payments?
- The residency investment fee is made in 2 installments, prior to move-in.
- Should I have Long Term Care Insurance to move to Westminster Village?
- While not mandatory, Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance might help to cover the costs of Personal Care and Home Health Care services. Check the terms of your LTC policy.
- Can I upgrade my appliances, carpet, fixtures, etc.? Can I have my unit painted a different color? If yes, must I contract for the work myself or would it be done through Westminster Village?
- Upgrades, remodeling and additions to residents’ units must be presented in writing and, if approved, will be at the resident’s expense. Such upgrades will be priced out and given to the resident in writing and, upon agreement, will be performed by either Westminster Village or contracted out.
- Can I purchase housekeeping and maintenance services apart from or in addition to my monthly plan?
- Yes.
- Once a deposit has been made and I am placed on the waiting list, am I allowed to turn down a home that becomes available? Is there a limit to the number of times I can turn down a home without losing my deposit?
- The deposit remains good and can be applied toward the investment fee upon signing a contract. You can turn down any unit offered without losing your deposit or your place on the waiting list.
- 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 on our grounds. 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.
- Do I have to be a member of Westminster Village to be considered for admission to the Assisted Living residence?
- No. Our current residents, however, have priority should they need additional care. Call for availability.
- 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.
- How do you handle refunds when residents leave the community?
- Under both entrance fee plans, any refund is payable when the apartment or cottage has been vacated, the resident has permanently departed from all levels of care in the community, and when the apartment or cottage has been resold and reoccupied.
- 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.
