CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Choosing a
Senior Living
Community
PART TWO
BY DIANA BRANNON
Part One of the “Choosing a Senior Living
Community” series appeared in the January/
February issue of Chester County Life. Part Two
of the series focuses on the different types of
senior living communities. Before Part Two is
presented, a synopsis of Part One is provided as
some helpful background.
140 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / March/April 2015
141
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
WAVERLY HEIGHTS
Improving the Quality of Life for Seniors
BY THOMAS GARVIN – PRESIDENT & CEO, WAVERLY HEIGHTS
Therapeutic recreation is an up-and-coming technique appearing in some
retirement communities, assisted living, and skilled nursing centers. Music, pet, and art interventions are just a few methods of therapeutic
recreation that can be used to positively impact the health and wellness
of seniors living in these settings. Programs like these can improve both physical and cognitive abilities by
rehabilitating and restoring functionality. “These activities are not only entertaining but it’s evident that they
improve the quality of life for residents, and that is what we strive to do,”
said Aurora Crew, the director of therapeutic recreation at the Waverly
Heights Health Care Center in Gladwyne, PA. Waverly Heights is one of the few
retirement communities that
offer continuous therapeutic
recreation programs to its
skilled nursing and personal
care residents seven days and
evenings a week. The team has
first-hand experience that
it’s working.
1400 Waverly Rd.; Gladwyne, PA;
610.645.8764; WaverlyHeightsLTD.org
Waverly Heights partnered with a local farm in order to give
residents the opportunity to handle a batch of eggs through the
hatching process. The simple act of petting an animal can produce
an increased sense of self-worth and an automatic relaxation
response, providing a non-invasive way to relieve stress.
WHITE HORSE VILLAGE
It can be very difficult to make the decision to move from a home where one
has lived many years. Fear of the unknown, a change in lifestyle, and downsizing
are all factors in the decision. Residents living at White Horse Village all made
that decision and took a GIANT LEAP into the “unknown” for a truly wonderful
adventure. White Horse Village is located on 96 acres of woods and meadows,
adjacent to Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County. Moving to White Horse Village is a celebration of life with many new friends to
meet and new talents to learn. There is a wonderful spirit at White Horse Village;
a fierce, creative energy; and talents of every description. Some of the activities
include: Audio/Visual, Blue Bird Trail, Closed Circuit TV, Computer Group, Cultural
Encounters, Extended Hand, Genealogy, Gift Corral, Fine Arts, Harvesters, Library,
Performing Arts, Quilters, Religious Activities, Stall, Village Singers, White Horse
Tales, and Woodshop. There is also a focus on fitness and wellness: swimming, croquet, bocce, biking, walking, swimming, exercise,
dance, shuffleboard, and a putting green. DO NOT WAIT! Make the move now while you are able to enjoy all the
services, amenities, programs, and enrichment activities
that a retirement community has to offer.
“I may not make it to heaven, but at least I’ve made it
to White Horse Village!” DR. ROBERT POOLE
“I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t say to myself:
I LOVE this place!” PETE LEE
535 Gradyville Rd.; Newtown Square, PA;
610.558.5791; WhiteHorseVillage.org
142 Chester County Life
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PART ONE SYNOPSIS
At some point, we all have to make plans
for the future, whether for ourselves or
someone we love. Should these plans include consideration of moving to a senior
living community, it’s important to educate yourself and take time to explore options. Many factors come into play with
this decision; and selecting the “best fit”
senior living community requires serious
planning. A good plan, whether formal
or informal, should incorporate logical
steps, a process. Begin by thoroughly
identifying all senior living needs, evaluate these needs, and then prioritize the
needs. Once needs are prioritized, then
develop specific objectives for achieving
each prioritized need. And finally, develop and implement a strategy (the how
to) for achieving objectives and satisfying
senior living needs.
A checklist of senior living needs is
an excellent place to start for assessing
needs. Reviewing a comprehensive list
virtually ensures that all needs are identified and then subsequently ranked in
terms of priority. A suggested checklist
is presented on page 114 of the January/
February issue of Chester County Life.
In addition to fully identifying specific senior living needs, understanding
trends in senior living communities is a
critical factor for consideration in the
planning and selection process. How
senior living communities stay abreast
of changing lifestyle, technology, social,
and environmental trends can make all
the difference in the world for fulfilling
a happy and satisfying retirement. A
number of the significant trends are presented on pages 110-112 of the January/
February issue.
The senior living planning and community selection process requires an understanding of the many types of senior
living communities available for consideration. Not all senior living communities are created equal. Communities vary
widely in terms of location and the level
and quality of programs, services, amenities, and features. And the cost of living
in a senior living community is a function
of these factors.
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING
COMMUNITY – PART TWO
The landscape of senior living communities is exceptionally diverse, and the
options seem infinite. To help cast light
on this landscape, there are essentially
four types of communities for consideration: Independent Living Communities, Assisted Living Communities,
Nursing Home Communities, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities
(CCRC).
Independent Living Communities are
designed for individuals who are generally in good health and do not need
professional assistance or supervision of
everyday activities such as housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, eating, bathing,
The Next Step in Senior Living Solutions
The Entry Fee Life Care Retirement Community is a concept rapidly growing in
popularity throughout the nation. Life Care communities charge an upfront payment,
or Entrance Fee, in exchange for long-term accommodations, as well as household
and health-related services. And as a Brookdale Life Care resident, you receive a
guarantee we will not terminate your residency contract if your financial resources are
exhausted through no fault of your own. This guarantee is subject to the terms of your
residency contract and applies only if your community provides accommodations and
health-related services applicable to the level of care you may require.
In addition, our community provides the following:
• Five-star healthcare rating
• Spacious condos with various amenities
• Planned events and outings with
transportation provided
• Gourmet dining in five dining rooms
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Indoor walking path
• Nine-hole putting green
• Partnership with Applecross Country Club
• Entire community newly refurbished
Come see if Freedom Village Brandywine and
the Life Care Guarantee are right for you.
To take the next step, schedule your personal visit
and join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Thank you for voting
us best retirement
community in
Chester County!
Call 1-877-371-6029 today.
Freedom Village Brandywine
A Life Care Community
15 Freedom Boulevard
West Brandywine, Pennsylvania 19320
brookdale.com
ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a Trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent & TM Office. 14-71181-2403-1214-LB
CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / March/April 2015
143
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES
For more than 30 years, Willow Valley Communities has
been dedicated to helping people pursue exceptional
lives. Our mission is simple: To inspire each person to
embrace the possibilities of a Life Lived Forward. We
are committed to innovative programming, operational excellence, and prudent financial practices. Our
communities provide the security of Life Care, which includes short- and long-term care at no additional cost.
And we’ve been recognized for our efforts. The National Association of Home Builders Best
of 50+ Housing Awards recognized Willow
Valley for Best Lifestyle, Best Dining,
and Best Fitness and Wellness Program. We have consistently received
“A” category ratings from Standard &
Poor’s, affirming our proven financial
stability. Our most important recognition, though, comes from the people
who live here.
450 Willow Valley Lakes Dr.;
Willow Street, PA; 717.464.6800;
WillowValleyCommunities.org
144 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
and dressing. Residents live in single
units (in many cases customized residential homes, condominiums, or apartments), are responsible for their own
daily schedules and care, come and go
from the community freely, and have a
large menu of amenities and activities to
choose from that are enjoyed by community members: maintenance-free living services, fitness centers, pools, spas,
golf, tennis, clubhouses, dining facilities,
game rooms, recreational facilities, organized community events and activities,
on-call 24/7 emergency medical services,
and more. Independent Living Communities are ideal for seniors who want to
minimize chores and maximize leisure
time and pursue recreational, social, and
cultural activities. Independent Living
Communities range in scope from the
luxurious, gracious living with all of the
amenities and services imaginable to the
basic, less luxurious communities with
more limited amenities and services.
Assisted Living Communities are designed for people who are generally free
of serious mobility, healthcare, or mental
issues, but need some basic services or
varying levels of supervised care. Residents may need help in managing certain
everyday activities: laundry, housekeeping, preparing meals, taking medications,
bathing, or dressing. Most residents re-
side in single units where staff members
help with daily activities and respond to
emergencies 24/7. Overall, seniors maintain an active lifestyle while family members have peace of mind knowing that
assistance and care of their loved ones
are in the hands of professionals. Many
Assisted Living Communities feature an
extensive array of amenities and services
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40 New Twin-Style Homes
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A Non-Denominational,
Not-for-Profit Continuing Care
Retirement Community
Five-Star Rated Healthcare
Pet Friendly
Newtown Square, PA 19073 • (610) 359-4425 • www.dunwoody.org
CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / March/April 2015
145
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
BARCLAY FRIENDS
Food Among Friends:
Dining in Style at Barclay Friends
Guided by Quaker values and focused on upholding
each resident’s independence and dignity, friends
become family at Barclay Friends Continuing Care
Community. But what does quality, compassionate
care look like at mealtime?
It’s all about choices when residents gather to dine in
casual, homelike spaces. Full kitchens, dining rooms,
and coffee bars are accessible at any time of the day
or night. Dining spaces offer warmly-lit sitting areas
with elegant columns and stone fireplaces. Open
kitchens with marble countertops and rich wood
accents beckon residents, family members, and staff to
commune in a comfortable, homelike environment.
These recently-renovated dining spaces reflect
Barclay Friends’ mission to follow a social, instead
of a medical, model and to be a leader in providing
person-centered care to older adults. Barclay Friends
offers Residential Living, Personal Care, Nursing Care,
and Post-Acute Rehabilitation.
Photo credit: ©Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.
700 N. Franklin St.; West Chester, PA;
610.696.5211; BF.Kendal.org
DUNWOODY VILLAGE
Dunwoody Village offers a wide variety
of exceptional living options in a
picturesque, wooded setting. With its
convenient location in Newtown Square,
Dunwoody is just a short walk away from
shopping, and offers easy access to the
Main Line and Center City, Philadelphia.
Fourteen acres have been selected as
the site of our Penrose Carriage Homes.
These spacious twin-style homes are
designed for discerning adults who
want a vibrant lifestyle as well as the
security of Life Care. With distinctive
features including open floor plans, gas
fireplaces, and two-car garages, these
homes offer single-level living with all
the comforts of home and none of the
chores! As a financially stable, not-forprofit community, Dunwoody has a 40
year tradition of serving seniors. A choice
of three entrance fee options means that
you may choose a payment plan that
best suits your needs.
3500 West Chester Pike;
Newtown Square, PA; 610.359.4438;
Dunwoody.org
146 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
Penrose Carriage Homes may be the
perfect way to enhance your lifestyle
while maintaining the privacy and
freedom you desire.
Front view of a twin-style Penrose
Carriage Home at Dunwoody Village
Innovation
has always been at the heart of Willow Valley Communities’ success.
With the opening of The Clubhouse, Willow Valley
breaks through convention to create something that
once again helps redefine senior living. Every amenity in
this 30,000-square-foot building illustrates the spirit of
“agelessness” that guides the philosophy of development
at Willow Valley. The building is also a reflection of
our organization’s commitment to intergenerational
engagement. The Clubhouse opens a new world of
possibilities for those who live at Willow Valley and creates
a spirit of vibrancy compelling to people of all ages.
866.593.3950 | WillowValleyCommunities.org | Lancaster, PA
Life Lived Forward
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
such as: a variety of dining options and
venues; apartments fitted with the latest wireless technologies; fitness centers;
pools and spas; recreational activities;
continuing education and cultural programs; entertainment; social events and
activities; high-tech movie theaters and
game rooms; wonderful outdoor living
spaces; private and group transportation
to local attractions, shopping centers,
organized outings and trips, and medical appointments; physical therapy; and
short-term rehabilitation. Assisted Living
Communities are ideal for seniors who
need some basic levels of daily care; want
to pursue recreational, social, and cultural activities; and need to eliminate the
expense and stress of owning and main-
Retire the ordinary.
THE HICKMAN FRIENDS SENIOR
COMMUNITY OF WEST CHESTER
TM
We see retirement differently. Retirement frees you to continue
to use the skills and talents God has blessed you with to do
something fruitful like volunteering, mentoring and connecting
to others. Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community
provides the foundation for that to happen.
By blending your gifts with those of the friends you have at
Quarryville, you can take something ordinary and create
something irresistible—a life-changing difference
in your life and the lives of others.
Call
888-786-7331
We call this extraordinary living.
today to receive a
FREE
copy of J. I. Packer’s
book, Finishing
Our Course
With Joy.
625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA 17566
888-786-7331 | quarryville.com |
/QuarryvilleRetirement
148 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
The Hickman Friends Senior Community
of West Chester has been providing
exceptional personal care in Chester
County and the surrounding area for
nearly 125 years. Founded by two
Quaker women in 1891, we provide
individualized care and assistance to older
adults who seek a safe and affordable
living environment. The Hickman is
conveniently located in the heart of
historic West Chester, within walking
distance of banks, the post office, various
art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Our close proximity to institutions such
as West Chester University, Chester
County Historical Society, Chester
County Hospital, and Chester County
Library provides ample opportunities
for community interaction, as well as
cultural and educational stimulation
and entertainment. Life at The Hickman
is a unique blend of opportunity for
continued vitality, coupled with services
and support. Residents, families, and
visitors enjoy community spaces, as well as
the porches and patios on our beautifully
landscaped grounds. 400 N. Walnut St.; West Chester, PA;
484.760.6300; TheHickman.org
taining a home. When safety becomes a
big concern for seniors and their families,
Assisted Living Communities become the
ideal option for senior living. Communities range in scope from the luxurious,
gracious living with extensive amenities
and services to the basic, less luxurious
communities with most of the services
required, but limited amenities. Private
funds (income from employment and investments, etc., savings, Social Security
benefits, and financial assistance from
organizations and family members) pay
the cost of living in Assisted Living Communities. Essentially, public funds do not
cover the costs of living in these communities.
Nursing Home Communities provide
care for seniors with chronic illnesses,
limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily living activities. Nursing homes
are staffed with doctors, nurses, and
certified assistants. These professionals
provide 24/7 medical care and a wide
range of specialty medical services: pain
management, physical therapy, speech
therapy, rehabilitation, etc. Some homes
incorporate special units for providing Alzheimer’s care and other types of
dementia. Many homes feature core
medical equipment present in clinics and
hospitals. Staffs are trained to manage
emergencies and refer residents to nearby
hospitals to handle acute conditions as
needs arise. When it comes to nursing
care, funding is through private funds,
insurance with long-term care policies,
Medicare, Medicaid, and assistance
through a multitude of state and local
programs and funds.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) feature independent
living, assisted living/personal care, and
nursing care in one general location so
residents can remain in the same area as
living, housing, and care needs change.
Many CCRCs offer a variety of housing
options: single dwelling homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments,
as well as many different floor plans and
venues. Continuing care offers several
levels of care ranging from the very basic to the all-inclusive. CCRCs are ideal
Fit for Life at
White Horse Village
A Full Service Retirement Community!
Balance your time between wellness programs, a variety
of nutritious dining options and social engagements
that will stimulate your mind, preserve well-being,
and nourish your spirit! From comfortable
one-bedroom apartments to stylish
villas, you will find the perfect
fit for your lifestyle.
610.558.5000
WhiteHorseVillage.org
535 Gradyville Rd. • Newtown Square, PA
CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / March/April 2015
149
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
QUARRYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community located in southern Lancaster
County. The list of what to love about Quarryville goes way beyond our ideal location, great value, and Christ-centeredness. You
will also discover a magnificent setting, spacious apartments, award-winning cottages, too-numerous-to-list amenities, and
outstanding medical care. But most impressive is our commitment to helping each resident live life to the fullest. We view retirement as an opportunity to do something extraordinary. You can retire the ordinary things in life – like the lawn mower, the snow
shovel, and the rake. But you never retire from pursuing your interests, building relationships, and spending time with family and
friends. Quarryville’s maintenance-free living provides the foundation for you to engage in what matters most – extraordinary
living! Stop by and see for yourself. Retire the ordinary. Live the Extraordinary!
625 Robert Fulton Hwy.; Quarryville, PA; 888.786.7331; Quarryville.com
150 Chester County Life
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Downingtown,PA
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(484)364-3861
364-3861 •• www.simpsonmeadows.org
www.simpsonmeadows.org
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
when staying in the same location is a
priority, long-term care is on the horizon, and spouses desire to remain very
close to one another if one spouse needs
higher levels of care. Each community
features a certain plan or program. Some
communities, for example, are a life
care community and require a one-time
entrance fee plus a monthly charge and
will provide care for residents the rest of
their life. Some communities, as another
example, are a fee-for-service community
and require a lease signing, and residents
pay for services that they specifically use.
While other communities, for example,
may require a property purchase and offer the purchase of discounted healthcare
benefits and guarantee a certain percent-
age of life care. A range of entry programs and services are frequently offered
by CCRCs. These may include physical
moving services; payment for moving
expenses or waiver of certain entry fees;
selecting or hiring of experienced real
estate agents to sell your home; special
arrangements with banks that offer low
interest loans and bridge loans; and in
some cases the actual purchase of your
home.
CLOSING
I have visited and observed many wonderful senior living communities throughout the region. In doing so, I have walked
away with three lasting impressions. We
are very fortunate to have so many excellent, convenient choices at our doorstep. It’s not surprising given the natural
beauty of our region, and the fact we are
centered in the wealthiest area of Pennsylvania, and nationally, in the top 25. A
second memorable impression is that the
152 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
FREEDOM VILLAGE BRANDYWINE
Peace of mind today, tomorrow, and always
– With the ever-increasing rise in healthcare
costs and longer life expectancies, outliving
one’s assets is a legitimate concern for many.
As a Life Care Community, Freedom Village
Brandywine offers a complete continuum
of care for the rest of your life, including
independent living, assistive senior living,
memory care, and skilled nursing care. For
an initial entrance fee and a monthly service
fee, Freedom Village residents enjoy priority
access to quality healthcare services – all
conveniently located on the same campus.
This innovative approach provides the
answer for a growing number of adults
who want to enjoy an enriching and active
lifestyle now, while enjoying the confidence
that comes with knowing that they’ve
successfully planned for their future. It all
adds up to peace of mind you won’t find
just anywhere.
15 Freedom Blvd.; West Brandywine, PA;
484.288.2600; Brookdale.com
150787 BF CC Medicine Ad.indd 1
CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / March/April 2015 153
1/22/15 11:02 AM
CHOOSING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
residents of our senior living communities
embody the talent, energy, and heart of so
many spirited people. These are individuals who have contributed significantly
and continue to add to the growth, culture, and rich heritage of the Delaware
Valley. And a third lasting impression is
the remarkable, professional staffs who
attend to the needs of seniors throughout the many magnificent communities
across the region. These extraordinary
professionals are highly dedicated and
take great pleasure and reward by helping others.
At some point, we all have to make
plans for the future, whether for ourselves or someone we love. Most seniors
and their families want and need choices.
Should these plans include consideration
of moving to a senior living community,
it’s important to educate yourself and
take time to explore options. Many factors come into play with this decision; and
selecting the “best fit” senior living community requires serious planning. CCL
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400 North Walnut Street, West Chester, PA • 484.760.6300 • www.thehickman.org
400 North Walnut Street, West Chester, PA • 484.760.6300 • www.thehickman.org
154 Chester County Life
/ CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM
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well-lived. Of course, if there’s a chef in you, you’ll enjoy
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2000 Greenbriar Lane • West Grove, PA 19390
866.997.8542 • www.jennerspond.org
2000 Greenbriar Lane • West Grove, PA 19390
866.997.8542 • www.jennerspond.org
Affiliated with Simpson Senior Services