Questions Continued What are the benefits I receive as a result of paying an Entrance Fee?   The benefits of the Life Care concept are best illustrated when a resident requires assistance. Should your needs change, you'll be secure in the knowledge that high-quality supportive services and care are available in an attractive, professionally staffed environment for essentially the same cost as living in your residence. In this way, you may protect your assets from the potentially catastrophic costs associated with assisted living, nursing care and dementia care. Furthermore, you'll be better able to predict your monthly living expenses due to the Life Care benefit with only a minimal increase in the Monthly Service Fees, even when extraordinary health care costs are required.   The Entrance Fee assures residency, use of the common facilities, and the services and programs of the community. The Life Care benefit assures residents lifetime care in the Assisted Living Center and Health Care Center at a significant financial discount. Also, a portion of both the Entrance Fee and the Monthly Service Fee is recognized as a prepaid health care benefit and may be deductible for tax purposes. What is included in the Monthly Service Fee? Flexible meal programs (One meal per day is included in the fee.) All utilities, except telephone and cable TV 24-hour security staff, emergency call and response systems, and smoke detectors Weekly housekeeping services for apartment residents to include dusting, vacuuming and cleaning of kitchen and baths (twice-monthly for cottage residents) Weekly laundering and changing of apartment residents' bed and bath linens (twice-monthly for cottage residents) Laundry facilities in the main building for washing and drying personal laundry (New apartments have washers and dryers.) Maintenance of lawns, trees, landscaped areas, facilities, buildings and parking areas Scheduled transportation Activities including social, recreational, spiritual, educational and cultural opportunities, arts and crafts, bridge and other special-interest programs On-campus Health Care Center offering home care, emergency care, assisted living, nursing care and specialized care for dementia-related disorders at a minimal increase in the Monthly Service Fee through the Life Care benefit Use of the campus amenities, such as a welcoming entrance foyer, a spacious formal dining room, a private dining room, the Table Rock Lounge and rooftop terrace, a fitness area with exercise equipment, a beauty and barber shop, the arts and crafts room, meeting and activity spaces, including the library, card rooms, TV lounge, billiardÕs room and mezzanine lounge. Is the Monthly Service Fee fixed, or is it subject to change?   Monthly Service Fees are subject to change. They are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and management and may be adjusted based on actual operating costs. Grace Ridge will maintain its costs at the lowest level consistent with sound financial practices. Historically, annual increases approximate the annual cost of living and medical expenses, which affect the population of the area. A 60-day written notice is provided to all residents in advance of any Monthly Service Fee increase. Are any additional services available at additional cost?   Yes, additional services and programs are available to residents. Services available at additional cost include, but are not limited to, additional meals, guest meals, special transportation, home care services, barber and beauty shop services, catering for special resident parties, and other concierge-type services as are deemed appropriate by the management of the community. May I transfer from independent living to a health care level appropriate to my needs?   Yes, the ability to transfer to health care is an invaluable benefit for residents of a life care community such as Grace Ridge. How are transfer decisions to health care made, and by whom?   Grace Ridge agrees to transfer a resident to health care or another residence within the community after consultations with the resident, personal physician and a member of the family or designated representative (to the extent practical) have taken place.   Such a determination is based on the physical and mental health, and the safety of the resident. The decision to transfer a resident is made through consultation with the Medical Director, the Director of Nursing, the Administrator, and the family and resident's physician unless an immediate transfer is ordered or required for the safety of the resident. In the event of such a transfer, would a resident be asked to give up his/her residence?   Many of the stays in the Grace Ridge Health Care Center are temporary. Policies regarding moves and transfers at Grace Ridge are designed to enable residents to remain in their apartments and cottages as long as it is in the best interest of the safety and the well-being of the resident and the community. In the event of a need for hospitalization, most residents utilize nearby Grace Hospital for these services. Is there a Residents' Association?   Yes, the Grace Ridge Retirement Community Residents' Association is an active, integral part of the community. Our Association is instrumental in planning and interacting with management on many facets of campus life. Resident committees include decorating, planning and events, religious life, scholarship, library, and welcoming committees. The Association meets monthly and officers are elected annually. How do I become a resident?   Becoming a resident is an easy four-step process as shown below: Choose your preferred residence, make a refundable $1,000 Reservation Deposit and complete the application for residency; Within approximately 30 days, your application for residency will be reviewed; Following the review and approval of your application, the Residence and Services Agreement and a 10% deposit less a credit for the $1,000 Deposit will be due; When construction is complete, you can schedule your move to the community and pay the 90% balance of the Entrance Fee. What is my next step?   Today, more than ever before, people are recognizing the importance of planning ahead for retirement. Your next step is to schedule an appointment with our Marketing Director who will assist you in learning more about Grace Ridge so you can be the judge of our ability to meet your retirement needs. You may request an appointment or additional information by clicking on the email address for Grace Ridge and completing the coupon. Return to first question page.