Willow Valley embodies the best of all worlds for today’s savvy seniors: a dynamic and imaginative retirement lifestyle rich with opportunities and conveniences. The following is designed to give you answers to questions about retirement living, Lifecare and continuing care retirement communities.

Q: What is Lifecare?
A: We believe lifecare retirement living is one of the best bargains in all of senior housing. You live in your own apartment home or villa with all the services and amenities Willow Valley offers, enjoying the vital lifestyle. Should your healthcare needs change, you have the security and assurance of on-site nursing care, assisted living and memory support services at no additional charge. Willow Valley is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), meaning that all services are provided on-campus, as well as being a Lifecare community. Not all CCRCs are lifecare. Many provide additional services only for an additional fee.

The Lifecare program, like any long-term care insurance policy, provides freedom, security and peace-of-mind about any future healthcare changes, should they occur.

Q: What does “Supportive Living services” mean?
A: These services include assisted living, nursing care and memory support or dementia care. Willow Valley has several communities serving the supporting living needs of our Residents: on the Manor Campus, The Glen and Arbor View and on the Lakes Campus, Lakeside and Spring Run Assisted Living. Care at all communities includes 24-hour assistance for Residents from our professional staff, three meals a day, preventive, emergency and extended care.

Q: How does a Lifecare community differ from living in my own home?
A: A lifecare community is your home; one that you can be proud to live in. You may choose the size and floor plan that is perfect for you and decorate to your taste with all your favorite things.

Q: How does the cost of Lifecare compare to the cost of living at home?
A: If our Residents were still living in a home they owned, they could not receive the same services for the prices they pay at Willow Valley because we purchase products and services in volume and pass the savings along to our Residents. Many Residents carried long-term care insurance before they moved to Willow Valley. The nursing services available here make this expensive precaution unnecessary, saving our Residents worry and money.

Q: What is the entrance fee, and what does it cover?
A: Your entrance fee purchases a lifelease on an apartment home or villa of your choosing. There are a variety of entrance fee refund options, including a plan that offers a guaranteed minimum refund of 90 percent.

Q: What does the monthly service fee cover?
A: Your monthly fee pays for an array of services and activities, including: two delicious meals daily, special diet or tray service as needed; housekeeping service; linen service; 24-hour security; water, electricity, heating and air conditioning; professional lawn and landscaping services; regularly scheduled transportation; heated indoor pool and spa; free parking for you and your guests; preventive healthcare services; nursing care if ever needed; all social and recreational activities, planned by a full-time Activities Facilitator; and membership to various Wellness Programs.

Q: Is any portion of the monthly fee tax deductible?
A: Yes. Portions of both fees allocated to healthcare have been ruled an acceptable tax deduction by the Internal Revenue Service. Please consult your personal tax advisor for details.

Q: Will my investment in a Willow Valley community be secure?
A: Willow Valley Retirement Communities, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) corporation, was established in 1982, and has a solid financial track record. State regulations and prudent loan requirements are strictly adhered to. Any new development will be adequately presold to qualified applicants prior to construction, as has been the case in all phases of Willow Valley.
The long-term operating budget has additional funds factored in to create safety reserves that guarantee the maintenance of each community at the highest quality level. In keeping with our policy of full disclosure, annual Disclosure Statements are provided every Resident. Our communities are so financially strong that we are able to maintain A-category credit worthiness ratings from both Fitch and Standard and Poors.

Q: Willow Valley Retirement Communities is a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation. What does that mean?
A: Financial operations of non-profit entities are governed by the Internal Revenue Code. Simply put, Willow Valley does not operate to gain profits. All dollars generated are invested back into Willow Valley for the benefit of our Residents, and reserves create a safety cushion that is critical to providing responsible fiscal management.

Q: Who decides when a Resident must move permanently to the healthcare center?
A: Such a decision is made only after extensive consultation with you, your personal physician, your family, the Willow Valley Medical Director and the community administration. We’d also like you to know that our healthcare centers have a reassuring 75 percent rate of returning Residents to their own apartment home after receiving care. Few other skilled care providers can match this impressive discharge-to-home rate.

Q: If a spouse moves permanently to the healthcare center, does the other partner have to leave Willow Valley?
A: Absolutely not. If you or your spouse must move into one of the Supportive Living communities, the other spouse may remain in your apartment home at no additional cost to you. Because of this arrangement, visits are very convenient, disruption is limited, easing stress during what can be a stressful time.

Q: I want to leave as much as I can for my children. Does Lifecare make sense for me?
A: One of the most important benefits of Lifecare is that nursing care is included at no additional cost for as long as a Resident should need such care. This is very important since today’s nursing costs can run from $35,000 to well over $100,000 a year. It often takes little time to completely deplete one’s finances. But with Lifecare, your assets are preserved and the accompanying peace of mind for you and your family is priceless.

Q: Do Residents have a voice in the operation of Willow Valley?
A: Yes. The Willow Valley Residents’ Council has a strong relationship with the community’s Board of Directors. Regular meetings are held to keep Residents informed of the community’s well-being, and Resident committees have direct contact with department heads and administrators to express ideas and concerns. Our Resident Task Force had direct input into the planning of our new Cultural Center and its arts and wellness components.

Q: Must I participate in activities?
A: The choice is always up to you. Your participation is welcomed, but your privacy is also respected. The variety of activities is so diverse, that nearly everyone finds something of interest. Many of our Residents thrive on the growth and excitement that comes with our programs and activities.

Q: May I have guests in the dining room? Can they stay overnight?
A: Of course. Guests are welcome to share meals with you in any of the Willow Valley dining rooms for a minimal fee. Guests may stay in your apartment, or if you prefer, overnight guest rooms are available at a nominal charge.

Q: What happens when I travel?
A: Travel becomes even more enjoyable when you know that your home and belongings are safe and well attended to. If you are gone more than a week, you will also be given a credit for missed meals.

Q: How do I make a reservation for a Willow Valley home?
A: A selected residence is reserved with a refundable deposit amounting to ten percent of your entrance fee, plus a non-refundable $250 per person processing fee.

Q: Is there a waiting list, and if so, how does it work?
A: Willow Valley Retirement Communities’ Platinum Program is designed for prospective Residents desiring apartments/town homes/villas not currently available. A $5,000 per person refundable deposit, along with a $250 non-refundable application fee, is required to enroll. Additionally, an application for preliminary financial approval is requested. There is a significant benefit to members of the Platinum Program. As preferred residences become available and Platinum Program Members are notified, a $5,000 per person entry fee discount applies! Contact a Sales Counselor at 1-800-770-5445 for details.

Q: I’m interested in Willow Valley, what should I do now?
A: If you are considering becoming a Resident of Willow Valley, we invite you to call us at 1-800-770-5445 for more information or to arrange for a personal tour of Willow Valley.

Call our beautiful Welcome Center toll-free at 800-770-5445 or locally at 717-464-6800.