FAQ

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are residential communities that offer a long-term contract to provide a continuum of care—from private apartments to assisted living and then skilled-nursing care, all in one location. CCRCs offer seniors a fulfilling lifestyle, coupled with the assurance that extra assistance and health care will be provided as needed.

What levels of care are provided at a continuing care retirement community?

Three levels of accommodations and services are offered: residential living, assisted living and nursing care.

What is residential living?

Residential living has been designed to support full, comfortable lifestyles for older adults. It provides you with those necessary services that free you from heavy housekeeping, food preparation, yard work and maintenance chores.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is for those residents who require help with the activities of daily living, but do not need nursing care. Friendly, trained staff members are available 24-hours a day to help with meals, dressing, personal hygiene and medications.

What is the minimum age for residency?

The minimum age for residency is 62.

How do I know if Park Shore is right for me?

Choosing a retirement community is a big decision requiring careful thought and investigation. We welcome you to visit Park Shore, meet our residents, view our apartments and even enjoy a complimentary lunch. If you like what you see, our Admissions Director will thoroughly explain the costs and benefits of making a move to Park Shore. As part of our admissions process, we will review your finances and help you determine whether you have adequate resources to support your move. We’ll also review your medical history and determine whether a continuing care retirement community is a good fit for you at this time.

I’m intrigued by Park Shore, but I’m not ready to give up my home. When is the right time to move?

We understand that it’s hard to make a big move like this, especially when you are settled in a house you love. However, your good health is your best assurance of entrance. If you wait until you need assistance, it may be too late to qualify for residency. We strongly recommend getting on the Waiting List for Park Shore well before you think you need to move. Our Admissions Director will contact you as units become available, and you can reassess your situation. Many of our residents are so thrilled once they make the move to Park Shore that they wish they had done it sooner.

Isn't continuing care expensive?

If security and stability are important to you, then your investment will prove to be extremely efficient. When you consider that continuing care may offer you the ability to enjoy a more active retirement than if you lived alone, and that your changing needs can be met through assisted living and nursing care on site, continuing care can be a prudent, efficient use of your income and assets. In fact, if you have an average retirement income and own a home, you will probably qualify for residency.

Will my monthly fee change?

Because the monthly fee is related to the services offered, it will vary according to your level of care, unit size and number of people living in the apartment. The monthly fee is also subject to increases.

What if my financial situation changes and I can no longer afford the monthly service fees?

Aside from the desirable locations of our communities, many residents choose a PRCN residence for the financial security it offers. If a resident exhausts his or her financial resources, through no fault of his or her own, and is unable to pay the monthly service fees, confidential assistance is available. No resident under a continuing care contract is discharged because of an inability to pay. It is this peace of mind that attracts most people to a continuing care retirement community.

What if I change my mind?

The Residency Agreement provides for an opportunity to change one's mind either prior to or during a trial period after moving in. Partial refunds on Entrance Fees are provided if a resident passes away within two years of occupancy, or if the resident decides to move out of Park Shore within approximately eight years.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. Park Shore welcomes cats, birds and fish.

What is your smoking policy?

Park Shore is a non-smoking community. Applicants must state in writing that they are non-smokers; that is, they cannot be smokers who refrain from smoking while in the community or their individual apartments. Park Shore staff members may smoke, but only in very specific, designated areas.

Do I have to be Presbyterian to live in a PRCN community?

No. All PRCN communities are non-sectarian and non-discriminatory, and are enjoyed by all individuals regardless of faith or personal convictions.