FAQ: About Cornwall Manor – A Continuing Care Retirement Community
Q. What is a continuing care retirement community?
A. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a community that offers individuals ages 60 and over the choice of residential living in homes and/or apartments as well as health services including personal care and skilled nursing care.
Q. I am in good health. Why would I move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
A. The best time to move to a continuing care community is BEFORE you need health care. There are many aspects of a community like Cornwall Manor in addition to the availability of health care –such as maintenance including grass cutting, snow removal and appliance repair; transportation, dining – and best of all – the opportunity to live in a community where you are free to pursue your passions and interests.
Q. Do I own the home or apartment at Cornwall Manor?
A. No- residents pay an entrance fee which is determined by the type of residence. There are refund plans that allow up to 50% of the entrance fee to be used for future health care or else it is refunded to the estate after the resident’s death.
Q. Is living at Cornwall Manor more expensive than living in my home?
A. The monthly fees for apartments and homes vary depending on the type of residence. When you compare what is included in the monthly fee at Cornwall Manor (utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, security, transportation, property taxes, trash removal, fitness center membership, use of common space, walking trails and much more), residents find that the cost is very comparable to living at home- without the worry or headache of having to hire someone to do repairs, shovel snow or mow grass.
Q. What happens if my money runs out?
A. Cornwall Manor is a not-for-profit community with the mission of providing not only housing and health care –but also “benevolent care” for residents who have limited or depleted assets or income after becoming residents. We have an Endowment Fund of $30 million dollars that is used to provide financial assistance to residents who need it.
Q. There are so many retirement communities- how do I decide which is the best one for me?
A. The best way to decide what community is the best “fit” is to visit the community- and talk to not only the staff but residents as well. Attend activities, eat in the dining room, tour the personal care and skilled nursing areas, and even spend a night or two to really get a feel for the community. At Cornwall Manor we have guest accommodations for just that purpose. And most of all – ask questions! Read our guide to learn more.
Q. Who owns Cornwall Manor?
A. Cornwall Manor is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that is historically related to the Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. We have a 12-member board of trustees who are responsible for the governance and administration of Cornwall Manor. There is a Residents Association that works together with the management staff in areas pertaining to programs and services for all residents.
Q. I have lived in my home for so long – how can I possibly do all of the things involved with packing and moving?
A. Moving from a home you have lived in for a long time can be overwhelming. At Cornwall Manor we have experts who can assist you with every phase of your move – from packing and downsizing, to getting a mover, to even planning your furniture placement and how to get rid of your “stuff.” We have many residents who look at this as an opportunity to start over- and buy new furniture!
Q. Are pets allowed at Cornwall Manor?
A. Cornwall Manor is “pet-friendly.” We know how important pets are, so cats are welcome in both apartments and homes, and dogs are welcome in homes and first floor apartments that have patios and direct access outside.
Q. My spouse may need more care than I can give – can we both still live at Cornwall Manor?
A. The advantage of living at a continuing care community like Cornwall Manor is that there is health care available for various levels of need and assistance. Couples can live in a house or apartment and have some extra help through home health aides. In some cases, one spouse may need the care that is provided in personal care or the health center (skilled nursing) and the other spouse lives in a house or apartment close by.
Q. What is the difference between a community that is “fee for service” and one that is “life care”?
A. Cornwall Manor is a “fee for service” community, which means that health care provided in either the personal care or skilled nursing setting is not charged unless a resident needs it. “Life care” communities anticipate that residents will need future personal care or skilled nursing care and build that cost into the residential living monthly fee. If a Cornwall Manor resident needs either temporary or long-term care in our skilled nursing facility located on our campus, they always have priority admission status over individuals from the surrounding community.
