Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been considering making the move to Florida Presbyterian Homes, we’re sure you have
plenty of questions and concerns. To get you started, we created a list of the most commonly asked questions about our retirement community:
Q: What type of housing does Florida Presbyterian Homes have?
A:
- Independent Living – Houses and duplexes in a neighborhood setting
- Apartment Living – Independent apartment living with an extra level of services
- Assisted Living – Oversized and one-bedroom apartments with assistance for daily living activities
- Skilled Nursing – Medicare/Medicaid-approved state-of-the-art skilled nursing center
Q: Who are the residents of Florida Presbyterian Homes?
A: As an organization that values individualism and personalization, we are proud of the diverse backgrounds of each of our 300 residents. With a variety of religious and economic backgrounds, our residents feel welcome and appreciated for who they are at Florida Presbyterian Homes.
Q: What is the average age of people when they move to Florida Presbyterian Homes?
A: The average age for people entering our cottages and Independent Living homes is 79. The
average age for people entering apartments is 83.
Q: What is the average age of the residents now?
A: 85 years old.
Q: At what age should I come?
A: You are the best judge of that, but for many, it’s beneficial to come as soon as possible. Come
when you are in good health. You’ll find a retirement community that welcomes you with open arms and is eager to get to know you.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum age to come?
A: Individuals must be 55 to apply but the Life Occupancy Fee is based on age 65. There is no
maximum age.
Q: Do I have to be a Presbyterian to come to Florida Presbyterian Homes?
A: No. We are proud of the Presbyterian in our name and heritage, but we welcome people of all
faiths.
Q: What are the cultural opportunities?
A: They’re almost limitless. For resident convenience, Florida Presbyterian Homes provides transportation to local cultural events. Nearby Florida Southern College offers a Fine Arts Series with programs in art, music, ballet and drama. Enjoy concerts by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, and The Lakeland Center presents a Broadway Series. Click here to view a more extensive list of nearby cultural opportunities.
Q: What are the accommodations and the campus like?
A: In one word, beautiful – our 48-acre retirement community features tree-lined streets, rolling lawns, richly landscaped grounds and scenic views of Lake Hunter. Florida Presbyterian Homes has a total of 238 living options. Of these, there are:
- 115 residential houses and duplexes for Independent Living
- 61 independent apartments
- 32 Assisted Living efficiencies
- 48-bed state-of-the-art Skilled Nursing center
Q: If my spouse has to go to the skilled nursing center, what do I do?
A: You have several options. You may stay in your existing retirement home, or you may choose to move to another level of senior care in Florida Presbyterian Homes. We will help you find the best plan to suit your individual needs.
Q: Is there a survey to determine resident satisfaction?
A: Yes, we are proud of our residents’ satisfaction and encourage you to ask for a summary copy of the annual survey. It is conducted by an independent entity to ensure that we are meeting our residents’ needs. Last year, with a response rate of 91.3% of Independent Living Residents, we exceeded the 90th percentile and were significantly above the national benchmarks for several factors including: overall satisfaction; satisfaction with the value for price paid; long term confidence in our future; and would recommend Florida Presbyterian Homes to a friend.
Q: How is the food?
A: Great! We are led by a dining services manager and executive chef who serve a daily buffet with table service available. We also feature theme meals and an evening gala monthly. Our dining staff will gladly cater to special needs, restricted diets and individual tastes.
Q: What on-site programs are available for residents?
A: We have a large variety of programs and opportunities to suit every taste. And if you don’t find something available, feel free to start it. Here is a sampling of our organized offerings: weekly movies, poetry club, Bible study, table games, woodworking, billiards, handbell choir, painting, ceramics, chorus, bridge, book club.
Q: Are guests welcome?
A: Guests are always welcome! They can stay with you in your home or one of three resort-style guest rooms on campus. Meals for guests are also available in the dining room.
Q: What is the application process?
A: Before you enter our retirement community, we look at your health and financial situation to help you choose the best plan to fit your needs. Each applicant is asked to submit a $100 nonrefundable processing fee and a refundable $1,000 deposit with the application. A medical form completed by a physician is required. More detailed information is available upon request.
Q: Does Florida Presbyterian Homes offer transportation?
A: Most residents come with their cars, but we also provide group transportation to churches,
shopping and medical appointments. In addition, personal transportation is available Monday through Friday.
Q: What are the regulations accrediting and governing Florida Presbyterian Homes?
A: We’re glad you asked. We are regulated by Florida Statutes, with a variety of government departments, including the State Department of Insurance and the State Agency for Healthcare Administration overseeing our operations. We are very proud of the quality of our retirement community and skilled nursing services. Read more about our continuing care accreditation and quality designations.
Q: How much does Florida Presbyterian Homes cost?
A: All residents pay two fees. There is a one-time Life Occupancy Fee that is paid at entry. Residents also pay a monthly maintenance fee. Fees vary based on the type of senior living arrangements and skilled services provided to each resident. Residents feel that our prices are fair and are a good value. We encourage you to look around and compare us to others.
Q: What is the financial stability of Florida Presbyterian Homes?
A: Florida Presbyterian Homes is in excellent and very strong financial health. We have an annual
budget of about $9 million. Total assets at the end of 2010 were about $38 million, while long-term debt was $6 million. We publish an audited financial report annually. Ask to see a copy.
Q: Isn’t Florida Presbyterian Homes just a big nursing home?
A: Not at all. Florida Presbyterian Homes is a community of older adults who enjoy their retirement. Many residents call us a family. We provide the structure and space for our residents to enjoy a carefree and personalized lifestyle. And if you have any health concerns, the best and most complete continuum of care is immediately available.
Q: May I bring my dog and cat?
A: Yes. Many Florida Presbyterian Homes residents have pets. Several staff members bring their dogs to work, and we also have lovebirds in the main lobby to serenade visitors.
Q: Is there a curfew?
A: No. Buildings are always secure, but residents have free and unrestricted access to them. Security teams patrol the campus 24 hours a day.
Q: What if my money runs out?
A: Before an individual enters our retirement home, we look at the person’s health condition and
financial situations to help ensure the best plan. Occasionally, a person’s finances run out, but no one has ever been asked to leave Florida Presbyterian Homes when this happened. We maintain a Loving Care Fund to support community residents who need financial assistance in residential housing, apartments and Assisted Living. Residents in the health center may apply for Medicaid assistance. Feel free to ask for more details.
Q: What if I’m not sure if I’m ready to come?
A: Think about it this way. Wouldn’t you like someone else to mow the lawn or fix a leaking faucet? Just call maintenance! What about feeling safe and secure? Florida Presbyterian Homes has staff patrolling the grounds 24 hours a day. When you think about it, how could you not be ready for that kind of secure, carefree living right now?
