Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find quick, candid answers to the questions we hear most often. If we’ve missed a topic that interests you, please call us at (305) 238-2623. We’ll be delighted to answer all of your questions.

>>Where is East Ridge located?
>>What does East Ridge offer that I don’t already have?
>>What amenities do you offer?
>>What fun things can I do?
>>Can my pet be a part of my future at East Ridge?
>>What exactly is LifeCare and why is it important?
>>What health care services are available at East Ridge?
>>Does East Ridge offer Respite Care?
>>If I have long-term care insurance, do I still need to consider moving to East Ridge?
>>Is East Ridge an affordable choice?
>>How do the fees work?
>>What are your financing options?
>>What does the monthly service fee cover?
>>Is East Ridge a smart, stable choice for my future?
>>Why should I consider East Ridge now?

As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of our friends and neighbors, we think LifeCare is the smartest choice you can make. When you move to East Ridge, you enjoy several advantages, including:

• More opportunities—Easy access to activities and amenities gives you the chance to try new things and continue your lifelong passions. You can choose from hundreds of educational and recreational activities, attend holiday parties and community barbecues, swim, garden, take exercise and wellness classes and so much more.
• More ways to stay involved—At East Ridge, you’ll meet many wonderful people who share your interests. Plus, you’ll find easy ways to share your time and talents. You can join or lead any number of committees and organizations, or start one of your own.
• Easier life—Life is easier at East Ridge because you have quick access to the essentials—from banking services and a barber/beauty shop to a sundries shop. What’s more, our staff takes care of the chores, including housekeeping and maintenance, and provides scheduled transportation around town.
• More security—At East Ridge, you never have to worry about who will take care of you in the future. That’s because we offer a variety of services—from assisted living to on-site health care, all provided by our bright, highly trained staff who know and care about you. Of course, that means ultimate peace of mind for you and for your family.

LifeCare is the most comprehensive choice for today’s vibrant seniors. Its all-inclusive package includes virtually all of our services, activities and amenities. Most importantly, LifeCare offers a worry-free future with access to skilled nursing care in our on-site Health Services Center, should you ever need it.

Under our LifeCare program, you receive care in our Health Services Center, regardless of how long or how often, you never pay a daily fee. The only additional cost you pay is to cover the two extra meals you’ll eat per day plus any ancillary costs such as prescriptions and personal laundry.

What’s more, as a LifeCare community, East Ridge assures that as a resident, you will never have to leave the community or move away from friends and familiar surroundings no matter what physical or financial challenges may arise.

LifeCare works like insurance. In order to enjoy the benefits you must sign up before you need it - don't miss out!

As a LifeCare community, East Ridge gives you access to a full continuum of care options right in our neighborhood.

• Routine Medical Care—From a flu shot to eye care to dentistry, East Ridge’s Wellness Center provides a broad array of health care options on site.
• Rehabilitation Therapies—In our Health Services Center, you can receive physical, occupational and speech therapy. Whether you’re recovering from a fracture, illness or other condition, our rehabilitation experts and skilled nursing staff provide encouragement, specialized therapies and advice to help you get back to your independent lifestyle as quickly as possible.
• Skilled Nursing Care—East Ridge’s Health Services Center is fully licensed and Medicare and Medicaid certified, offering comprehensive and skilled nursing care. Our state-of-the-art Center provides a full range of services, amenities and residential options for those who require skilled and semi-skilled care on a regular basis. Care is provided in a shared suite. Fully private rooms are subject to availability at an additional fee.

One of the greatest advantages of LifeCare is the ability to stay in control of your future by making health care decisions in advance. In general, we’ve found that some long-term care insurance policies complement our LifeCare plan quite well. Your insurance may pay a portion of your daily fees. Check with your financial advisor and insurance representative to be sure.

Unlike long-term care insurance, LifeCare not only provides the care you need, it allows you to know where you will receive care (our on-site Health Services Center) and who will care for you (our friendly, professional staff).

Plus, with a LifeCare plan, you avoid the rising cost of health services and relieve loved ones of the burden of making decisions about your care in the event of a health crisis.

Yes! At first glance other options may seem to cost less, however when you compare apples to apples, you’ll see LifeCare is quite competitive, especially when you factor in the value of future skilled nursing care. Plus, most people forget to include costs such as home maintenance, housekeeping, fees for activities, homeowner’s insurance, property tax, utilities and other cost of living expenses, all of which are covered at East Ridge.

Also, as a resident of East Ridge you may be allowed certain tax benefits, including a percentage of your entrance fee and monthly fees taken as a medical expense deduction in the year in which it is paid. Ask your tax advisor for details.

Our Traditional Endowment Plan gives you the benefits of LifeCare at a lower upfront price. East Ridge offers a declining entrance fee refund. In other words, your entrance fee is slowly endowed to East Ridge over time.

Flexible financing options are available

Yes! With nearly 50 years of proven experience in the local community, East Ridge is the area’s expert in senior living. Plus, we’re managed by Life Care Services, a highly respected company with nearly 40 years experience managing senior communities nationwide.