What is a Fee-For-Service Senior Living Community?
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There are many things to think about if you’re considering moving to a senior living community. You’ll want to compare the location, housing options, services and amenities available on campus, care levels available, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff – all the things that contribute to carefree, uplifting daily living. Cost is also an important consideration.
In order to compare costs of senior living, you will need to understand each community’s fee structure. One of the terms you will hear is fee-for-service.
Fee-for-service is just what it sounds like
But it’s not as simple as it sounds because what you pay and what services you get in return can vary considerably from one community (or care level) to another. It is essential that you understand what is covered by your entrance fee (if there is one) and exactly what is included in your monthly payment.
Many senior living communities charge only a monthly fee – as if you were renting, though the fee covers multiple services that you would have to pay for separately (or not receive) as a traditional renter. The amount is based on the type of housing and level of care services provided. This is how it works at our fellow Magnolia Manor senior living campuses throughout southern Georgia.
Here at The Lodge in Columbus, GA we’re different because we are a fee-for-service community that also charges an entrance fee. Entrance fees are not unusual for senior communities that provide a full continuum of care, as the point is to help defray future costs if and when you require more extensive care. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also known as Life Plan or full-service communities often charge entry fees because they offer guaranteed access to lifetime care on the same campus. Some CCRCs and full-service communities offer tiered options, with different entry fees and corresponding monthly charges for certain services.
The Lodge offers affordable excellence
Magnolia Manor has a long-standing tradition of nourishing the mind, body and spirit in extraordinary communities that are affordable enough to serve diverse residents. The Lodge charges a surprisingly low entrance fee (starting at $109,200) compared to other fee-for-service senior living communities.
We offer a choice of traditional or 50%-refundable entrance fees, then your monthly fee depends on the housing you choose. All of these services are included in the monthly fee for independent residents:
- Full dining services in a variety of venues
- 24/7 security
- Most utilities
- Urgent call systems for all residents
- Housekeeping and optional laundry services
- Scheduled group transportation
- Events and programs
- Maintenance and repairs
- Landscaping
- Trash removal
- Fitness center access
Full continuum of care
Most seniors eventually need some additional help – with basic activities of daily living, as memory or cognition start to fade, to recover from an injury or health incident, or to address chronic and/or increasing health problems. Once you choose The Lodge as your senior living community, you can remain a part of our family, close to friends and neighbors, even if your needs change.
The Lodge will include 48 assisted living apartments on campus. You’ll get the help you need with activities of daily living but still be as independent as possible, and you will still enjoy the services and amenities available to independent residents.
If you develop memory of cognitive impairments, our memory care area on the first floor will provide comfortable, nurturing care safely and securely. And if you need short-term rehabilitation after a fall or a heart attack or more complex long-term care, you will be able to get the top quality skilled nursing care you need right on campus.
We encourage you to learn more about what fee-for-service means to us here at The Lodge and how it can mean more for you as an independent senior and as you care needs change. Contact us today at (706) 641-7220.
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