Frequently Asked Questions

Any one of our team members, residents, or families could share first-hand experiences of the full and active lives our residents lead. Here some of the top benefits we see on a daily basis:

• Social Connections – Our communities provide endless opportunities to develop close friendships and bonds – a benefit that becomes increasingly important as we age and face circumstances that might foster isolation. Share a meal together. Enjoy special occasions with friends. Activities and informal games are readily available to keep minds sharp and days full.
• Carefree Living – Find freedom from home maintenance and repair allows residents more time to do the things they love and to try something they’ve never done before.
• A Healthier Life – We don’t want to brag, but if you ask around, it’s no secret that our food is delicious – and it’s nutritious as well. As a result, our residents often notice improvements in their health, since they’re eating three great meals a day. Convenient access to healthcare and medical advice, as well as fitness activities, ensures that mind, body, and soul are nourished on a daily basis.
• Enhanced Relationships with Family – We hear constantly that making the move to a Living Branches community is a blessing to both residents and their families. Because children do not need to step into a caregiver role for their parent, they can enjoy “mom” as “mom” – or “dad” as “dad” – a precious gift for both families and residents.
• Peace of Mind – The continuum of care ensures that your loved one can remain independent for as long as possible. We offer the ability to move smoothly from one level of care to another, so residents can live life to the fullest, without worrying about evolving needs.

Our ultimate goal is to keep residents independent as long as possible.

Sometimes called assisted living, Personal Care provides a worry-free, active lifestyle. Enjoy life in a well-maintained Personal Care apartment, situated in a neighborhood that has plenty of space to unwind or socialize with others. Team members can also help with a wide variety of self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications. Our nursing teams – including RNs and LPNs – work right down the hall, so there’s always someone to speak to if you have a question or concern.

Health Care, previously known as skilled nursing or nursing home care, is available on a short-term or long-term basis to residents who require the most assistance with their daily needs. In Health Care neighborhoods, residents enjoy all the comforts of home, including delicious food, cozy spaces, and enriching activities. At our newly renovated Lansdale and Souderton campuses, Health Care brings together aides, nurses, and therapists who will provide care and comfort.

Memory Care is available for residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These home-like neighborhoods, available at the Personal Care or Health Care levels, offer safety and comfort for residents. Specially-trained team members provide around-the-clock care to support a daily routine that is reassuring and promotes social interaction.

We encourage you to speak with one of our Sales Counselors, who can provide expert advice on the best path forward, based on your loved one’s unique needs. Meet the Sales Counselors here.

We all age differently. Sometimes our brains remain sharp, but it becomes harder to move around. For others, it might be tougher to keep on top of life’s many details. We know that it can be incredibly hard – for both you and your loved one – to acknowledge that he or she might need care services as they age. It may be time to start the conversation about joining a Personal Care community if you notice any of the following:

• Mobility issues
• Not eating well/loss of appetite
• Not taking medications
• Hygiene issues
• Increased forgetfulness
• Unusual untidiness
• Unexplained bumps and bruises

Taking steps early can better help ensure that your loved one can remain independent – in a home of the right size – for as long as possible.

Timing is everything. Choose a date, time, and atmosphere where and when the conversation can be relaxed. Share your concerns – and be prepared to listen. Being human and compassionate can go a long way.

We strongly encourage that you emphasize your role as an advocate for your loved one. Explain that you are not there to make decisions for them, but rather, to provide support as he or she considers options that will allow him or her to live the fullest life possible. Try to end the conversation with an agreed-upon plan for the next steps.

We have plenty of more detailed resources for having this necessary conversation, and we are always available to chat through any questions or concerns you have before you initiate the discussion with your loved one.

Our best piece of advice in this situation is to not wait for a crisis to occur. The sooner you can begin talking with your loved one, the better. Having a conversation in advance of a serious incident will create a less stressful foundation for the discussion.

We also encourage you to do your homework before the discussion. There are many options for care and support in the greater Philadelphia area. Research online and talk with community representatives to gain information for your loved one. Our team is more than happy to speak with you during any stage of the process to answer questions and provide guidance. We know this can be difficult; we’re here to help. Meet our sales counselors here.

Reinforce your role as an advocate. Remind your loved one that just as they have guided you through the formative years of your life, you want to be there for them now. Express your desire to enjoy the parent/child relationship for long as possible – which is usually more possible when expert care is available to alleviate the stresses on both sides as care needs change.

Encourage your loved one to talk about his or her fears – and that way, you have a better understanding of what questions will need to be addressed as you consider options. It will probably take more than one conversation to reach a place where your loved one feels receptive to exploring new possibilities.

Sometimes, it can be helpful for your loved one to speak with a professional to receive outside, expert advice. We are more than happy to participate in whatever discussion you feel would be helpful as you and your loved one make decisions about his or her path forward.

Absolutely! We believe in the importance of a caring, open partnership between our residents, their families, and our team members. This circle of care unites us.

Living Branches team members develop a comprehensive care plan for residents that includes objectives and timetables to meet each resident’s physical, intellectual, and psychosocial needs. The goal is to achieve the highest level of well-being. This plan is regularly reviewed with the resident and designated family members or powers-of-attorney.

Our door is also always open if you or your loved one has questions.

Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. We evaluate factors like age, income, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the level of care needed (e.g. Personal Care vs. Health Care).

There are two types of costs associated with the financial commitment of becoming a Living Branches resident in Supportive Living:

• Admission Fee – a one-time cost that you pay up front when you become a resident of one of our communities.
• Monthly Fee – covers day-to-day expenses, such as meals, assistance with activities of daily living, medication administration, additional supportive services, and access to community amenities and activities.

Because every application is unique, we encourage you to contact our sales counselors, who can provide advice about the best path forward based on your needs.

Living Branches has one application for all campuses and levels of care. This application requires personal and financial information because we make a lifetime commitment of care to all residents and want to ensure each resident can pay for his or her care. The application fee is $1,250, and $1,000 is refundable if applicants choose not to move to a Living Branches community.

After you complete the application, your sales counselor will process it and submit it to the admission committee for review. This committee considers every application on a case-by-case basis, evaluating several factors like income, age, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the size and type of residence desired. The committee may recommend a specific type of residence that will allow applicants to preserve their assets for future care needs.

Your sales counselor will then give you a call to share the results from the admission committee. If accepted, you’ll receive information about the next steps in the process:

• Meeting with the nurse and social worker to assess your loved one’s care needs
• Having your loved one’s primary care physician complete the required paperwork
• Making final decisions about your loved one’s future residence

Yes, and we talk often about our not-for-profit advantage with potential residents and families. At Living Branches, our core values put people before profit, quality of life over efficiency, and personal and community growth above all else.

Some of the benefits of choosing a non-profit senior living community include:

• Robust staff: We employ more team members than state requirements and industry norms. All team members are carefully trained to Living Branches exceptional quality and care standards.
• Life enrichment: Residents enjoy opportunities for enriching activities and social groups. Activities are led by life enrichment coordinators, pastors, creative arts team members, fitness coordinators, and guest lecturers in the Living U lifelong learning program. Activities incorporate Montessori principles, which means we get to know each resident as an individual and set them up for roles and activities they can do and like to do.
• Lifetime commitment to care: Our commitment means that residents will not be asked to leave if they outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own. Our benevolent care ministry – supported by good stewardship of financial resources and donors – lets us offer these residents financial support. To ensure we can uphold our commitment now and in the future, all residents complete a financial assessment before admission.
• A range of options: Living Branches’ communities offer multiple levels of care to meet the changing needs of residents. Dock Woods and Souderton Mennonite Homes have Residential Living (independent living), Personal Care (assisted living), Memory Care, and Health Care (skilled nursing). These neighborhoods exist together, sharing many amenities and services on campus. Residents may access amenities in each community and visit with friends and loved ones.

Any one of our team members, residents, or families could share first-hand experiences of the full and active lives our residents lead in a Life Plan Community like Living Branches. Here some of the top benefits we see on a daily basis:

• Social Connections – Our communities provide endless opportunities to develop close friendships and personal growth. Join bike club. Share a meal with friends. Enjoy a trip to Lancaster. Play croquet, bocce, or shuffleboard. The choices are endless!
• Carefree Living – Find freedom from home maintenance and repair – allowing you more time to do the things you love – and to try something you’ve never done before.
• A Healthier Life – Convenient access to fitness activities, delicious dining opportunities, and a busy social calendar ensure that mind, body, and soul are nourished on a daily basis.
• Peace of Mind – Our continuum of care ensures that you can remain in your own home independently for as long as possible. We offer the ability to move smoothly from one level of care to another, and back again – so you can live life to the fullest, without worrying about your future.

We consider every application on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider include your income, age, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the size and type of residence you’re looking for.

There are two costs associated with joining one of our Residential Living communities:

• Entrance fee: New residents pay a one-time entrance fee when joining one of our Residential Living communities. A portion of the entrance fee is refunded to you when you leave Residential Living.
• Monthly fee: The monthly fee covers taxes, various utilities, home maintenance, and access to community amenities.

Both costs are determined by the type of residence you select. Because every case is unique, we encourage you to speak with one of our sales counselors who can provide personalized advice about the best path forward.

Most Life Plan Communities like Living Branches use one of the following two types of contracts:

• Fee-for-Service – Residents pay only for the services they receive. As your needs change and you receive more health care services, the cost of care increases. Residential Living entrance fees are typically lower than those for a Life Care contract.
• Life Care – This is the more costly option, as residents “prepay” for possible health care needs. The Residential Living entrance and monthly fees are typically higher than those for a Fee-for-Service contract. However, some prefer this contract as their monthly fee remains consistent regardless of the supportive services they require in the future.

At Living Branches, we offer Fee-for-Service contracts, as we firmly believe they provide residents more control over their assets and expenses.

“Aging in place” means that an individual is living in his or her residence, safely and independently, for as long as possible. At Living Branches, we believe that there are many benefits associated with aging in place, including familiarity, comfort, and overall happiness. This is why we do everything in our power to enable our residents to remain independent in Residential Living for as long as possible.

Yes, and we talk often about our not-for-profit advantage with potential residents and families. At Living Branches, our core values put people before profit, quality of life over efficiency, and personal and community growth above all else.

Some of the benefits of choosing a non-profit senior living community include:

• Robust staff: We employ more team members than state requirements and industry norms. All team members are carefully trained to Living Branches exceptional quality and care standards.
• Life enrichment: Residents enjoy opportunities for enriching activities and social groups. Activities are led by life enrichment coordinators, pastors, creative arts team members, fitness coordinators, and guest lecturers in the Living U lifelong learning program. Activities incorporate Montessori principles, which means we get to know each resident as an individual and set them up for roles and activities they can do and like to do.
• Lifetime commitment to care: Our commitment means that residents will not be asked to leave if they outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own. Our benevolent care ministry – supported by good stewardship of financial resources and donors – lets us offer these residents financial support. To ensure we can uphold our commitment now and in the future, all residents complete a financial assessment before admission.
• A range of options: Living Branches’ communities offer multiple levels of care to meet the changing needs of residents. Dock Woods and Souderton Mennonite Homes have Residential Living (independent living), Personal Care (assisted living), Memory Care, and Health Care (skilled nursing). These neighborhoods exist together, sharing many amenities and services on campus. Residents may access amenities in each community and visit with friends and loved ones.

Living Branches has one application for all campuses and levels of care. This application requires personal and financial information because we make a lifetime commitment of care to all residents and want to ensure each resident can pay for his or her care. The application fee is $1,250, and $1,000 is refundable if applicants choose not to move to a Living Branches community.

After you complete the application, your sales counselor will process it and submit it to the admission committee for review. This committee considers every application on a case-by-case basis, evaluating several factors like income, age, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the size and type of residence desired. The committee may recommend a specific type of residence that will allow applicants to preserve their assets for future care needs.

Your sales counselor will then give you a call to share the results from the admission committee. If accepted, you’ll receive an acceptance packet in the mail the following week. You will be added to the future resident list by the date you submitted your application.

Everyone who has applied and been approved for residency is added to the future resident list. When you know you are ready to move within the next 12 to 18 months, call your sales counselor. At that time your name will be pulled from the general future resident list and moved to the ready list. Your name will be categorized by the accommodation type for which you are waiting and then placed in order by your application date.

Once you are on the ready list, your sales counselor will begin calling to let you know of available residences. You have the option to decline residences that are offered to you if they do not suit your preferences. You will not move to the bottom of the list; you retain your place on the list by your application date.

We encourage you to apply before you are ready to move, so you have an application date and will be closer to the top of the ready list by the time you are ready to move.

Generally the wait time is two to five years, depending on residence type. Smaller residences often have a shorter wait time than larger floor plans. Occasionally residences may be immediately available. Talk to a Residential Living sales counselor about your needs – we can provide the most up-to-date information on wait times once we know what you’d like.

Pets are welcome to live in villa and cottage residences. Residents can have one pet – a dog, a cat, a bird, or fish. Pets are not allowed to live in apartments, but they are welcome to visit anytime.

Yes! Religious beliefs and preferences are not considered as part of the admission process. All Living Branches communities accept residents without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. While we are rooted in the Mennonite faith and are sponsored by Franconia Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA, we are proud that our residents represent over 20 denominations and various faith backgrounds.

207 W. Summit Street, Souderton, PA 18964

From Allentown:

Take Route 309 South to the Souderton exit – Route 113.  Make a right onto 113 South/Broad Street. Follow Broad Street into town. Immediately after crossing railroad tracks, turn right; the road becomes Main Street. Continue up the hill and make a left onto West Summit Street (at the Wawa convenience store). Proceed two blocks; Souderton Mennonite Homes will be on your right.

From Philadelphia:

Take the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (Interstate 476) North to Exit 31 – Lansdale.  Make a right onto Sumneytown Pike/Route 63 West.  Take the first right onto Wambold Road. Turn left onto Allentown Road. Take the second right onto Elroy Road. Turn left onto Cowpath Road. Turn right onto West Green Avenue. Continue onto West Summit Street. Souderton Mennonite Homes will be on your left.

275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446

From Allentown:

Take the PA Turnpike (Interstate 476) South to Exit 31 – Lansdale.  Make a left onto Sumneytown Pike/Route 63.  At the second traffic light, make a left onto Forty Foot Road.  From Forty Foot Road, make a left at the second traffic light onto Detwiler Road.  Continue 1/3 of a mile to Dock Woods, turn right onto Dock Drive.

From Philadelphia:

Take the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (Interstate 476) North to Exit 31 – Lansdale.  Make a left onto Sumneytown Pike/Route 63.  At the second traffic light, make a left onto Forty Foot Road.  From Forty Foot Road, make a left at the second traffic light onto Detwiler Road.  Continue 1/3 of a mile to Dock Woods, turn right onto Dock Drive.

2343 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA 19440

From Allentown:

Take Route 309 South to the end of the bypass. At the first traffic light, make a left onto Unionville Pike, which takes you right into The Willows of Living Branches.

From Philadelphia:

Take the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (Interstate 476) North to Exit 31 – Lansdale.  Make a left onto Sumneytown Pike/Route 63.  At the second traffic light, make a left onto Forty Foot Road.  From Forty Foot Road continue through eight traffic lights; the road becomes Broad Street. Continue to the stop sign, and turn left; the road becomes Unionville Pike. Continue straight, crossing over Route 309, into The Willows of Living Branches.