While both for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities offer social and health benefits for residents, there are several important differences.
Consider these factors when deciding which one is the best fit for you or your loved one.
Category
Living Branches
Not-for-Profit
Retirement Communities
For-Profit
Personal Care or
Assisted Living Communities
Living and Care
Options
Multiple levels of care to meet the changing needs of residents. Includes Residential Living, Personal Care (assisted living), Memory Care, Health Care (skilled nursing) and rehabilitation services.
Offer Personal Care or Assisted Living and Memory Care in a self-contained building or small campus. Skilled Nursing services are not available.
Cost
Living Branches communities are fee-for-service, which means residents pay only for the services they are receiving. As needs change, services can be added or subtracted. Daily rate includes room and board, as well as medication management, housekeeping, and some support with activities of daily living.
Fee-for-service. Monthly rental rate, in addition to care fees and medication management costs. Care fees can be substantial.
Financial
Requirements
Residents have the confidence that comes from Living Branches lifetime commitment to care – the assurance that they will not be asked to leave the community if they outlive their financial resources, despite their careful stewardship. Must complete financial assessment before admission.
No financial assessment before admission. If resident runs out of money, they will be asked to leave the community.
Care
Staff
Staffing levels are above state requirements and industry norms; all employees are carefully trained to Living Branches quality and care standards.
Typically staffed at state minimum requirement.
Life
Enrichment
Residents enjoy opportunities for life enriching activities and social groups led by Living Branches life enrichment coordinators, pastors, creative arts therapist and interns, fitness coordinators, and Living U instructors. Incorporates Montessori principles of self-direction into daily life.
Life enrichment programming often concentrated in one department, without the support of specialists.