Living Branches Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Assisted Living Communities

As you search for the right assisted living community for you or a loved one, the choice between a non-profit and for-profit community is important. This decision affects not only costs and available services, but also how resident needs are prioritized.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of the non-profit Personal Care (similar to assisted living) communities at Living Branches. Personal Care is available at The Willows of Living Branches, Souderton Mennonite Homes, and Dock Woods.

Understanding the distinctions can help you make an informed decision that reflects your personal values, financial considerations, and long-term goals for your loved one.

Care Staff

At Living Branches: Staffing levels are higher than state requirements and industry norms. All team members are carefully trained to Living Branches exceptional quality and care standards.

At For-Profit Assisted Living Communities: Personal Care residents are typically cared for by the minimum number of staff members required by the state.

Life Enrichment

At Living Branches: 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. Our team gets to know each resident as an individual and sets them up for roles and activities they can do and like to do.

At For-Profit Assisted Living Communities: Life enrichment programming is often concentrated in one department, without the support of specialists, pastoral care, or a lifelong learning program.

Financial Commitment

At Living Branches: Residents have the confidence of Living Branches’ lifetime commitment to care. This means 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.

At For-Profit Assisted Living Communities: Residents are admitted with no financial assessment. If a resident runs out of money, they will be asked to leave the community.

Cost

At Living Branches: Living Branches communities are fee-for-service. That means Personal Care residents pay only for the services they receive. Fee-for-service offers flexibility: as needs change, services can be added or subtracted. In Personal Care, the daily rate includes room and board, medication management, housekeeping, and support with daily living.

At For-Profit Assisted Living Communities: While costs vary, for-profit assisted living communities often add a  fee for care and medication management on the monthly rate. Care fees can be substantial.

Living and Care Options

At Living Branches: 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.

At For-Profit Assisted Living or Personal Care Communities: Many for-profit communities offer Personal Care and Memory Care in a self-contained building or on a small campus. Typically, skilled nursing care is not offered.