Living Branches is affiliated with a number of local, state, and national organizations. We are sponsored by the Mosaic Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA. Learn more.

In addition to meeting the licensure requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Living Branches works to achieve best practices in the health care industry, not-for-profit world, and within our Anabaptist body of faith.

As such, we are members of:

  • Leading Age PA, a state organization of not-for-profit private, fraternal, and religious providers of senior residential and health-related services. Learn more.
  • Leading Age, a national association of 5,400 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. Learn more.
  • MHS Alliance, a not-for-profit organization that supports Mennonite and other Anabaptist faith-grounded health and human service providers in their leadership and strategic direction. Learn more.
  • Peace Church Risk Retention Group, a group of senior service providers dedicated to keeping insurance costs low. Learn more.
  • Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce is made up of businesses and individuals dedicated to promoting a favorable economic climate and enhancing the quality of life in the Indian Valley Area. Learn more.
  • Penn Suburban Chamber of Greater Montgomery County is one of the leading business advocates for the business community in the Greater North Penn, Indian Valley, Eastern Montgomery and Western Bucks Regions. Learn more.

Supportive Living

Any one of our staff, residents, and 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.

Through the support of a compassionate and competent staff ready to assist with daily activities, Personal Care, previously known as Assisted Living, aims to reduce risk while respecting and promoting each resident’s independence. Residents in Personal Care are able to remain independent in the right size space, while receiving three meals a day, and assistance with medication or laundry as needed.

Health Care, previously known as Skilled Nursing, is available on a short-term or long-term basis to residents who require the most assistance with their daily needs. Our Health Care staff assists with the activities of daily living, making every effort to enrich the lives of residents in a clean and comfortable environment. Nurses are present around the clock along with resident assistants who have undergone our own rigorous, state-certified training.

Memory Care is available for residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. These home-like environments offer the highest level of safety and security for residents. Specially-trained staff members offer 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 is very important to recognize when your loved one needs support to remain safe and healthy.

It may be time to start the conversation 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 the 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 staff. This circle of care unites us.

Living Branches professionals 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.

The simplest answer is, “It depends.” We consider every application on a case-by-case basis – considering factors like 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 speak with one of our experienced sales counselors, who can provide advice about the best path forward, based on your individualized needs.

Living Branches has one application for all campuses and levels of care. This application requires personal and financial information as we make a lifetime commitment of care to all residents and want to ensure each resident has the ability to 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, it is processed by the marketing team and then submitted to the Admission Committee for review. The committee considers every application on a case-by-case basis – considering factors like income, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the type of residence you prefer (e.g. studio vs. two-bedroom).

The Sales Counselor will then give you a call to relay the results from the Admission Committee. If accepted, you’ll receive information about the next steps in the admission process. This includes:

  • 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.

Residential Living

Any one of our staff, residents, and families could share first-hand experiences of the full and active lives our residents lead in a community like Living Branches. A comprehensive list of benefits would create a rather lengthy webpage (and we discover new ones all the time!), so 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 offer a wide range of options to make our community as affordable as possible for residents. Residents note lower utility costs, fewer trips to the hardware store as Living Branches provides general maintenance for each residence as well as lawn service and snow removal, and lower annual expenses as property taxes and home owners’ insurance are included in the monthly fee.

The simplest answer is, “it depends.” We consider every application on a case-by-case basis – considering factors like income, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the type of residence you prefer (e.g. studio vs. two-bedroom).

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

  • Entrance Fee – a one-time cost that you pay upfront when you become a resident of one of our communities. A portion of this entrance fee is refunded to you at the time you leave Residential Living.
  • Monthly Fee – covers expenses such as utilities, taxes, home maintenance, and access to community amenities

Both costs are determined by the type of residences you select. Because every application is unique, we encourage you to speak with one of our experienced sales counselors, who can provide advice about the best path forward, based on your individualized needs.

Most Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) use one of the following two types of contracts:

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

At Living Branches, we work with Fee-for-Service contracts, as we firmly believe this is the more economical choice for our residents.

“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 health and well-being benefits associated with aging in place, including familiarity, comfort, and overall happiness. This is why we do everything within 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.

Living Branches has one application for all campuses and levels of care. This application requires personal and financial information as we make a lifetime commitment of care to all residents and want to ensure each resident has the ability to 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, it is processed by the marketing team and then submitted to the Admission Committee for review. The committee considers every application on a case-by-case basis – considering factors like income, assets, long-term care insurance (if applicable), marital status, and the type of residence you prefer (e.g. studio vs. two-bedroom). The committee may make recommendations about the type of residence that will allow applicants to preserve their assets for future health care needs.

The Sales Counselor will then give you a call to relay the results from the Admission Committee. If accepted, you’ll receive an acceptance packet in the mail the following week. At that time you are added to the Future Resident list by the date you submitted your application.

All persons who have applied for residency and have been approved are on the general 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, the 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 it does 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.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to that question. We generally say the wait time is about two to five years, depending on the residence type. We have no immediate availability for Residential Living.

We encourage persons to apply when they are not ready to move, so they have an application date and will be closer to the top of the Ready List by the time they are ready to move.

Pets are welcome to live in villa and cottage residences at Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods. Residents can have one pet – a dog, a cat, a bird, or fish. At this time, pets are not allowed in apartments at any campus. However, they are welcome to visit at any time.

Yes. 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 varied faith backgrounds. Religious beliefs and preferences are not considered as part of the admission process. All Living Branches communities accept persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or handicap.

Directions

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.

Business Office Hours

The Willows of Living Branches
Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – Closed

Souderton Mennonite Homes
Sunday to Saturday – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dock Woods
Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.