Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to move into a new place—whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing—is a big one. We understand, and we’re here to help.

To that end, we’ve prepared a list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand the options we provide at Lutheran Life Villages.

Can't find your question here? Just give us a call.

General questions about Lutheran Life Villages

Q: Do I have to be Lutheran to live at Lutheran Life Villages?
A: Not at all. In fact, Lutheran Life Villages embraces all faiths and denominations. But in our community, Lutheran stands for quality Christian care. And while we are a diverse community of different faiths, we are still focused on maintaining that Christian ministry. To learn more about how our Christian philosophy affects our ministry and programs here at Lutheran Life Villages, click here.

Q: What living options do you offer?
A: At Lutheran Life Villages, we pride ourselves on creating a place where people want to live, professionals want to work, and family and community members want to visit. We offer a full range of living options, from independent living and assisted living to skilled nursing and respite care.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We have two campuses in northeast Indiana: one in Fort Wayne and the other in Kendallville. To learn more about the living options we offer at each location, click here.

Q: Who owns Lutheran Life Villages?
A: Lutheran Life Villages is owned by 60 associated churches. In addition, Lutheran Life Villages is accountable to a board of directors, who are nominated from these churches. Our board members volunteer their time and talent to assure that Lutheran Life Villages provides quality services and management. Lutheran Life Villages, formerly known as Lutheran Homes, Inc. is celebrating over 76 years of service.

Q: What kinds of activities do you offer?
A: At Lutheran Life Villages, we’re really focused on life, not care. It’s all about a change in lifestyle for our residents, keeping people active physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. In doing so, we’re helping them live the fullest life possible, wherever they fall in our care continuum. It’s just that simple.

Whether through our wellness strategy, intergenerational programming, or Christian ministry focus, we’re embracing life at every level. Come see what makes us the premier retirement-living provider in northern Indiana.

Q: Where can I find more information about your surveys, staffing, or quality of care?
A: Someone from our admissions team will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our past regulatory surveys, staffing levels, or other specifics. You can also check out consumer information at this Nursing Home Compare Web site.

Independent living

Q: What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A: CCRCs offer all levels of care on the same campus to address residents’ changing needs. In addition to independent living, Lutheran Life Villages offers assisted living, memory care living, and skilled health and rehabilitation.

Q: How much does independent living cost at Lutheran Life Villages?
A: Independent living is very affordable at Lutheran Life Villages. We offer a wide variety of floor plans with corresponding monthly rates. One- and two-bedroom apartments range in size from 725 square feet to 1541 square feet, and studio apartments are also available. You can choose from three payment options—two with an advance deposit and a lower monthly rent and one with straight rental and no advance deposit. If you’d like more information about our current rates, please call or e-mail us.

Q: If I choose one of the advance deposit options, what happens to it?
A: Your advance deposit stays with Lutheran Life Villages, Independent Living for as long as you live in your apartment home. Once you vacate your apartment home, the remainder of your advance deposit will be refunded to you or your estate within 90 days.

Q: Will I own my apartment home?
A: No. As a continuing care retirement community, Lutheran Life Villages owns all the apartment homes on the campus. You trade the worries of home maintenance, property tax, paying utility bills, or other responsibilities associated with owning your own home for a care-free lifestyle with us.

Q: What is included in my rent?
A: Your rent includes all utilities (except phone), routine maintenance, 24-hour nursing emergency response system, and satellite television service. In addition, you can take advantage of weekly transportation to grocery stores, transportation to resident outings and community programs, and wellness classes and programs by a certified wellness coordinator. Plus you’ll enjoy full access to our computer room (with free internet access), library, gift shop, exercise/wellness room, workshop, recreation room, and Heritage Trail. Independent living residents also receive priority access to our assisted living, memory care living and skilled health and rehabilitation, if needed.

Q: Who is eligible to become an independent living resident at Lutheran Life Villages?
A: You and/or your spouse must be 55 years or better and financially able to meet the terms of the lease agreement. In addition, you must meet the guidelines for living independently (click here).

Q: Is there a long waiting list?
A: Not necessarily. Lutheran Life Villages, Independent Living does have a waiting list, but the length depends on the floor plan you choose. Because we have more of some floor plans than others, some people may be able to move in within a couple of months while others may have to wait a little longer for the floor plan of their choice.

Q: How will I know when it’s time to move to Lutheran Life Villages?
A: It will be time to move to Lutheran Life Villages when you want a maintenance-free lifestyle with exceptional amenities. When you want to live in a community where you can socialize effortlessly while you also enjoy your privacy in your home when you desire it. Or when you want to live well in an environment that was designed to keep your independence a priority.

Still not sure? Keep this mind. We often hear people say, “I wish we’d moved in sooner!”

If you’d like to see our beautiful apartment homes, just e-mail us or give us a call. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Assisted living

Q: Can we bring personal items, including furniture, when we move in?
A: Of course! We encourage all our residents to bring in items that will make them comfortable, including furniture. Please work with a member of our admissions team to ensure adequate space is available prior to scheduling a move.

Q: What about pictures and framed art? Can we hang these on the walls?
A: Yes! We want you to add special touches to your room, including wall art. We’ll even help you move it and hang it. Our admissions team will contact a member of our maintenance team if you’d like some help.

Q: What levels of care does your assisted-living community provide?
A: Our assisted-living program offers options ranging from wake-up calls and minimal assistance, to some assistance with bathing, dressing, and medications. All residents in assisted living receive three excellent meals per day in our full-service dining room. Please click here for more information regarding the assisted-living option at Lutheran Life Villages.

Q: Who decides when I need to move to a different level of care at Lutheran Life Villages?
A: Our interdisciplinary team meets with all our residents and families on a quarterly basis to discuss changes in the resident’s care plan and answer any questions they might have. We also evaluate residents experiencing an acute change in condition as needed.

Respite care

Q: Does Lutheran Life Villages provide respite care?
A: Yes. Lutheran Life Villages is able to provide temporary respite care for up to 14 days. Please click here for more information about admitting your loved one to a Lutheran Life Villages location. Or give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer any other questions about respite care that you might have.

Q: What items does my loved one need to bring for a rehabilitation stay?
A: Residents who plan to return to their own homes after they receive care should consider bringing at least five complete sets of clothing, along with personal items to add comfort to their room. While we provide basic toiletries, residents with special preferences may bring in personal items from home. And be sure to include containers for dentures, glasses, and hearing aides if you use any of these devices.

At the same time, we ask that residents don’t bring large amounts of money, credit cards, jewelry, and other valuables. Lutheran Life Villages cannot be responsible for lost items during your stay.

Q: What are your visiting hours?
A: There are no specific visiting hours in our communities. We encourage friends and family to visit at any time.

Q: What about electric hospital beds? Are these available?
A: Yes. Our rehabilitation suites for residents receiving short-term services are furnished with electric beds for convenience and comfort.

Skilled nursing

Q: Do you have private rooms available?
A: Yes. Private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who demonstrate the ability to use personal funds or have a specific need may receive priority status.

Q: Can we bring personal items, including furniture, when we move in?
A: Of course! We encourage all our residents to bring in items that will make them comfortable, including furniture. Please work with a member of our admissions team to ensure adequate space is available prior to scheduling a move.

Q: What about pictures and framed art? Can we hang these on the walls?
A: Yes! We want you to add special touches to your room, including wall art. We’ll even help you move it and hang it. Our admissions team will contact a member of our maintenance team if you’d like their help.

Q: I need help understanding my Medicare and insurance benefits. Do you have a staff member who can help?
A: Yes. Medicare may help pay for skilled nursing care if you require skilled nursing care seven days a week, or skilled therapy services at least five days a week, and were formally admitted as an inpatient to a hospital for at least three consecutive days in the 30 days prior to admission in a Medicare-certified skilled-nursing facility. A member of our admissions team will be happy to provide you with written information on Medicare and answer your benefit-related questions.

Q: Does your facility use agency staff?
A: No. Our philosophy is to avoid the use of contracted employees. Everyone you see at in our communities is employed, trained, and appreciated by Lutheran Life Villages.

Q: How do I know if my mom or dad is ready for skilled nursing care?
A: A member of our admissions team evaluates all potential residents before they move in. Residents exhibiting a need for continuous, 24-hour care are most likely to be accepted.

Q: What legal documents should my dad have in place before entering a nursing community?
A: Power of attorney for finances and health care; a living will that expresses his desires as a directive to the family; and current insurance information, including a nursing home policy, Medicare cards, and his Social Security card.

Q: Can I bring my mom home for the holidays?
A: Yes, depending on her specific needs. While residents may leave for special occasions for varying amounts of time, these visits may be limited based on physician orders.
 

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