Frequently Asked Questions
Residential Living FAQs
There are many reasons to choose one of SpiriTrust Lutheran’s six senior living communities. Some people choose SpiriTrust Lutheran because of the active social and cultural life or close proximity to the attractions of York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Others move here to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren in nearby Maryland, yet still benefit from Pennsylvania’s low taxes and cost of living. Others currently live in the area and want to maintain their ties to community organizations, churches, family and friends.
The six retirement communities are backed by the strength of SpiriTrust Lutheran, a faith-based, not-for-profit provider of senior citizen housing and other services that places people before profits. At SpiriTrust Lutheran, we don’t just serve the community, we are actively involved in it. Our goal is to provide the foundation for a healthy community by offering access to quality care, services and lifestyle options. We are firmly committed to ensuring that community needs are met.
A Life Plan Community, formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC, is a residential setting for older adults who live independently and also includes a complete continuum of care, including personal care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. Should a resident’s health change, he or she can feel confident that high-quality care will be available right on campus. Residents won’t have to move to another community if their needs for care change, but can stay in the place they love, surrounded by the people they care about.
A Continuing Care Retirement Community, also known as a CCRC, is the same as a Life Plan Community, only the name is different. Life Plan Community is a newer name that aims to redefine the CCRC to more accurately reflect its offerings today.
Yes, all of the six senior living villages owned and managed by SpiriTrust Lutheran® are Life Plan Communities.
A not-for-profit community puts any profits it makes back into the community, to improve the lives of residents through programming, services, enhancements to the campus and benevolent care. A for-profit community is focused on making a profit, and must be accountable to its shareholders.
Yes! We know your furry companion is part of your family, so our campuses are pet-friendly. A maximum of two pets (i.e., dogs, cats or birds) are welcome. Pets must be leashed and have current vaccinations. Any pet-related damage is the responsibility of the resident.
No. Our mission to serve was born out of faith — faith that guides every decision we make about those who turn to us for care. That faith is what sets us apart. While our beliefs are firmly rooted in our Lutheran heritage, we recognize that faith is different for everyone. We warmly welcome those with differing faith journeys and life experiences.
Some important qualities to look for in a retirement community include:
- Not-for-profit status
- Complete continuum of care
- Abundant activities
- Well-maintained campus
- Transportation on-site
- Reputation for quality care
- Track record of financial stability.
You’ll also want to take a tour and see where you feel comfortable, and you’ll want to consider things like location, size, grounds, and whether the community has the type of housing you prefer.
It’s important to ask questions when you’re touring a community. The right information will help you make the best decision. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:
- What activities do you offer?
- Can I talk to some of the current residents?
- What are you doing to keep residents safe?
- Is transportation available?
- Do you offer a complete continuum of care?
- Is your community not-for-profit or for-profit?
- What kind of financial options do you have?
Yes, residents must be at least 62 years of age or older. In cases where couples or co-residents would like to move in, one partner must be 62, and the other must be at least 55.
No. As long as you abide by the rules and regulations of SpiriTrust Lutheran, have not unethically spent down your funds, and maintain your eligibility for medical assistance and other third-party reimbursements, you will not be required to leave the community. SpiriTrust Lutheran Benevolent Care offers hope to individuals who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their financial resources and cannot afford the services they need.
No. All of our senior living communities are tobacco-free. It is our desire to offer a safe and healthy retirement living environment.
At SpiriTrust Lutheran, we fully integrate the seven dimensions of wellness into all of our levels of care through our Spirit360® program. This program empowers positive, active aging through continued growth opportunities, including a wide range of engaging activities and programs.
Our number one priority is safeguarding the health and well-being of our team members and residents. We follow CDC and other regulatory guidelines in all of our safety and cleaning protocols and procedures. Learn more about SpiriTrust Lutheran’s COVID-19 protocols.
Yes, we promote diversity and inclusion at all SpiriTrust Lutheran communities. Team members and residents of all races, sexual preferences, spiritual backgrounds and cultures are welcome here. Chaplains offer spiritual care to all in need, not just those of a specific religion or denomination.
There are several ways to get to know us. You can request more information, attend an event, or schedule a personal tour. Contact the community of your choice below to learn more. Contact us at:
No, however, current residents of a SpiriTrust Lutheran community have priority access to these higher levels of care.
Guests are always welcome to visit and stay in your home for up to two weeks.
The type of heat varies by community and residence style.
Residents need renter’s insurance in amounts that will be explained by the director of senior living sales and marketing (DSM). You should also retain your health, auto, liability, life and long-term care insurance coverage, if applicable, just as though you were living outside of a Life Plan Community or Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).
While it’s not mandatory, long-term care insurance might help to cover the cost of Personal Care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Care or Home Healthcare services. If you have long-term care insurance, please check the terms of your policy.
Upgrades, remodeling and additions to resident cottages must be discussed in advance with the director of senior living sales and marketing (DSM). If approved, any modifications will be at the resident’s expense.
The director of senior living sales and marketing (DSM) will price upgrades, remodeling and additions. An estimate will be provided to the resident in writing and, upon agreement, will be performed either by SpiriTrust Lutheran team members or an outside contractor hired by SpiriTrust Lutheran.
You can purchase housekeeping and additional maintenance services according to your needs. For further information, please refer to our Schedule of Charges.
While many of your living expenses and utilities are included, there are variations by residence types. Additionally, there are some services, programs and trips which may interest you that have additional cost.
An advantage of moving to a SpiriTrust Lutheran retirement community is that it offers multiple levels of living, each with its own life-enriching activities and programs. Residents can move from one level of care to the next as needed and appropriate.
If you move from Residential Living to Personal Care, Assisted Living or Memory Care, you would continue to pay your monthly fee for your cottage until relinquished, as well as the per diem rate for Personal Care.
No. Medicare is your health insurance and does not cover Personal Care, Assisted Living or Memory Care. For more information about Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Your name will be added to the waiting list simply by completing an application and submitting it with a $250 application fee. A financial disclosure form is part of the application.
Residential Living Pricing FAQs
SpiriTrust Lutheran® is pleased to offer three different Entrance Fee Plans to best meet your individual financial goals and circumstances. The Traditional Plan is our non-refundable option and offers the lowest entrance fee for a specific residence. Two Estate Preservation Plans — with a 50% refund or an 80% refund of the entrance fee — amortize over time. With all plans, you pay a one-time entrance fee and an inclusive monthly service fee. Details of each plan type can be found on the Plan for a Secure Retirement Future.
The fee varies depending on the residence and type of entrance plan you choose. The Estate Preservation refundable plans’ costs are higher than the entrance fee for the Traditional plan, but depending on your situation, it may offer more long-term value. Our team would be happy to discuss the options with you to help you decide which fee option makes most sense for you. Contact the community of your choice to for specific details about entrance fees. Contact us at:
The retirement community monthly fee varies depending on the type and size of your residence, and on whether you live in Residential Living. If you’d like additional details about monthly fees, please contact the community of your choice below and we can provide you with the exact costs for the specific residence in which you are interested. Contact us at:
While your monthly service fee covers many of your living expenses, there are minor variations in coverage depending on the type of residence and level of care you choose. Please contact the community of your choice below for specific details about the services and amenities covered by the monthly service fee. Contact us at:
Personal Care, Assisted Living and Memory Care FAQs
Your loved one’s individual needs will determine which level of care is right for them. You can also contact our team to make an appointment to come in and talk with us. We can help you assess which level of care will be the right fit for your family member.
Personal Care offers meals, living accommodations and personal assistance or supervision with activities of daily living. Assisted Living provides the same services plus supplemental healthcare services. The goal of Assisted Living is to provide residents with personalized support that will allow them to age in place should their needs increase.
Assisted Living and Assisted Living Memory Care neighborhoods are located on The Village at Sprenkle Drive campus, while Personal Care Residences can be found at The Village at Gettysburg, The Village at Kelly Drive, The Village at Luther Ridge and The Village at Shrewsbury.
Your loved one may be neglecting the yard, house or bills, have lost weight due to poor nutrition, be skipping doses of prescribed medication, or may have fallen recently.
Some signs that it’s time to consider Memory Care include forgetting to take medications, shop, or prepare food; missed appointments, weight loss or neglect of personal hygiene, and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
One reason is the compassionate, person-centered care provided by our dedicated, longtime staff members. Another reason is that you will receive priority access to higher levels of care, such as Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Services.
No; however, current residents have priority access to these higher levels of care.
Yes. The dining room operates like a restaurant, with service by wait staff, and seasonal weekly menus. Breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold selections. Two daily entrées, plus an expansive “anytime menu,” are available at both lunch and dinner. Outside of typical dining hours, a separate menu featuring a variety of items, such as delicious salads and sandwiches, is available.
Yes. Family and friends are always welcome. They can join you anytime for meals as well as visits in your room, the lounges or outdoor areas. Pets are also permitted to visit.
Yes. We provide scheduled transportation to medical appointments, outings, shopping trips and more. There may be an additional charge for some transportation services.
Residents continue to see their own physician and other medical providers in the greater community.
Yes. We do offer respite care if a room is available in the Personal Care Residences.
Yes. We realize that transitioning to a Personal Care residence or Assisted Living neighborhood can be stressful. Our staff will meet with you to help you settle in and get to know our community. They are also available on an ongoing basis to answer any questions.
If ever needed, Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Services are available at every community, except for The Village at Kelly Drive, where residents have access to the Skilled Care Center at The Village at Sprenkle Drive, just down the road. For more details on the Skilled Care Centers, select the community of your choice below.
No. Medicare is your health insurance and does not cover Personal Care. For more information about Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Take these steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a retirement counselor or director of sales and marketing at the community of your choice:
- Complete an application for review.
- Obtain financial and medical approval. We will provide you with a medical evaluation form to take to your personal physician.
- Meet with our health services manager for a pre-admission assessment. The assessment is an opportunity for us to learn more about your preferences and discuss your personal service needs.
Skilled Nursing Care FAQs
No; however, current residents have priority access should they need additional care.
Yes. The dining room operates like a restaurant with wait staff. We offer seasonal weekly menus. Breakfast includes a variety of both hot and cold selections. Two daily entrées, plus an expansive “anytime” à la carte menu, are available at both lunch and dinner. Outside of typical dining hours, a separate menu featuring a variety of delicious selections, such as salads and sandwiches, is available.
Yes. Family and friends are always welcome. They can join you anytime for a meal or visits in your room, the lounges or outdoor areas. Pets are also permitted to visit.
Yes. We have partnered with Flagship Rehabilitation, which offers a range of senior rehabilitation therapy services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Medicare frequently covers Skilled Nursing Care after certain criteria have been met. For more information about Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
We are Medicare- and Medicaid-certified. We also work with many other insurance providers. Please contact the business office for a full, up-to-date listing.
Rehabilitation Services FAQs
Yes. We offer a wide range of both short-term and long-term rehabilitation therapy services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies in one of five skilled care centers at:
Medicare frequently covers Rehabilitation Services after certain criteria have been met. For more information about Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
We are Medicare- and Medicaid-certified. We also work with many other insurance providers. Please contact the business office at the community of your choice for a full, up-to-date listing.
- The Village at Gettysburg • 717-334-6204
- The Village at Luther Ridge • 717-261-1251
- The Village at Sprenkle Drive • 717-764-9994
- The Village at Utz Terrace • 717-637-0633
Resources
Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or considering life at one of the SpiriTrust Lutheran communities, you face a wide range of challenges, from physical to emotional to financial. But you don’t have to go it alone. Click on the links below to find the support you need.
