Q & A

Q. What types of admission are available?
A.  The Board of Trustees currently offers two types of admission.  Private Pay residency incurs a monthly fee depending on the level of care, floor plan, etc.  This is a month-to-month agreement and does not include medical treatment costs.  Continuing-care residency involves a member of the Order entering into a lifetime contract for residency and medical treatment in consideration for having given the SLC all of his or her assets.

Q.  What is Assisted Living?
A. The goal of assisted living is to allow seniors to live independently while assuring that basic needs are provided.  Assisted living is a relatively new and preferred alternative for seniors who wish to maintain their independent, active lifestyle, but may need a little help in some activities of daily living such as personal care, medication monitoring and housekeeping.

Q. What services and amenities are provided with Assisted Living?
A. Healthcare management from a skilled-nursing professional, housekeeping, weekly fresh linens, personal laundry service, 24-hour security, planned activities and outings, nutritious and tasty meals and snacks, dietary counseling, fitness activities, beauty salon/barber services, library with computers and Internet access, entertainment rooms, private dining/party room, country store and ice cream parlor.

Q. Who owns and operates the Senior Living Community?
A.  The Senior Living Community for the Eastern Star in California is owned by the Eastern Star Homes of California, a non-profit California corporation whose stock is wholly owned by the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star, and governed by a Board of Trustees elected from the membership of the Order.  This management stricter has been in effect since the first facility opened in 1933.  We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service, residential living accommodations and the wellness care needed to allow every resident to live with dignity and independence.

Q.  Is it necessary to sign a lease or buy into the community if I’m entering on a private-pay residency?
A. Although there is a residence agreement signed upon entering the Senior Living Community, it is a non-binding, month-to-month agreement that can be terminated at any time.  When moving into the Community, you decide when you move in and when you move out – and you may stay any length of time.

Q.  After I move in as a private-pay resident, if I later change my mind, am I obligated in any way?
A.  We require a contract notification to move out, unless the move is due to a medical condition that no longer enables you to maintain residence in the Community.  If you must move out due to a medical reason, we stop charging you the day your furniture and personal belongings are moved out of the room.

Q. Can spouses, relatives for friends share an apartment?  Is there an adjusted rate? 
A. Yes, apartments can be shared by family members for a minimal additional charge based on the service level of the second occupant for our assisted living residents, and the apartment type for the independent residents, subject of course to the membership requirements.

Q.  Can I come and go as I please?
A.  Absolutely.  When moving to the Senior Living Community, you maintain your independent lifestyle.  Of course, you are free to participate in planned activities and outings as you wish.  We simply ask that you sign out when you leave the grounds. 

Q.  Are there furnished apartments?
A.  Yes, however, we encourage you to bring your own furniture.  Make it as much like your home as possible!  Hang your favorite photos and pictures on the wall and bring your favorite collectibles!

Q. Will my apartment have an emergency system?
A.  Yes.  Each unit is equipped with an emergency call system and each resident also has a personal emergency-response pendant.

Q.  Is there housekeeping and laundry service?
A.  We have weekly housekeeping and laundry as part of our standard package.   We also provide laundry facilities for those residents who wish to do their own laundry.

Q. Is cable television available?
A. Basic cable is provided to each resident at no additional charge.

Q.  What about resident and guest parking?
A.  Reserved parking is available for residents with vehicles and guest parking is available for family and friends. 

Q.  Is there transportation service?
A.  Yes.  Scheduled transportation is available with a seven mile radius, and must be scheduled in advance.

Q.  Is mail service available?
A.  Yes.  Each resident has their own mail box and there is an in-house mail box for outgoing mail.

Q.  Is newspaper delivery allowed?
A.  Any newspaper you contract for can be delivered to the Senior Living Community.

Q.  Does my monthly fee cover three meals a day and snacks?  Is there a selection of entrees in the dining room?  Can special diets be accommodated?
A.  Yes, fees cover all your meals and snacks.  There are two selections for every meal, plus a delicious salad bar.  We can also accommodate special diets, such as diabetic, low-salt, low fat and cholesterol, as well as others.

Q.  I enjoy entertaining friends.  Can I invite a guest to any meal?
A.  Our private dining room is perfect for entertaining a small group.  You may also have a guest join you at your table in the main dining room.  A reservation is requested in advance of the guest meal and a nominal fee is charged.

Q.  Are wellness services provided?
A.  The SLC has highly trained caregivers on call twenty-four hours a day who assist our residents with any needs – all under the supervision of a licensed nursing professional.