Common Questions
At Homewood, we often hear the same questions from people who are considering joining our family. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here. If you have a question that’s not listed below, contact us and we will respond to you promptly.
Who lives in the independent communities on Homewood's campuses?
Men and women who want to maintain an active lifestyle after retirement without the worries of home maintenance, with the convenience of dining, housekeeping and other services.
What are the advantages of living at Homewood?
You have physical and financial security, while still maintaining your independence. If you prefer, additional services are available on a fee-for-service basis. You will have the companionship of friends and neighbors of similar age, plus your privacy.
Will I be able to stay active at Homewood?
Yes, there is a wide variety of events and activities. As one resident said, "We are more active after moving to Homewood than previous years." We have many planned activities and events. Some of the events include strawberry festivals, outdoor concerts and bazaars. Residents participate in card clubs, exercise groups, tours, golf, plus many other events. There are also a large variety of volunteer opportunities. Privacy and time to oneself is very important also, so one can participate in activities or have as much private time as desired.
Do I have to pay a large entrance fee to live in a Homewood community?
Homewood offers a rental program or an entrance fee program in its communities. With the rental contract, there is no up front entrance fee, but there is also no refund. With an entrance fee contract, your entrance fee varies based on the community you are considering joining. Please contact the marketing department at the community you are interested in for specifics.
Are you affiliated with any religion?
In 1929, our benefactor, George C. Pearson, left a bequest of $100,000 to the Potomac Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States to establish an "old folks home." Mr. Pearson was an elder in Christ Reformed Church in Cavetown, MD. The Reformed Church eventually became the United Church of Christ. Though we are not affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Homewood is thankful for the continuing strong support of churches in all of the areas we serve. The United Church of Christ has no ownership in any of Homewood's communities.
Do you have to be a member of a particular church or denomination to live at Homewood?
No, Homewood offers equal housing opportunity. Application to any Homewood site is open to all persons regardless of religion, creed, sex, race or national origin.
How many levels of care does Homewood provide?
Our full-service campuses provide: Independent living cottages and apartments, assisted living and personal care units, comprehensive/skilled care, Alzheimer's and Related Dementia care, rehabilitation care, respite care and hospice services. Each site has a representative who can review your needs with the level of care which Homewood can provide.
Who makes the decisions for me if I can no longer make them?
Homewood works together with your designated power of attorney and/or your family members. Homewood wants to do everything possible to see that your wishes are carried out.
Is Homewood Medicare and Medicaid certified?
Yes, four of Homewood's sites are Medicare and Medicaid certified. Knowledgeable staff members are available to discuss what Medicare or Medicaid will cover and to help with the necessary paper work needed for application.
What services are available, if needed, in the independent living apartments or cottages?
Homewood is a fee-for-service Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) / Full Service Retirement Community. We can provide: housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. Our CCRCs / Full Service Retirement Communities feature on-site beauty/barber shops, convenience stores, wellness and fitness centers, and restaurant-style dining.
How will I begin to make arrangements for the move? It seems so overwhelming.
Making the move when you are still healthy and independent is much easier than waiting until you have special needs. It's so much easier to adjust when one is still able to make his or her own decisions and become an active part of the community. Each site has a representative who can help with the details and decisions that come with any move.
Do you have private nursing care rooms available? If so, how long would it take to have someone admitted?
Vacancies can change on a daily basis. All Homewood sites offer both private and semi-private rooms. A resident admission can take as little as a few hours if all needed information is complete and we have an appropriate room to meet the resident's needs.
Does Medicare pay for nursing care?
Medicare pays for the first 20 days (if the service is Medicare certified) in full and then there is a co-pay from the 21st day to the 100th day. Residents may not need the full 100 days, but they have up to 100 days of benefits. Homewood staff can help you find the answers to your specific Medicare questions.