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Senior Living FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions about senior living?

We have answers to some frequently asked questions about Fellowship Village and the senior services we provide in New Jersey. For answers to your specific questions, please reach out by calling (908) 580-3800.

FellowshipLIFE

What is FellowshipLIFE?

FellowshipLIFE is the parent organization of Fellowship Village that has been serving older adults since 1996 as a non-profit faith-based provider of senior living communities, services and programs in New Jersey

Why choose FellowshipLIFE?

FellowshipLIFE creates innovative opportunities to enhance the lives of older adults. Providing a personalized approach for senior living communities, senior care, Home Care, Wellness and Medical Services. Each of our Life Plan Communities throughout New Jersey offer a vibrant lifestyle with high-quality dining, amenities and services.

How can FellowshipLIFE help protect me from the high costs of long-term healthcare?

We have two options that help protect you against the escalating costs of long-term care: Fellowship Village Life Plan Community and Fellowship Freedom Plans. Whether you want to remain independent in your home or join our vibrant community, both these choices offer Life Care plans that will reduce your long-term care costs in the future.

How can I be assured that FellowshipLIFE is financially sound?

FellowshipLIFE maintains a strong financial position. We do this partially through the diligent oversight of experienced management and committee members, which include the Audit and Financial Committee of the board. Baker Tilly, a top 10 full-service accounting and advisory firm, audits us annually. Fitch, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has consistently assigned a BBB rating with a Positive Outlook. For more information, please view the financial data on our parent site. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regulates us.

Fellowship Village Life Plan Community

What is Fellowship Village?

Fellowship Village is a premier Life Plan Community, (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) serving active adults for over 25 years. As a non-profit organization we reinvest back into our community to maintain our 5-star quality amenities and services.

What is a Life Plan Community?

A Life Plan Community is another name for a Continuing Care Retirement Community, also known as a CCRC. To meet the needs of this generation, senior living communities have transformed from care providers into vibrant villages offering a range of residential options, along with new opportunities for creative, educational and personal exploration. Fellowship Village offers a full continuum that includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Sub-Acute Care, and medical, rehabilitation and wellness services all on one campus, and all under an inclusive financial program.

What are the financial arrangements for moving into Fellowship Village?

Fellowship Village is a Life Plan Community providing Independent Living through all levels of supportive living. For our Independent Living, there is an entrance fee and a monthly service fee, which vary depending on the size of the residence and number of occupants. We offer both a traditional declining refund contract and a 90% refundable contract. Please make an appointment to learn more details. Call 908-580-3840 or fill out our contact form.

How does my long-term care insurance work with the costs in Independent Living?

Long-term care insurance applies only when you need long-term care, i.e., assistance with your activities of daily living, whether that care is provided in your independent home or in our on-site health center (Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing). The reimbursement from long-term care insurance goes directly to the resident.

What types of Independent Living residences do you offer?

We have 256 Independent Living residences ranging in size from 520 square feet to 4,000 square feet, and extensive floor plans comprising apartments, villas, cottages and free-standing homes. Special features may include garages, fireplaces and basements.

What kind of support is there to help me sell my home and move into Fellowship Village?

Fellowship Village has a team ready to support you in moving to our community. You will have access to a preferred real estate agent program that matches you with a top local agent to help you sell your home quickly. Our move managers can help you coordinate downsizing and moving logistics.

Do Independent Living residents own their home in Fellowship Village, and do they have to resell the home?

You are not purchasing the home. Your entrance fee is a one-time fee for maintenance-free living, amenities and services, and priority access to all supportive living care and services.

Does Fellowship Village allow pets?

We welcome pets into our Independent Living family. There is a secured dog park located by our scenic wetlands for many hours of enjoyment for you and your four-legged friend.

Do I have to be affiliated with a specific faith or religion?

Fellowship Village welcomes older adults of all beliefs and backgrounds.

What is the average age of residents at Fellowship Village?

The average age of residents moving in is 78, starting with the youngest at 62. Fellowship Village Independent Living is similar to a 55+ community, with more amenities and services to meet your lifestyle. Residents age gracefully in our community due to the benefits of living in a Life Plan Community, with an on-campus continuum of care if they ever need it.

Do I have to be a resident at Fellowship Village to take advantage of the on-campus healthcare services?

We accept direct admissions from non-residents to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, sub-acute rehab and outpatient rehabilitation and wellness programs.

What if I want to remain in my home?

You can remain in your own home through our Fellowship Freedom Plans program. This program provides long-term care protection for individuals who want to remain in their homes. It is a membership-based program that uniquely combines the most important features of long-term care into one comprehensive plan.

What sets Fellowship Village apart from other active adult (55+) communities?

  • Located on 72 beautiful scenic acres with walking trails
  • Contemporary designs and a variety of residence floor plans
  • No high-rise residential buildings
  • A culture of hospitality, community and service
  • Conveniently located to major regional interstates (78 and 287)
  • Amenities to enhance your active lifestyle, including the Sieminski Theater
  • State-of-the-art fitness center, day spa/salon and med-spa
  • A fresh and innovative first-class culinary dining experience
  • On-site medical group practice with a wide range of physicians and specialists
  • MyWellness program focusing on seven dimensions of wellness
  • 5-star Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Sub-Acute Care all on-site
  • Close proximity to New Jersey’s top-rated hospitals

Assisted Living

Do I have to be a resident of Fellowship Village to move into Assisted Living?

We welcome residents from the community at large.

Do you offer Respite Stays at Fellowship Village?

Yes, we provide respite accommodations for your loved one.

Can I move directly into Assisted Living at Fellowship Village without paying an Independent Living entrance fee?

Yes. However, there is a nominal community fee for Assisted Living upon move-in. After that, you’ll pay a monthly service fee.

How is the cost of Assisted Living determined for each resident?

Fellowship takes a personalized approach to Assisted Living, with levels of care based on the changes and needs of each individual. The costs may be higher or lower depending on the level of care a resident needs. The level of care is based on a clinical assessment, which uses a point system to gauge the level of assistance needed

Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for uncovered Assisted Living costs?

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover room and board costs at Assisted Living at Fellowship Village. However, Medicare may cover some temporary rehabilitative services if needed. Long-term care insurance and veterans benefits may provide limited reimbursement.

Is nursing staff available 24/7 for Assisted Living?

Assistance is available any time of the day or night, including 24/7 coverage with a registered nurse.

What is the household model of care for Assisted Living?

Our Assisted Living is focused on personalized care within a household model. Spacious private suites include a kitchenette and personal washer & dryer, and each suite is part of a household that features an expansive common area with a gourmet kitchen and dining room for chef-prepared meals. Residents enjoy beautifully designed common spaces that foster deeper connections with others in a homelike atmosphere within a household.

Memory Care

Can a person move directly into Memory Care at Fellowship Village without paying an Independent Living entrance fee?

Yes. However, there is a nominal community fee for Memory Care upon move-in. After that, there is a monthly service fee.

Can a Memory Care resident leave the building on their own?

Our Memory Care community is a secured environment with special staffing and programming for those residents who would benefit from activities and support geared toward individuals with memory loss. Family and friends can visit whenever they like, and inform us if they are taking the resident off-site for any reason.

What is a typical day like for Memory Care residents?

Residents enjoy a full day of programming within a designated neighborhood. Meals are served in their own dining room. When residents participate in entertainment and services elsewhere in the community or off campus, they’re always escorted to these events.

Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for uncovered Memory Care costs?

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover room and board costs at Memory Care at Fellowship Village. However, Medicare may cover some temporary rehabilitative services if needed. Long-term care insurance and veterans’ benefits may provide limited reimbursement.

What kind of staffing does the Memory Care program have?

Our staff includes a licensed practical nurse designated to this neighborhood as well as certified nursing aides, a certified dementia coordinator, housekeepers, recreation coordinators, and dining team members — all working together to provide a safe, comfortable, homelike setting for our residents.

Skilled Nursing and Short-Term Rehabilitation

Do I have to be a resident of Fellowship Village to move into long-term Skilled Nursing?

We welcome residents from the community at large.

Can I move directly into long-term Skilled Nursing without paying an Independent Living entrance fee?

Yes.

Will I be seen by a doctor while I’m in long-term Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation?

Yes, we have a physician, a nurse practitioner (NP), and a physician assistant (PA) on-site throughout the week.

Is it possible to come to Fellowship Village for a short-term rehabilitation stay if I’m not a resident of Fellowship Village?

Yes, we welcome admission directly into our rehabilitation and wellness program. Sub-acute rehabilitation at Fellowship Village is a Medicare-approved stay, provided you meet the requirements of the Medicare A program. We can help you coordinate admission through your hospital social worker.

Does Fellowship Village offer outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy services?

Yes, our outpatient rehabilitation and wellness program is designed to help individuals continue to achieve and maintain optimal health. This program is available for post-recovery or as part of an ongoing fitness and wellness program. We also provide massage therapy for pain and stress management.

How many days a week are therapy staff available?

Therapy is offered seven days a week. Each individual’s therapy schedule is based on their doctor’s orders.

Does insurance cover outpatient rehabilitation and wellness programs?

We accept Medicare B for covered services or private payments from individuals. We accept most private insurance. Please inquire for details at 908-580-3880.

Fellowship Connected Living Powered by Livindi

What is Fellowship Connected Living Powered by Livindi?

FCL (Fellowship Connected Living) is a smart solution that uses technology to deliver content, care and connection to those who want to live independently in their own home.

What does the software do?

The AI technology monitors conditions in the environment, identifies comfort or safety risks that may be present, and alerts caregivers to potential risks. Fellowship Connected Living powered by Livindi facilitates the proper and necessary care for mom and dad when needed and enables communication and connectivity between a Personal Care Navigator, family, and loved ones to minimize the effects of isolation, provide meaningful connectivity and engaging content.

How does Livindi work?

Sensors are placed in the home that observe and feed data on a continuous basis through your Livindi tabletop device. This information is then interpreted, and a baseline level of activity is created for each specific household depending on individual habits. The information that is gathered is then reported through the LivindiApp to your Personal Health Navigator and a network of designated caregivers chosen by you.

When there is a change in a household pattern or condition from baseline, Livindi automatically reports this change to the established network of caregivers. A deviation from baseline could be a signal for a potential health or well-being challenge in your loved one’s home. Once an alert is received, the recipient can determine the appropriate response that is needed to ensure your loved one’s safety, well-being and comfort. You can rely on Fellowship Connected Living for many different services, such as care coordination, medication reminders, regular check-ins, emergency backup, or to request additional care or support in your home.

The tabletop device also provides access to a library of content that is provided through Fellowship Connected Living. The library includes both live and pre-recorded content. From exercise videos to a live art therapy class your loved one can stay connected and engaged. Videoconferencing, photo sharing, and video sharing through cellular connectivity with personally designated contacts is delivered through one-finger screen-touch access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do the Livindi Sensors record audio or video in the home?

No. Livindi’s sensors passively monitor such things as movement, speed of movement, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, among others. Livindi software uses smart technology to interpret this information in real time all the time.

How can Fellowship Connected living help?

If you struggle with balancing your daily work and family responsibilities while simultaneously caring for a loved one or friend, then Fellowship Connected Living is your perfect solution. Let us help ease the burden of caregiving and enable your loved one to live independently, through Fellowship Connected Living powered by LIVINDI.

Home Care Services

Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for Home Care Services?

Our Home Care services are private pay.

Does Fellowship Home Care accept long-term care insurance?

Yes, but you are responsible for paying our invoices upon receipt. As a courtesy, we will submit the appropriate documentation on your behalf, and payments will be sent directly to you unless you choose to assign the benefits to us.

What in-home services are offered?

We are proud to offer an array of care management, personal home care and concierge services. We are available to offer a complimentary assessment to determine the specific services that meet your needs. Learn more about our Home Care Services.

Do you require a minimum number of hours per Home Care visit?

Yes. We require a minimum of 4 hours per visit.

How often am I billed for services?

You will be billed on the 15th of the month for the previous month.

Are you available 24/7 to schedule an assessment to start services?

Yes, we will respond within an hour of your call and schedule the assessment within 24 hours.

Hospice Care

When should someone consider hospice services?

When you and a physician have discussed if your loved one is ready to move to comfort care if a cure is no longer an option, it may be time to consider hospice. Our hospice team is ready to help you obtain an improved quality of life and seek comfort. Learn more about our hospice care services.

Does a person have to be homebound to receive hospice services?

Hospice services can be anywhere and anytime as needed. The goal is to remain as independent as possible.

Can a person continue to see their own doctor?

Yes, you may continue to see your own doctors.

Is hospice care a financial burden for the patient or the family?

These services are covered by Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans.

How does hospice care help?

The goal of hospice is to improve your loved one’s quality of life, and to allow dying to take place naturally and without pain.