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Senior Living FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We understand choosing a senior living community is a big decision.

We want to be a helpful resource, wherever you are on your senior living journey. To guide you, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our community. Of course, we are always available to answer your questions — call us anytime at 908-566-3500 or fill out the form on this page.

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.

The House of the Good Shepherd’s Riverwalk Village — a Life Plan Community

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. The House of the Good Shepherd offers a full continuum that includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Assisted Living providing skilled nursing care, Post-Acute Rehabilitation and wellness services all on one campus.

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living gives active older adults an opportunity to enjoy their current lifestyle without the burden of home maintenance. At Riverwalk Village, Independent Living residents make the most of this worry-free way of life by tapping into a variety of convenient services and amenities, and forming meaningful connections with like-minded neighbors.

What are the financial arrangements for moving into Riverwalk Village?

What types of Independent Living residences do you offer?

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

The House of the Good Shepherd has a team ready to support you in moving to our Riverwalk Village 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 Riverwalk Village, and do they have to resell the home?

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

Does Riverwalk Village allow pets?

We welcome pets into our Independent Living family.

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

Riverwalk Village at the House of the Good Shepherd welcomes older adults of all beliefs and backgrounds.

What is the age requirement to move into Riverwalk Village?

The minimum age to move into Riverwalk Village is 62. Independent Living at Riverwalk Village 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 Riverwalk Village to take advantage of the on-campus healthcare services?

We accept direct admissions from non-residents to Assisted Living, Enhanced Assisted Living and Post-Acute Rehabilitation.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is provided in Independent Living and Assisted Living on a first-come, first-served basis. Routine weekly trips to area shopping centers are scheduled on specific days and times. Day trips to area attractions are regularly scheduled.

Assisted Living

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

We welcome residents from the community at large.

Do you offer Respite Stays at Riverwalk Village?

Yes, we provide respite accommodations for your loved one.

Can I move directly into Assisted Living at Riverwalk 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.

Is the cost of Assisted Living the same for all residents?

Riverwalk Village 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 Riverwalk 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 nurse.

What is the neighborhood model of care for Assisted Living?

Each of our Assisted Living suites is part of a neighborhood that features a lounge, family room, and dinning room for chef-prepared meals. Residents enjoy well-appointed common spaces that foster deeper connections with others in a homelike atmosphere within the neighborhood.

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

Riverwalk Village 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.

Skilled Nursing and Post-Acute Rehabilitation

Does Riverwalk Village offer long-term Skilled Nursing?

We offer Enhanced Assisted Living, which provides Skilled Nursing Care within our Assisted Living neighborhood, with 24/7 nursing care available.

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

Yes, we welcome admission directly into our Enhanced Assisted Living Program for Post-Acute Rehabilitation services before returning home.

Does Riverwalk Village offer physical, occupational and speech therapy services?

Yes, our rehabilitation and wellness program is designed to help individuals recover from an injury and continue to maintain optimal health. This program is available for post-recovery or as part of an ongoing fitness and wellness program.

Does insurance cover outpatient rehabilitation and wellness programs?

How often will I receive therapy services?

Every person receives an individualized treatment plan based on their specific rehabilitation needs and input from their doctor.

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.