Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Why Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Why Choose a not-for-profit community?
Will I be in control of my own financial resources?
How can I schedule a visit?
Can I transfer to/from another community?
How do I know if I can afford it?
Wesbury is NOT the most expensive facility in the region. We often hear that folks assume they cannot afford Wesbury. This is often untrue. When you inquire, a Wesbury representative will go over the costs, your income, assets and expenses to help you determine if Wesbury is an affordable option. They will also make you aware of any financial aid or insurance that may cover the service you are seeking.
In Independent Living, the cost of living at your home with extra services is comparable to living at Wesbury. Depending on which residence and contract you choose, many items you pay for now, such as utilities, local telephone, cable, refuse removal, home insurance, taxes, home maintenance, lawn care and snow removal are covered by your monthly fee.
At our Enhanced Living and Personal Care level of care, the daily rate includes 3 meals a day, utilities, cable, local telephone, maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, activities and transportation to local medical appointments. If a resident needs personal care we offer tiered care levels in which a Wesbury nurse will go over the care plan with a resident and their family. Enhanced Living and Personal Care is private pay but we do accept Long Term Care Insurance and veterans benefits to help cover the costs.
Our rates for skilled nursing care are within a dollar per day of other area options. While applicants do need to have the means to pay their monthly fee for independent living, there is financial aid for veterans at the personal care level and we accept Medicare and Medicaid to pay for the costs of rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. Our In-home care and Care Cottage rates are competitive too, and we accept financial aid from the PA Waiver Program and the Veterans Association to help cover the costs!
What is the minimum age requirement for admission?
How do I give a donation?
Dedicated to advancing the mission of Wesbury, The Foundation encourages charitable contributions and prudently manages all donations and assets of the corporation. Located at the Cressler House among the Villas at Wesbury, The Foundation secures funds for benevolent care, campus beautification, facility enhancements, spiritual life, and special projects. You may give an online monetary donation by visiting Wesbury’s Make-a-Donation page, calling in a credit card or mailing a check. You can also donate used books, baked goods and rummage for our many annual sales. To learn more about charitable giving please visit, Ways to Give. If you would like to speak with someone at The Wesbury Foundation please call (814) 332-9264.
How do I become a volunteer?
We are always happy to welcome volunteers to all areas of the Wesbury community to support with community events, special outings and everyday residents activities. Do you have a musical talent? Residents are always up for a sing-a-long or just to be entertained with piano or guitar. Do you like to play games? Residents always appreciate the time of those who come in to host or play along. Do you like to go out and explore the region? The more the merrier as far as we are concerned! When we go out there is always a need to assist residents to places such as Presque Isle Downs, field trips to Pymatuning Lake, the zoo, or picnics on the beach at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.
While we do have Life Enrichment staff on hand working with residents, it is nice to have others who generously give of their time and talents to help fill the gaps in areas of need. For more information please contact Stacey Hoey, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (814) 332-9280 and visit our Volunteer Section.
How do I become an employee?
Independent Living
What is included in my monthly service fee?
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, we do have a waitlist for Independent Living but it is nothing to be discouraged by due to the changing needs of those on the list and the different preferences for location and size. Call us and apply! We encourage you to get on the waiting list even if you are not ready yet.
There is no fee to send the application in. When you join the waitlist you will receive calls about openings that you might be interested in and have priority over those who are not. Your name will be placed on the wait list in the order in which it was received. If you are not ready yet, or do not like the particular open unit we will continue down the wait list to the next applicant. There is no penalty for saying no, and you will not lose your place if you should decide to wait for another opening.
Do residents need to carry homeowner’s insurance?
Are pets permitted?
Yes! We allow pets in Independent Living ask your Wesbury representative for the Pet Policy.
Will I have my own garage?
Will I have my own Laundry facilities? Are appliances included?
I’m not sure I’m ready for a retirement community. Should I wait until I need to move?
Studies show that reduced stress and remaining active prolongs health and independence. The best time to move to a retirement community is while you’re still active and in good health. At Wesbury you can enjoy an engaging lifestyle and all the benefits of owning a home but with none of the headaches! Take hold of your future, stay engaged in life, create memorable moments and continue to live abundantly with the peace of mind knowing you have priority access to in-home care, rehabilitation, enhanced living and personal care and long-term nursing care.
What if my spouse and I have different health care needs?
Wesbury offers a full continuum of care. You and your spouse may be able to reside together long term on campus depending on your care needs and ability to afford the various options. In home care may be added to prolong your stay in Independent living. Couples may reside at Cribbs Residential Center or Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center in the same accommodations with different care plans. In some cases couples choose to live at different care levels but still enjoy the convenience of living on the same campus and enjoying meals and personal time together. All Residents have priority access to in-home care, rehabilitation, enhanced living and personal care, long-term nursing care and memory support. There are multiple scenarios in which we can help, so please call us today Toll Free at (877) 937-2879, or (814) 332-9009.
What happens if my health changes once I move in?
All residents have priority access to in-home care, rehabilitation, enhanced living and personal care, long-term nursing and memory support. Wesbury at Home services (In-Home-Care) are great for adding support to prolong independence. Our goal is to assist residents to be as active and independent as possible for as long as possible at all care levels. There are multiple scenarios in which we can help, so please call us today Toll Free at (877) 937-2879, or (814) 332-9009.
May I have overnight guests?
Enhanced Living and Personal Care
When do I know the time is right to start the conversation about Enhanced Living and Personal Care?
How do I start the conversation?
Is there an admission fee?
Are the apartments and rooms private?
Yes, Cribbs Residential Center is comprised of private rooms with private bath and two room suites with private bath.
Do you have apartments for couples?
Can I bring my own furniture?
Can I leave the premises?
Are pets permitted?
Birds, cats and fish are permitted at Cribbs Residential Center. Please ask your Wesbury representative for the Pet Policy.
Can I bring a car?
Can Wesbury accommodate special dietary requests?
Is Personal Care assistance available?
Yes– At Cribbs Residential Center, personal care services can be added for a daily fee. Nursing staff can provide additional support such as administering medications, or helping with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
What are your Winter, Respite and Trial Stays? What is included?
How do I pay my monthly fee? Is this covered under any insurance?
Enhanced Living and Personal Care is all private pay. Depending on your circumstances, there are two options that may assist with your payment; Long Term Care Insurance or Veteran’s Aide and Attendance. Please call Toll Free at (877) 937-2879, or (814) 332-9009 for more information.
What happens if my loved one runs out of money?
For nearly one hundred years, Webury has cared for residents even when they have outlived their resources through the ability to raise dollars for our Benevolent Care Fund. We are continuously raising money to ensure that residents will receive care, even when they can no longer pay their bill! It’s a major part of our nonprofit Mission and Vision.
Is there financial assistance for veterans?
Yes, Veteran’s Aide and Attendance can help provide funds to pay for a veteran or spouse of a veteran that has served during wartime. Financial and physical requirements must be met in order to receive these benefits. Ask us today about how we can help. Please call Toll Free at (877) 937-2879, or (814) 332-9009 for more information.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover the costs?
Unfortunately Medicare or Medicaid does not cover the costs for Enhanced Living and Personal Care. Medicare is assistance that pays for your loved one to get well in rehabilitation after they are discharged from the hospital. Medicaid is state funding available at the Skilled Nursing level of care, or through some Wesbury at Home services for those with minimal or no resources. Please call Toll Free at (877) 937-2879, or (814) 332-9009 for more information.
What if my loved one needs more care than Enhanced Living can provide?
Can my loved one keep their Primary Care Physician or do they have to switch doctors?
At Wesbury’s Enhanced Living and Personal Care your loved one can keep their primary physician. We do have an in-house Medical Director and an additional geriatrics physician on-site that residents may choose to avoid the hassle of going to doctors appointments off-site, but that choice is yours. At Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center you are required to choose a doctor who is willing to see patients at Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center. That may be your current doctor or one of our one site physicians.
Long Term Nursing and Rehabilitation
Where do I begin the admission process?
How do I pay for my stay?
My primary care physician doesn’t come to your facility, who will be my doctor?
What do I need to bring with me (or for my loved one)?
Can I visit my loved one at any time?
Yes, we encourage family members and friends to support their loved ones. Visitors must check in at the Grace lobby and wear a surgical mask during their visit.
Are pets permitted?
Are the rooms private?
Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center offers all private accommodations with private bathrooms in the Short term rehabilitation neighborhood and the Memory Support Neighborhoods. There are both private accommodations with private bath and those with a shared bath in the Long Term Care neighborhoods.
Wesbury at Home
What is “In Home” care?
When should I consider in home care?
Common reasons:
- You or your loved one has trouble getting dressed or fastening clothing
- Toileting and bathing present complications
- The need of assistance to prepare meals
- Nutritional needs are not being met due to problems with eating
- Medications are sometimes missed or forgotten
- Walking requires assistance or frequent falls occur
- Household chores are being ignored or present difficulty
- There is frequent confusion, items are regularly lost
How does Home Care differ from Home Health?
The significant difference between home health care vs. non-medical home care is the level of medically skilled care administered by the home health care staff. Home health is care given to patients at home by medically trained and licensed professionals. It is an alternative to receiving care in a nursing home or hospital to regain health and independence.In-Home care allows individuals to age in place at home by offering custodial care, homemaker services, in-home care, and companionship services. Family members, private caregivers, or caregivers employed by home care agencies, a licensed agency that holds a Home and Community Support Services License provide the care at home.
Home health targets recovering patients who are ill with a chronic condition like heart failure; or an acute health condition like surgery for a hip replacement, or an injury. Home health care permits early discharge from a hospital, reduces hospital admissions and assists with rapid recovery. It’s less expensive, more accessible and as effective as care from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.