Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

I'm not sure I'm ready for a retirement community. Shouldn't I wait until I need to move?
Why do people choose to live at Edgewood?
What is a continuing care retirement community?
What is LifeCare?
Is living at Edgewood affordable?
What does the monthly fee cover at Edgewood Retirement Community?
How does the flexible dining program work?
Are additional services available?
Is the monthly fee fixed, or subject to change?
What type of home will I have at Edgewood Retirement Community?
What kind of Village homes are located at Edgewood?
May I decorate my apartment or Village home as I wish?
What do you mean by "maintenance-free living"?
Do residents need to carry homeowner's insurance?
Will I be able to bring my car?
Will my pet be allowed on campus?
What does the entrance fee cover?
What type of amenities does this community offer?
Who owns this community?
What health care services are available on campus?
Is there a Resident Association?
Does Edgewood Retirement Community have a waiting list?
What happens to my initial deposit?
I think I'd like to reserve my spot -- what is my next step?

Answers

I'm not sure I'm ready for a retirement community. Shouldn't I wait until I need to move? The best time to make a move to any retirement community is while you are active and in good health. Residing at Edgewood will free you completely from the worries and responsibilities of maintaining your own home, so you'll have time to do the things you've always wanted to do. If you wait until you need assistance to make your move, you may miss out on many of the joys of active retirement living. [back to top]
Why do people choose to live at Edgewood? People ages 62 and up select Edgewood for its setting of incomparable beauty, bordered by the lovely rolling fields of the historic Edgewood Farm and the preserved woodlands of Lake Cochichewick. Edgewood's peaceful campus also offers near-instant access to the shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities of North Andover and is just 40 minutes from the cultural, sporting, and entertainment venues of Boston. In addition to freedom from household maintenance and lawn care, Edgewood residents enjoy spacious, attractive residences, choices in dining, social and recreational activities, convenient services on site, and the security of excellent lifelong healthcare. [back to top]
What is a continuing care retirement community? A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior-living community where mature adults can enjoy private, maintenance-free residences on an amenity-filled campus and the assurance that exceptional healthcare will be available to them through every stage of life -- without having to relocate. With one move, you can enhance your financial security, lifestyle flexibility, and peace of mind. [back to top]
What is LifeCare? As a LifeCare^TM CCRC, Edgewood enables you to secure priority access to levels of care and supportive services on campus, such as healthcare, memory support, and skilled nursing, all with a minimum increase in your monthly fee. This greatly reduces concerns about future health care costs and can protect you from potentially devastating demands on your assets. In-home assistance is also available for an additional fee. Making this choice now assures that, should you need it, you'll receive care in an environment of your choosing, sparing children or other relatives the difficulty of making care decisions in a time of crisis. You can also benefit from a healthy focus on wellness and gain access to on-site fitness programs, preventive care, and 24-hour emergency response. [back to top]
Is living at Edgewood affordable? Many people think that retirement communities are too expensive. In reality, the cost of living at Edgewood Retirement Community compares very favorably with the cost of maintaining your own home because so many things that you pay for now will be covered by your monthly fee. [back to top]
What does the monthly fee cover at Edgewood Retirement Community? Your monthly fee includes the cost of your residence; all interior and exterior maintenance; weekly housekeeping services; use of campus amenities; flexible dining; regularly scheduled local transportation; participation in community programs, activities, and entertainment; an emergency communication system; and 24-hour-a-day on-site security. Real estate taxes and household utilities are also included, with the telephone and computer services. Please contact the Edgewood sales staff for more details [back to top]
How does the flexible dining program work? Each month, as part of the monthly service fee, you will be given a meal plan credit. The amount varies by type of residence. Credits can be used for any of the dining options on campus. You may choose traditional or restaurant-style dining or casual dining in the Bistro. Whichever venue you select, you'll have a varied menu of appealing options, including healthy choices. [back to top]
Are additional services available? Yes. Some services and programs are available for an additional cost. Such as, extra resident meals, guest meals, alcoholic beverages, transportation, beauty/barber shop services, catering for parties, and more. [back to top]
Is the monthly fee fixed, or subject to change? Monthly fees are typically adjusted annually, although with a 30-days notice, other adjustments may be made if necessary. These adjustments help a community maintain the level of service residents expect, while compensating for inflation and other operating cost changes. [back to top]
What type of home will I have at Edgewood Retirement Community? Edgewood offers an outstanding selection of residences, including both apartments and Village homes. Our well-appointed apartments come in a variety of sizes and floor plans, ranging from a cozy one-bedroom layout to a deluxe plan with two bedrooms and a den -- perfect for a home office, craft room, or guest space. These well-appointed homes offer such features as bay windows, walk-in closets, eat-in kitchens, and washers and dryers. With many floor plans to choose from -- all maintenance-free -- you're sure to find one that feels right for you. [back to top]
What kind of village homes are located at Edgewood? Spacious new Village homes -- just 22 total -- in three inviting villages. These maintenance-free private homes feature two bedrooms, two baths, two-car garages and full basements, as well as such luxury features as gas fireplaces, granite countertops, built in bookcases, chair rails, and crown molding. [back to top]
May I decorate my apartment or village home as I wish? We invite you to make yourself at home by furnishing and decorating your apartment or village home according to your personal tastes. Please contact an Edgewood Senior Lifestyle Consultant for more details. [back to top]
What do you mean by "maintenance-free living"? At Edgewood Retirement Community, you will be completely free from the worries and responsibilities of maintaining your own home -- you'll never push a lawnmower, lift a snow shovel, wield a leaf blower, or fix a faucet. [back to top]
Do residents need to carry homeowner's insurance? While Edgewood Retirement Community insures the buildings and grounds, you will need to obtain a renter's insurance policy to cover personal property and liability. [back to top]
Will I be able to bring my car? You will be encouraged to keep driving as long as you are able to do so safely. Each village home will have its own two-car garage. Edgewood also offers underground parking areas for its apartment residents that are available for a small fee. [back to top]
Will my pet be allowed on campus? Well behaved pets are welcome in many campus residences. The sales staff can help you select a pet-friendly home. The complete pet policy is detailed in our Resident Handbook. [back to top]
What does the entrance fee cover? Entrance fees ensure that we can continue to provide high quality services, amenities, and programs to meet resident needs and preferences. The LifeCare™ fee guarantees residency; use of the common facilities; and access to assisted living services, skilled nursing care, and memory support. Entrance fees vary depending on the specific residence selected. With Edgewood's 90% refundable Return-of-Capital^TM plan, your financial security is also enhanced because should you leave the community, the bulk of your entrance fee will be returned to you or to your heirs once the residence is resold. [back to top]
What type of amenities does this community offer? In addition to beautiful grounds, putting greens, and hiking trails, the community offers an on-campus bank and convenience store and an impressive assortment of resort-quality amenities, including a fitness center, a heated indoor swimming pool, a library, a formal dining room, an art studio, a woodworking shop, a hair salon, and a bistro, to name just a few. [back to top]
Who owns this community? The community is owned and operated by Edgewood Retirement Community, Inc., a Massachusetts not-for-profit corporation. Edgewood is managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a respected organization that has been actively involved in the planning, development, and/or management of more than 180 successful retirement and assisted living communities nationwide. [back to top]
What health care services are available on campus? As a resident under a LifeCare™ contract, you have access to exceptional health care on site, with no change in your basic monthly fee, which covers wellness programs, preventive care services, memory support, and long- and short-term skilled nursing care. Other services, such as home care; physician visits; assisted living services; and physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available for a minimal fee. [back to top]
Is there a Resident Association? Edgewood's Resident Association is active in most aspects of community life and represents the views and concerns of the community's residents to the administration and management. [back to top]
Does Edgewood Retirement Community have a waiting list? Yes. You can become a member of the Premier Wait List Club by making a refundable deposit. You'll gain many benefits, including free monthly lunches, use of the fitness center and pool, and opportunities to meet residents and other members. [back to top]
What happens to my initial deposit? Your initial deposit will be applied to your entrance fee when you move in. Should you choose to live elsewhere; a small cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund. [back to top]
I think I'd like to reserve my spot -- what is my next step? We invite you to come for a visit. Please call to schedule lunch and a personalized tour so you can find out all you need to know about Edgewood Retirement Community. It's never too early to start planning for your ideal retirement. Why not start today? [back to top]