There are a total of 236 independent living units. 167 are cottages built on the 50 acres within our perimeter road, while 69 are apartments attached to the Community Center. They come in six sizes, ranging from a studio to a two bedroom with den.
Residential Services and Amenities
- Full kitchens
- Window coverings and carpeting
- Individually controlled heating and air conditioning
- Fire and emergency call systems
- Biweekly housekeeping service, weekly linen service
- All utilities except telephone
- Free communal laundry facilities, washer/dryer hookups in each unit
- Basic cable television service
- Free covered carports
- Full service bank
- Regularly scheduled local transportation
- Use of all communal facilities, including auditorium, lounges, library, exercise equipment, craft area, woodworking shop, computer center, winemaking area, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, paved walking paths, individual garden plots
- One meal a day; others available for additional charge; three meals included for Health Center Residents
- Waited and buffet style meal service in four different dining rooms
- Accommodation for physician ordered special diets
- Catering services for special occasions
The Decision
Deciding to join the Kendal at Ithaca community is described by most residents as the most difficult decision they have ever made. Once the move has been accomplished, many people say they wish that they had done this sooner. Since there are waiting lists for all sizes of units, it is important to plan ahead. Kendal at Ithaca has procedures in place which make the process a bit easier, and which insure fairness in our dealings with applicants.
The Process
Kendal at Ithaca is designed for older adults who are in good physical health and able to live independently. If you are interested in entering Kendal, you may join the Priority List by completing a Priority Reservation Agreement and making a deposit of $1000. This deposit maintains your position on the Priority List in the order of the date the agreement and deposit are received. The Priority Deposit is fully refundable with interest if you withdraw from the Priority List, and is deducted from your entry fee if you move in. Reserving a place on the Priority List is a preliminary step in applying for admission, and simply secures your position for possible future admission.
People are considered for admission and offered residences in priority number order. Kendal will consider and admit applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, or sexual preference. Applicants complete medical and financial application forms. These aid in the assessment of applicants’ ability to live safely and independently, and of their ability to sustain themselves financially for the duration of their stay. An admissions interview is held to review the contract. When the contract is offered, the applicant has 30 days to sign it and pay 10% of the entry fee, and an additional 30 days to make the final payment and begin the monthly fee.
Three Types of Contracts
People enter Kendal while they are able to live independently, and select from one of three different contracts: the original, all-inclusive agreement; the 50% Return of Capital Contract; and the Modified Contract.
Original Contract
The original, all-inclusive contract offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of services available. Holders of this contract have the security of knowing that their fees will not increase due to changes in levels of care. The same monthly fees are paid by those living independently as by those receiving skilled nursing care. The contract also includes pharmacy coverage for prescription drugs on our formulary. There is a declining entry fee refund over the first four years of residency. For those who wish to minimize the risk of unexpected future health costs, this contract offers the most protection.
50% Return of Capital Contract
This contract is identical to the original, comprehensive contract except as regards the refund of entry fee. Residents selecting this agreement pay a higher entry fee according to their ages. The entry fee refund then declines over the first two years until it reaches 50% of the original payment. Thereafter, residents or their estates receive a refund of 50% of the original entry fee. People who find this contract appealing are those seeking to preserve assets for their estate.
Modified Contract
Increasing numbers of people have long term care insurance in place, and Kendal has begun offering a Modified Contract for those who want to maintain their insurance. In essence, people receive a reduction in entry fee, and agree to pay for three years of skilled nursing care, usually by filing a claim with their long term care insurance provider. Care beyond the three year period is paid for by Kendal. This contract also does not include prescription drugs or Medicare co-pays. The Modified Contract is designed for people with long term care insurance in place, who are willing to take the risk of unanticipated cost for such things as prescription drugs.