Our very own Marketing Director, Hillary Winkelmann, led a fun senior living event for potential residents this week at the Pinnacle Restaurant at Somers Pointe Country Club in Somers, NY. While the guests dined, Hillary provided them with some information about senior living options as well as our community and then opened it up for questions and answers. In case you missed it, here are some of the questions with Hillary’s replies.

Q: Can I bring my dog or cat with me if I move to Pomperaug Woods?

A: Of course! We understand that pets are family. We have many residents who brought their pets with them to Pomperaug Woods. Our resident dogs enjoy their walks around the community and love to play outside even when it is snowy. We know a new home wouldn’t feel the same without your pet which is why we welcome our new residents and their pets.

Q: What activities do you offer within the community?

A: We offer so many fun activities for our residents. In fact, we hear all the time that our residents’ calendars are busier now than they were before they moved to Pomperaug Woods! We hold art classes and current event seminars which are consistently standing room only. Residents enjoy a variety of exercise classes, play billiards or attend lectures on various topics. Our residents also enjoy a happy hour on Fridays and afternoon teas throughout the week. We’re open to trying new things and, in fact, just held a fun variety show put on by the residents. Check out our Facebook page to see pictures. Our monthly classical concert series is also quite popular. We’re proud to host the annual Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show every September. Artists and visitors from across the state attend and we’re thrilled to have them! And of course, we offer off-site activities to various parts of the region. In July, a group of our residents will be visiting the Harvard Art Museums.

Q.: How much does it cost?

A.: Well, that varies, of course. Our community offers a variety of floor plans that include studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Once you decide to actually move in, there is a one-time entry fee as well as a monthly service fee that is all-inclusive. Again, it’s challenging to provide cost without some additional information. But remember we are a Life Care community which means you will receive access to multiple levels of health services at a predictable rate. There is also a significant medical tax deduction that our residents can take on both their entry and monthly fees.

Q: Tell me more about Life Care. What is it exactly?

A: Life Care allows our residents to have access to higher levels of care for a predictable monthly fee. It is sort of our “health insurance in action” program. Included in the monthly service fee is on-site access to our Medicare-certified health center should you need it, or in-home assistance as needed. Having all levels of care available helps give our residents and their families peace of mind, especially if unexpected health concerns come up. Knowing that residents don’t have to leave the community to receive the health services they may need is a huge relief for both our residents and their families. We’re very happy to be able to offer this to our community.

Q: Why is your Health Center better than others we’ve looked at?

A: Our Health Center is on-site and all of the care that we provide there is person-centered. We’re Medicare-certified, which means you won’t have to waive your right for Medicare coverage. Our Health Center offers short-term rehabilitation and surgery recuperation as well as long-term skilled nursing care. And as mentioned, our campus—including the Health Center—is designed for our residents’ maximum comfort. Our staff is professional and friendly and truly is part of the Pomperaug Woods Family. Our Health Center was also given a 5-star rating by U.S. News and World Reports.

Q: How does long-term care insurance factor in to living at Pomperaug Woods?

A: If you have a long-term care insurance policy, it can certainly help if you need a higher level of care. When you come in for a planning meeting, we can discuss the details of your policy and how it would play a role in your residency at Pomperaug Woods.

Q: Can my family visit for a weekend here and there?

A: Yes, we encourage family and friends to visit any time. We are able to provide rollaway beds, or we have guest apartments that are available by reservation for an additional fee.