Frequently Asked QuestionsMoving from your home to an independent living community is exciting! We have provided answers to many of the most common questions our prospective residents may have.
Independent Living
Q. Am I QUALIFIED for admission to Independent Living?
If you are 62 years of age or older, are physically able to maintain self-sufficiency and independence, and can meet financial and health status requirements, then Augsburg Lutheran Village welcomes you as an applicant.
Q. What is an ENTRANCE DEPOSIT?
The entrance deposit is the money you pay that entitles you to become a resident of the Augsburg Village community with the right to use and enjoy your own apartment and amenities as long as you can live independently. Entrance deposits vary depending on the size of the apartment. The entrance deposit is 100% refundable for up to 6 months from settlement and 80% refundable after that.
Q. What is the MONTHLY SERVICE RATE?
The monthly service rate represents your apartment’s pro-rata share of the overall cost for maintenance, care of the building and grounds, property tax, one meal a day, and all supporting services provided.
Q. What happens to my ENTRANCE DEPOSIT if I leave Augsburg Lutheran Village?
If you leave during the six-month period following initial occupancy, 100% of the entrance deposit is returned to you. Following the initial six-month occupancy period, 80% of the entrance deposit is returned when the unit is vacated and reassigned in accordance with the terms of the “Residence Agreement.” Should you die while living at Augsburg Lutheran Village, the entrance deposit refund is returned to your estate or designated beneficiary.
Q. Do I need personal HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes. Residents are required to maintain Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare supplemental insurance or its equivalent.
Q. How do I add my name to Augsburg’s RESERVATION LIST?
Contact the Marketing Manager at 443-471-1020, who will provide you with an “Application for Residency” that you should complete (one application needs to be completed for each spouse) and return with a non-refundable processing fee of $200, and a fully refundable reservation deposit of $1,000. Only one $1,200 check, payable to Augsburg Lutheran Village, is required to reserve an apartment, regardless of the number of persons applying to live in the unit.
Q. How do I benefit by putting my name on Augsburg’s RESERVATION LIST?
By placing your name on our reservation list, you can secure the residence of your choice on your time table. You have the comfort of knowing that an apartment will be offered to you whenever one becomes available, but at the same time, you have the option of declining the offer without penalty should it not be the right time for your move.
Assisted Living
Q. Am I QUALIFIED for admission to Augsburg Assisted Living?
If you are 62 years of age or older and can meet financial and health status requirements, then Augsburg Lutheran Assisted Living welcomes you as an applicant. An assessment of the candidate's physical condition must be completed by their physician. A functional assessment and interview will be conducted by our Assisted Living Manager to help determine the most appropriate level of care.
Q. What is an ENTRANCE DEPOSIT?
The entrance deposit is the money a resident pays that entitles them to become a resident of the Augsburg Lutheran Assisted Living community with the right to use and enjoy your own room and community amenities. Entrance deposits vary depending on the size of your room.
Q. What is the MONTHLY SERVICE RATE?
The monthly service rate represents your apartment’s pro-rata share of the overall cost for maintenance, care of the building and grounds, property tax, three meals a day, and all supporting medical services provided.
Q. What happens to my ENTRANCE DEPOSIT if I leave Augsburg?
If you leave during the 45-day period following initial occupancy, 100% of the entrance deposit is returned to you. Following the initial 45-day occupancy period, 80% of the entrance deposit is returned when the unit is vacated and reassigned in accordance with the terms of the “Residence Agreement.” Should a resident pass away while living at Augsburg Lutheran Assisted Living, the entrance deposit refund is returned to the resident’s estate or designated beneficiary.
Q. Do I need personal HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes. Residents are required to maintain Medicare Part A and Part B, supplemental insurance (CareFirst, AARP, etc.) or its equivalent. Prescription coverage is recommended.
Nursing Care
Q. What kind of nursing care is provided?
Augsburg offers various levels of skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. There are licensed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses as well as other nursing personnel on duty 24 hours a day to provide for your nursing needs.
Q. What about physician services?
Augsburg’s medical director, along with his associates, provides for all medical services at the home and is available to handle all medical emergencies. In addition, the Nursing Department arranges for dental, podiatrist, ophthalmological, audiological, and dermatological services. X-rays or laboratory tests as ordered by physicians are arranged through the nursing department. Should hospitalization be required, all arrangements for transfer to the hospital will be made by the nursing department in cooperation with Augsburg’s physicians.
Q. Are special therapies available?
Arrangements are made by the nursing department for physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized services as ordered by Augsburg’s physicians.
Q. How may I participate in my care?
Care plan meetings are held every 90 days so that the nursing department, activities department, dietetics, social services, and physical therapy areas may discuss your care. You and your personal representative are invited to attend this meeting.
Q. What about medications?
Medications are administered by your nurse only as prescribed by your physician. Any request for reevaluation or changes in medications should be directed to your physician or the director of nursing. All medications must be ordered through the pharmacy serving Augsburg. A consultant pharmacist reviews your medication records as least once a month. In accordance with Maryland Health Department regulations, no medications of any kind may be brought by visitors and no medications may be kept in your room, including aspirin, cough drops, antacids, or any kind of creams unless approved by your physician.
Q. How will I pay for my care?
In addition to private pay, Augsburg accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and other long-term care reimbursement. Information on these programs is available through our admissions office.
Q. May I have a telephone in my room?
Augsburg offers telephone service in-house. Local-Only and Long Distance plans are available. You will be billed by Augsburg Lutheran Home. You provide your own telephone.
Q. What personal belongings should I bring?
You will need your hair brush and comb, shaving equipment, toiletries and cosmetics, all in non-breakable containers. Also, bring pens, pencils, stationery, and stamps. If there are any handicrafts or hobbies in which you are interested, such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, sketching, etc., be sure to bring the necessary materials. We keep an itemized list of your valuables, but it is your responsibility or your family’s to provide a written list of all valuables brought into or taken from the facility at any time. It is not advisable to wear or to keep any valuables, such as jewelry, in your room. Health department regulations do not permit the use of any appliances, electric blankets, or heating pads in your room. Extension cords, small rugs, and footstools are hazardous and may not be used.
Q. What clothing will I need?
We encourage everyone to dress each day. We recommend that you bring sufficient quantities of clothing to permit you to be comfortably dressed at all times. A few washable permanent press dresses or washable permanent press slacks and shirts, plus items such as shoes, hosiery, underwear, washable sweaters, slippers, bathrobe, and sleepwear, are appropriate wardrobe essentials. It is not necessary or possible to store large quantities of clothing. Items cannot be piled on the closet floor or under beds for safety and housekeeping reasons.
Q. How will my laundry get done?
Sheets, pillow cases, and towels are laundered in the laundry room on the lower level. This service is provided as part of your room and board agreement at no extra charge. You should arrange, if possible, to have personal laundry cared for by your personal representative. If this is not possible, laundry may be sent to Augsburg’s laundry. Regular pickups of soiled laundry from your room are made by laundry personnel. All clothing washed by Augsburg must be permanent press and clearly marked with your name.
Q. Are barber and beautician services available?
Looking good is a big part of feeling good, so Augsburg has its own beauty salon and barber shop located on the ground floor of the East Wing. Beauticians in the salon follow a regular weekly schedule. The nursing staff, social worker, or activities department staff can help you arrange an appointment. Prices are moderate and the charge can be deducted from your personal account.
Q. What religious services are provided?
Augsburg’s full-time chaplain conducts worship services on Sundays and Bible Study classes weekly. He is on call when needed. Your own pastors are always welcome and encouraged to visit you in your new home. Catholic services are also held monthly.
Q. What if I have a problem?
The administrator and all department heads are available if you have a problem or concern about your care. Do not hesitate to let us know if you have a concern. We genuinely would like to know. If you have a personal or family problem you would like to discuss, please arrange to speak to the social worker or the chaplain. They will gladly talk with you in strict confidence. On weekends, an administrative duty officer is available to handle any special problems or concerns.
Yes, a group of elected residents meets regularly. They represent all residents as they share concerns and suggestions with appropriate staff and board members. Through this forum, residents can participate in planning activities and events and can bring problems to the attention of the administrator or department heads.
