Guide to Quaker Assisted Living in 2024
|
March 21, 2024
|
What Is Quaker Assisted Living?
Quaker assisted living is an alternative option for seniors who want to incorporate their faith into their care and lifestyle plan. In our research, we found several Quaker assisted living facilities or nonprofit organizations that provide faith-based senior care. Most of them are located on the East Coast, particularly in areas like Pennsylvania.
A Quaker senior living community will likely have an assisted living or personal care residential unit that offers housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, and community events. Usually, residents will receive help with personal care and access to 24-hour assistance in case of emergencies.
Community activities may include bingo, poker, arts and crafts, and multiple dining options for seniors with dietary restrictions. Usually, Quaker assisted living facilities have a minimum age requirement of 62, but these programs are open to all adults regardless of religious affiliation.
How Are Quaker Assisted Living Communities Different From Nondenominational Communities?
Quaker assisted living communities are mostly similar to nondenominational communities in that they offer 24-hour supervision, meals, housekeeping, and other amenities. However, many Quaker assisted living communities are guided on the values and traditions of Quaker principles, such as stewardship, peace, integrity, and community.
Who Runs Quaker Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
Quaker assisted living and nursing homes are usually run by nonprofit organizations with a board of trustees. Many Quaker assisted living homes, such as the Friends Village at Woodstown, have a long history going back to the late 1800s, where Quakers and friends of Quakers formed a committee to help find care for aging adults living in the area.
How Much Does Quaker Assisted Living Cost?
The cost of living in a Quaker assisted living community may vary depending on whether you’re looking for a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom unit. In general, the cost ranges between $3,500 and $6,500 per month, depending on your location and level of care.
According to estimates from Genworth, the national average cost for an assisted living community is $5,511 per month. In Pennsylvania, the average cost is slightly higher, at $5,717 per month, though this number may fluctuate if a resident is looking for an upgraded room or needs a higher level of care.
Our Favorite Quaker Assisted Living
Friends Village at Woodstown (Woodstown, New Jersey)
Friends Village at Woodstown was founded and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1897 under the Salem Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Upholding Quaker traditions and values, Friends Village offers assisted living options for residents, with amenities like fine dining, 24/7 care, and access to registered nurses, along with weekly housekeeping and physical rehabilitation and wellness services.
Friends Village is a continuing care retirement community “that believes in and follows the spirit of Quaker Values” and offers assisted living, independent living, memory support, and other residential care options for seniors.
Friends House (Sandy Spring, Maryland)
Founded in 1967 by members of the Religious Society of Friends, Friends House is a nonprofit organization that offers assisted living, skilled nursing, and residential living options to seniors. What makes this organization unique is the fact that it’s a Type C, or fee-for-service, life plan community, where residents pay only for the services and care they need.
Their assisted living units include 21 private rooms with an emergency call system. They also offer ample activities, including libraries, book clubs, creative arts, gardening, and other stimulating activities to honor Quaker values, and an inclusive community. In addition to these activities, Friends House also has a health center that’s guided by Quaker principles, with a high staff-to-resident ratio. The health care center is great for seniors that need skilled nursing or rehabilitation assistance.
Kendal at Ithaca (Ithaca, New York)
Kendal at Ithaca is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community that also offers assisted living options. Kendal Senior Communities was initially founded in 1995 with a focus on Quaker values of respect, care, and trust. This community offers 36 rooms as part of their health center, with easy access to various community events. Some of the amenities include professional, compassionate care; three meals a day; and private rooms and bathrooms. Activities include movies, discussion groups, and art exhibits. Currently, admission to the Enhanced Assisted Living residence is limited to contracted residents that are currently residing at Kendal.
Friends Fellowship Community (Richmond, Indiana)
Friends Fellowship Community is a continuing care retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, nursing, and memory care options for senior residents. The goal is to help provide quality healthcare services while serving in the Quaker tradition and encouraging spiritual well-being.
An assisted living apartment at Friends Fellowship Community consists of a private bath, central heating and cooling system, large storage spaces, and 24-hour emergency access to a nurse. Residents can choose from a studio or a one-bedroom, one-bath unit.
Friends Home and Village (Newtown, Pennsylvania)
Although not an assisted living facility, Friends Home and Village does offer private rooms and suites for seniors. Friends Home and Village offers housekeeping and laundry service, 24/7 home security, and an emergency alert system to keep residents safe, in addition to membership to a private library.
The Friends Home and Village was founded in 1897, a few years after the need for senior care was introduced by members of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends. Today, it’s a nonprofit senior living community that’s inspired by Quaker values and cultural diversity. This senior living community is a great option for seniors who are looking for either independent living or assistance with personal care.
How to Find Quaker Assisted Living
You can find Quaker assisted living facilities or units by reaching out to your local senior center or place of worship. Many not-for-profit organizations founded on the principles and values of Quakers might also have personal care or assisted living units.
If you’re looking for an assisted living option that incorporates spirituality into your care and wellness, Quaker assisted living might be a good fit. These facilities and communities honor Quaker traditions and values while providing personal care and other accommodations to help seniors feel comfortable and at home.
To learn more about the assisted living options for yourself or loved ones, check out our guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I find Quaker assisted living communities?
You can find Quaker assisted living communities or other faith-based assisted living communities by searching for “Quaker assisted living communities” on Google. Alternatively, you can also inquire about faith-based assisted living communities through local churches or senior centers.
-
Are non-Quakers allowed in Quaker assisted living communities?
Yes, Quaker assisted living communities are open to people of all faiths.