FAQ
Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions in regards to:
A. Phoebe operates three continuing care retirement communities: The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown in the west end of Allentown, Phoebe Berks Village in Wernersville and Phoebe Wyncote in Montgomery County.
A. Efficiency, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, single cottages and duplex cottages. The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown has 88 apartments. Phoebe Berks Village offers 205 apartments, as well as 66 cottages. Phoebe Wyncote features 25 apartments.
A. The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown offers two plans that require an initial investment to become a resident, as well as one plan that requires only a security deposit.
Phoebe Berks Village does require an initial investment to become a resident. The amount of the entrance fee depends on the size of the unit selected.
At Phoebe Wyncote the rates vary slightly with size of apartment.
A. Yes. Residents are charged a monthly fee based on the type of apartment selected and the number of people living in the apartment.
A. Services available vary on the community. All communities include groundskeeping and snow removal.
A. Many healthcare services are provided directly in the health care centers of our active adult communities. These include physician services, podiatry and massage therapy. Residents may also receive additional healthcare and rehabilitation services at the nursing and rehabilitation center or health care center. Staff members help to coordinate these healthcare services.
A. The active adult communities are located within Phoebe campuses. Also located on the Allentown campus is:
- Phoebe Apartments
- Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center
- The David A. Miller Personal Care Community
Also located on the Berks campus is:
- Phoebe Berks Village Commons, an Personal Care community
- Phoebe Berks Village Health Care Center
Also located on the Wyncote Campus is:
- Phoebe Wyncote, Skilled Nursing Care
- Phoebe Wyncote, Personal Care
A. Every effort is made to provide residents of our active adult communities with admission to the Phoebe nursing community where they reside. Should accommodations not be available, you would be admitted to the nearest Phoebe facility or we would assist you in finding services from another nursing facility until a room becomes available.
A. Yes. Residents are encouraged to keep their automobiles. Parking facilities are provided.
A. The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown, Phoebe Berks Village and Phoebe Wyncote operate buses which are used to transport residents to doctor appointments and social and cultural activities. Additionally, the public bus system, BARTA, stops at Phoebe Berks Village.
A. This depends on the community you choose and the incentives we may be running.
A. Residents moving into Phoebe Berks Village or The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown may keep a cat or dog as long as they are within a certain size. The ability to replace a pet upon its death varies by community.
A. Our admissions and finance staff will work with you to review your personal financial situation. If you currently own your home, many expenses you incur, such as real estate taxes and home maintenance and repairs, would be included in your monthly fee once you become a Phoebe resident. After reviewing your personal financial situation, we will advise you of your options.
A. To maintain the quality of our communities and the services we offer, it may be necessary to raise our fees. Residents are provided adequate notice prior to the adjustment of fees.
A. You may either maintain your present living unit with the monthly fee adjusted for single occupancy or you may move to another accommodation more suited to your modified needs if available.
A. Generally, an individual is appropriate for personal care if he or she is safe behind closed doors and needs help in only two or three activities of daily living (ADL). Should an individual need assistance in more activities of daily living, then they are usually better suited for skilled nursing.
A. Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a dining room. Well-stocked kitchenettes with snacks, milk, cereal and juices are on every floor.
A. Yes, housekeeping cleans rooms weekly.
A. Laundry services are available for a monthly fee. A laundry room is also available for those who choose to do their own laundry.
A. Rooms come furnished with a bed, dresser, chair and nightstand. However, you are welcome to bring your own chair, dresser or nightstand, if you wish.
A. We ask that you bring your own TV. If you choose to bring one, your cable bill will be included in your rent.
- Phoebe Berks Village Commons, Wernersville, eight miles west of Reading, Berks County
- David A. Miller Personal Care Community, west-end of Allentown, Lehigh County
- Phoebe Wyncote Personal Care in Wyncote, PA
Once you become a resident of the community you may move among the various levels of care based on your needs.
A. Many communities have an age requirement for the resident and/or spouse. Government guidelines establish income eligibility limits for single persons and couples. Proof of age and financial status are required and applicants must be able to live independently.
A. The monthly fees or rent often includes the maintenance of the grounds, water, sewer, trash removal and property taxes. Cable TV, telephone and personal electric use are usually not covered.
A. Being a resident of one of Phoebe's independent senior apartment communities does not guarantee admittance into any of Phoebe's Personal Care communities or nursing centers; however, every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of our residents as promptly as possible.
- Phoebe Apartments, West-end of Allentown, Lehigh County
- Devitt House, Lewisburg, Central Susquehanna Valley, Union County
- Franklin and Noble Manor, Shoemakersville, 7 miles north of Reading, Northern Berks County
- Furnace Creek Manor, Robesonia, located outside of Reading on the Furnace Creek, Berks County
- The Senior Apartments at the Wyomissing Club, Historic downtown Reading, Berks County
- John F. Lutz Apartments, 3 miles east of Reading, Central Berks County
- Weidner Manor, Douglassville, 9 miles east of Reading, Eastern Berks County
- Wind Gap Manor, Northeastern PA, between Easton and Stroudsburg, Northampton County
- Phoebe Wyncote- Montgomery County, North of Philadelphia
A. You may apply for admission to a Phoebe Health Care Center at any time by calling the Director of Admissions or by filling out an on-line admissions form. The director will meet with you, provide you with a tour and explain our services and fees.
Often individuals are admitted to our nursing facilities following a hospitalization or from their homes upon the advice of their physician. If you are hospitalized, the discharge planner, case manager or social worker at the hospital will assist you in applying for admission at several nursing centers.
A. No entrance fee is required for our health care centers. You will be charged a monthly fee and for expenses directly related to your care. You will receive your first bill beginning the month following admission.
A. No. Phoebe welcomes residents of all faiths. Phoebe Ministries is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, which is very supportive of our ministry to senior adults.
A. Phoebe's business office sends an itemized monthly bill to whoever is managing your funds. If appropriate, Phoebe also submits requests for reimbursement to Medicare and supplemental insurance plans to cover the costs of the medical services it provides you. Any charge or portion of a charge not covered will appear on your monthly Phoebe bill.
A. Phoebe Ministries offers financial assistance (charitable care) to residents who, through no fault of their own, become unable to pay the daily rates/additional charges that may be due under various living agreements. In order to qualify for Charitable Care, the resident must not have impaired his/her ability to meet financial obligations by transferring assets, other than in good faith and for value to meet ordinary and customary living expenses, and must not have materially misrepresented financial or other relevant information during the application and/or admission process or any other required disclosures. Further, the resident must provide adequate and timely information to Phoebe to justify consideration for Charitable Care and must apply for and utilize all governmental resources, programs, etc. which may be available to assist the resident in meeting housing and other living expenses. The resident and/or his or her representative must cooperate fully with this process. Charitable Care will be determined on a case by case basis and shall be offered provided that such subsidy can be granted without impairing Phoebe's financial stability.
A. Phoebe is well known for its excellent rehabilitation services. Working closely with your doctor or a member of Phoebe's medical staff, Phoebe provides physical, occupational and speech therapy. A physiatrist, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, provides consulting services for Phoebe residents.
The majority of our physical and occupational therapy staff members are Phoebe employees rather than contracted employees. As a result, the staffing is more stable and consistent. Our therapists and other staff members have the opportunity to get to know residents well. Our rehabilitation staff provides home evaluations prior to discharging residents to ensure everything is in place upon their arrival home.
A. No, Phoebe has an excellent medical staff consisting of primary care physicians such as internists and family practice physicians, as well as specialists including podiatrists, dentists, eye doctors, audiologists, psychiatrists and dermatologists. The physicians come to our Health Care Centers to see our residents.
A. Phoebe has an open visitation policy. Friends and relatives can visit anytime that is convenient. Phoebe welcomes visitors of all ages. Phoebe embraces the Circle of Life philosophy. Through the Circle of Life, Phoebe's nursing communities strive to provide a natural and inviting environment that residents were accustomed to prior to moving into a nursing center. One of the ways in which we can achieve this setting is to welcome visitors of all ages, including children. It is not unusual to see a Brownie Troop, young children from area daycares or even pets in any one of Phoebe's nursing centers.
A. Three of our nursing and rehabilitation centers have special units for residents with memory impairment: Bridgeways at The Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, Allentown, the Cottage at Phoebe Richland, and Phoebe Berks Village Gardens. These locations meet the special needs of these residents through specially designed activities and nursing services.
A. At times there may not be an immediate opening available. When waiting lists exist, they vary from day to day. We try to accommodate applicants as promptly as possible. If your first Phoebe choice is unavailable, we may be able to temporarily place you in one of our other nursing and rehab centers until a room becomes available at your preferred location.
A. Yes, we strongly encourage individuals to have an application on file long before they need to be admitted. Click here if you would like to fill out an on-line admissions form. Pre-admission can speed up the admissions process should the need arise.
A. In most instances, your furnishings will include a bed, dresser, bedside table and chair. A closet and bed linens will be provided. You may bring your own personal belongings as space permits. Televisions are not provided in all rooms but residents can bring their own.
A. The types of rooms available vary and different rates apply. The majority of our accommodations are double occupancy. We have a limited number of single rooms available. Triple and quad rooms may also be offered.
A. Of course. Residents are encouraged to go out with their families or friends for dinner or an overnight stay. Our activities departments also have vans to take residents to outings in the community, luncheons at local restaurants, and drives through the countryside.
A. Personal belongings, clothing and furnishings may be considered as space permits.
A. All of Phoebe's residential facilities are smoke-free. Designated smoking areas are provided outside.
A. Phoebe provides safekeeping of valuables through the Social Services Department. We encourage you to leave excess amounts of money, jewelry or other valuables with a trusted family member or friend.
- Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, west-end of Allentown, Lehigh County
- Phoebe Berks Health Care Center, Wernersville, eight miles west of Reading, Berks County
- Phoebe Richland Health Care Center Richlandtown, two miles south of Quakertown, Bucks County
- Phoebe Wyncote (at Allentown Campus), Montgomery County
A. Family Liaison Cynthia Raub. She may be reached at 610-794-6888 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
A. The Family Liaison is the person to call if you have any non-medical questions and you are unsure whom to contact. The Family Liaison will research the information and respond back to you.
A. Contact the charge nurse of the neighborhood where your loved one resides. They will notify the physician of your request. You should leave a daytime number where you can be reached.
A. Social Services will contact the responsible party and ask if they wish to hold the bed. The bed will be held at the daily room rate. If the resident is receiving Medical Assistance, the bed will be held for 15 days. A family may decide not to hold the bed, however, if a bed is available upon discharge from the hospital, your loved one may be readmitted.
A. Opthalmology, Dental, Podiatry, Neurology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Orthopedic, Pain Management and others are available. Contact the charge nurse in your neighborhood if interested in arranging an appointment with a specialist.
A. Contact the charge nurse in the neighborhood where your loved one resides, and they will contact Phoebe's Transportation Coordinator to set up transportation to and from the appointment. Transportation fees are listed on the schedule of charges.
A. Contact the General Manager Food & Nutrition, at 610-794-5321. Contact the staff in the neighborhood if your loved one would like an alternative item for their meal.
A. Contact the charge nurse in the neighborhood where your loved one resides. The cost of the meal is $6.00. The charge nurse will inform you of the options for the meal.
A. Contact the Social Worker for the neighborhood where your loved one resides by calling the social services office at 610-794-5270.
A. Contact the Social Worker for the neighborhood where your loved one resides.
A. Contact the Admissions Office at 610-794-5300
A. Contact the Rehabilitation Department at 610-794-5261
A. Care conferences are held on admission, then quarterly. Postcards are mailed to the first contact approximately two weeks prior to the conference date. If at any time, you wish to speak to the team regarding your loved one, please contact the Social Worker in the neighborhood where your loved one resides.
A. Contact the Financial Counselors at 610-794-5353 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Resident Banking Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to noon.
A. The Beauty Shop is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 2 pm. The Barber Shop is open Monday, 8 am to noon. Contact the charge nurse in the neighborhood where your loved one resides to schedule an appointment.
A. A minimum of 24 hours.
A. Housekeeping/Laundry at 610-794-5376.
A. Notify charge nurse in the neighborhood and a missing property form will be completed and an investigation will follow. Provide as much information as possible. Director of Housekeeping/Laundry will contact family within 5 days with the results of the investigation.
A. All clothing should be taken to the nurses station in the neighborhood where your loved one resides. Staff will send it to the sewing room for labeling. The cost of labels is $10.00 for 50 labels.
A. Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center is a large facility and there are times when your loved ones clothing may be sent to our laundry. Labeling clothing will enable us to return clothing to your loved one.
A. Contact Health Information Management at 610-794-5280
A. Contact the Nursing Supervisor at 610-794-5250. The nursing supervisor's office is located on the first floor to the left of the Main Entrance. A nursing supervisor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
A. Pets are permitted, however; a current certificate of rabies vaccination must be provided to the reception area at the Main Entrance. A copy will be made and kept on file.
- Daily devotions – Monday-Friday at 9 a.m. at Moyer Hall (channel 2)
- Dial A Prayer – daily inspirational message
- Rosary Group – Thursdays at 3 p.m.
- Catholic Communion – first Wednesday of the month
- Catholic Mass – third Wednesday of the month
- Sunday Worship Service – 2 p.m. at Moyer Hall
Families are encouraged to take residents to their own church if possible.
Rev. Corrine Dautrich – Chaplain, Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, 610-794-5116
Rev. Albert Martin – Chaplain, Phoebe Services, 610-794-5115
A. Yes. A service is held every other month, on the last Tuesday of the month. Services are held in Moyer Hall.
A. Contact the Community Life Department at the community where your loved one resides.
A. A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services professional, such as a gerontologist, nurse, social worker, or psychologist with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.
A Geriatric Care Manager will work privately with older adults and their families to create and coordinate individualized and flexible plans of care that reflect clients' needs and wishes, with an emphasis on assisting them to remain at home with as much independence as possible.
A Phoebe at Home Services Geriatric Care Manager might be the answer if one or more of the following is true.
- Mail and bills are piling up
- House in need of repair or assistance needed with snow removal or lawn maintenance
- Home in need of adaptations
- Food left uneaten or spoiled
- Physician appointments are missed
- Repeated phone calls at odd hours
- Forgets medication
- Inappropriate behavior, clothing, or speech
- Symptoms of depression
- Assistance needed with transportation to physician appointments or grocery shopping
- Assistance needed to check available benefits
- Assistance needed with financial planning
In addition, out-of-town family members concerned about an older relative can call Phoebe's Care Manager to arrange needed services for their loved one and work with the Care Manager to monitor the situation. Our Phoebe at Home Services Care Manager will keep you well informed so you can rest assured that your loved one is being well cared for.
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- Visits the client to interview him/her and their family
- Completes a comprehensive assessment and plan of care
- Provides consistent and effective monitoring and support to ensure that the client's needs are being met
- Provides family members with regular follow-up communication and updates on progress
- Assists the client with arranging services such as:
- In-home Companionship
- Personal Care Aide
- Meal Preparation
- Light Housekeeping
- Errand Services
- Grocery Shopping and Delivery Services
- Transportation Services - Local and Long Distance Transport Any Time You Want
- Laundry and Linen Services
- Insurance Benefits
- Physicians Visits
- Recreational Activities
- Grooming and Dressing Guidance
- Visiting Nurses
- Emergency response system
- Personal Medication Reminder and Dispensing System
- Transitional/Relocation Assesment and Services
- Medication Management and Delivery Services
- Spa services available for in-home pampering (gift certificates available)
- Coordinates 24 Hour Home Care
- Screens, arranges and monitors in-home care and services
- Offers counseling and support for the client, spouse and family
- Educates the client and their family on elder issues such as fall management programs, respite for caregivers, and tips for coping with memory impairment
- Makes regular, friendly phone calls
- Accompanies client to medical appointments
- When necessary, assists with the best choice in alternate living arrangements
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A. Knowing that services are available is not enough when it comes to the quality of care and preservation of dignity a loved one deserves.
Phoebe's Care Manager will research the options, and recommend and coordinate the right services when you need them. Whether a loved one needs personal care assistance, companion care, safety supervision, transportation or other support services, Phoebe's Care Manager can help you select the best choice.
The high quality of services provided and arranged by Phoebe is just one aspect of our program that elevates us above others. We remain committed to helping you reach your highest level of independence and function.
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A. Resistance to any kind of change is common, especially among the elder population. That's where having an objective third party involved can be helpful. The key is to gain the client's trust and acceptance and to keep them involved in decision-making.
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A. Arrangements are flexible, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several years, depending on a family's needs. A one time, in home consultation with the Care Manager may be all that's needed to make recommendations, or you and the Care Manager may decide that ongoing Care Management services are needed.
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A. Phoebe At Home Services Care Management Program offers two payment options.
Option 1: Fee for Services includes:
- Assessment of Needs
- Development Care Plan
- Coordination of Services
Additional Care Management services (hourly rate applies)
Option 2: Annual Membership Fee includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment of Needs
- Development of Care Plan
- Coordination of Services
- Follow up & Updates with Clients
- (Six) In-Home Visits Annually (up to one hour per visit)
- Unlimited Phone Access with Care Manager (during normal business hours)
- Weekly Friendly Check-Ins
- Phoebe's Quarterly At Home Wellness Newsletter
For a limited time only, annual membership includes complimentary in-home education program or service and complimentary gift basket.
For further details contact Phoebe's Care Manager.
Phone: 610-794-5344
Toll-Free: 1-800-931-7061
Email:
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