Frequently Asked Questions
In order to help you make informed decisions about your future, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has developed the following list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have specific questions about our locations, including Meilland Square, Ridge Creek, and The Artisan, we encourage you to reach out to us via our contact page.
Choosing a senior living community is an important decision, whether you are planning for yourself, helping a parent compare options, or trying to understand what lifestyle or level of care may be the right fit. At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, we know families often have questions about Life Plan Community living, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and home care.
The FAQs below are organized by section to make it easier to find the answers that matter most to you.
General Senior Living and Life Plan Community Questions
What is a Life Plan community?
A Life Plan Community is a senior living community designed to support older adults through multiple stages of life. Residents can move in while they are independent, enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and have access to higher levels of care if their needs change.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, this means residents can enjoy independent living while knowing on-site options such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and private duty home care are available if needed.
How does a Life Plan community differ from an ownership community?
The primary difference between ownership communities and a Life Plan Community is that ownership communities typically do not include coverage for Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care or other healthcare services. In addition, ownership communities may not have a continuum of care conveniently available on the same campus as does a Life Plan Community. Residents (owners) of those communities are also responsible for the resale of their home and for payment of a monthly fee until their home is resold (even after they have moved out).
How does a Life Plan community differ from a rental community?
A rental senior living community may offer flexibility, but it often does not provide the same long-term care structure as a Life Plan Community. If a resident develops a need for assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing care, those services may not be available on the same campus.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, the Life Plan model helps residents plan for today and tomorrow with greater confidence.
What’s included in the monthly fee?
Monthly fees vary based on residence, level of living and services selected. In general, senior living monthly fees may include services such as maintenance, utilities, dining, housekeeping, programming, wellness opportunities and access to community amenities.
For many residents who choose Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, they find the monthly fee is similar to many costs of homeownership, including home maintenance, yardwork, utilities, repairs and other household responsibilities.
Why is there an entrance fee?
At Heritage, the entrance fee secures your future, assuring that you will be entitled to the full range of care services for life, if and when you need them. Many residents use proceeds from the sale of a home toward the entrance fee.
Depending on the contract structure at a community, a portion of the entrance fee may be refundable to the resident, their family, or their estate. Here at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, depending on the agreement type you choose, at the conclusion of your contract, up to 70% of your entrance fee will be returned to you or to your estate. If you prefer to pay a lower entrance fee and retain less of your estate, we offer contract options with lower refundable terms.
The entrance fee model can also help create more predictable future costs as care needs change. At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Life Plan members receive discounted rates when they permanently move to higher levels of care.
Why should I consider Heritage Community of Kalamazoo now instead of waiting?
Many families wait until a health event, or caregiving crisis forces a decision. By that point, their choices may be limited. Moving while independent and active allows seniors to enjoy the lifestyle benefits available at Heritage.
Planning also gives families time to compare options, understand costs and choose a community based on preference, not urgency.
What type of Medicare coverage do I have?
Most people have “original” Medicare, which is implemented by the Federal government, and is available to most people when they turn 65. More specific information detailing “original” Medicare is outlined in the questions following. Another type of Medicare coverage are “Medicare Advantage plans”. Advantage plans are implemented by a third-party insurance carrier or managed-care provider. These managed-care companies are paid a monthly premium by Medicare to provide health care. Please visit www.medicare.gov for more information.
What does Medicare cover in a skilled nursing facility?
Medicare Part A helps cover 100 days of care at The Upjohn (formerly Harold & Grace Upjohn Care & Rehabilitation Center). Anyone with “original” Medicare will receive coverage for all costs for the first 20 days. After the first 20 days, the next 80 days have a coinsurance amount of $133.50. The co-insurance amount may be covered by a private insurance policy known as a Medigap policy. Medicare Advantage plans offer different amounts of coverage; check with your plan for specific information on your coverage.
Am I guaranteed 100 days of coverage with Medicare?
With “original” Medicare, you have up to 100 days of coverage; in order to remain on Medicare coverage, you must be receiving a skilled service. Some examples of skilled services are Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy, Skilled Nursing Care for acute illnesses and treatments, such as tube feeding, IV, etc.
How do I qualify to use my Medicare benefits?
In order for Medicare to pay, you must have stayed in the hospital for 3 consecutive days, within the previous 30 days from admission to The Upjohn (formerly Harold & Grace Upjohn Care & Rehabilitation Center). You must remain in the Care Center to receive treatment, which means that you cannot be gone overnight.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program for those with very low income and/or assets. It is administered by the State of Michigan and requires that a person apply for benefits through their county Department of Human Services. The application is reviewed and a determination of coverage can take up to 45 days. If you need assistance in completing an application, The Upjohn (formerly Harold & Grace Upjohn Care & Rehabilitation Center) has resources available to assist you with this process, please contact the Upjohn Community Care Center.
What does Medicaid pay for in a nursing facility?
Medicaid pays for room and board, as well as nursing care. It also serves as a Medigap policy for those who qualify for coverage. Medicaid will pay for x-ray services, physician services, outpatient hospital services, etc. Unfortunately, the state has been forced to reduce coverage for many services that were formerly covered by Medicaid; a caseworker at the Department of Human Services can assist with providing information regarding coverage.
If I qualify for Medicaid, what will I have to pay?
For your stay at The Upjohn (formerly Harold & Grace Upjohn Care & Rehabilitation Center), you will be told by Medicaid how much you must pay each month towards your care. This is called a patient pay amount and is usually based on the person’s monthly income. You will not be expected to pay for any additional service provided by the Care Center.
How often will my physician visit while I’m at The Upjohn?
Your physician will visit within the first 3 days of your admission here and then at least every 60 days thereafter. A Nurse Practitioner is in our facility 4 days per week to deal with medical issues as they arise. The Nurse Practitioner is able to write orders for medication and tests for most medical concerns that residents have.
Are there tax advantages to moving to Heritage Community?
Life Plan Community residents may be able to deduct portions of their entrance and monthly service fees, depending on current tax law and individual circumstances. Because tax rules can change and depend on personal finances, residents should speak with a qualified tax professional when considering a Life Plan community.
What if I have long-term care insurance?
Long-term care insurance may help cover certain care costs, depending on the policy. In many cases, benefits are paid directly to the policyholder and can be used toward eligible services.
In most cases, your long-term care policy will work hand-in-hand with your care at Heritage Community. Families should contact their insurance carrier or agent to understand what is covered, when benefits begin and what documentation may be required.
Independent Living FAQs
What is independent living?
Independent living is designed for older adults who are active and self-sufficient but want a more convenient, connected lifestyle. Residents can enjoy private residences, community amenities, dining options, housekeeping, maintenance support and opportunities for social engagement.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, independent living includes two distinct options on our campus: Ridge Creek and The Artisan. Both are designed for seniors who want freedom from household responsibilities while staying connected to purpose, well-being and community.
Who is a good fit for independent living?
Independent living is a good fit for seniors who can manage daily life on their own but are ready to simplify. It can be especially appealing for older adults who no longer want to handle home maintenance, landscaping, utilities, meal planning or the isolation that can sometimes come with living alone.
Many residents choose independent living before they need care because they want to build friendships, enjoy the community and make a proactive plan for the future.
What services and amenities are available in independent living?
Independent living services and amenities at Heritage include dining, housekeeping, utilities, Wi-Fi access, security, lounges, creative spaces, wellness areas, salon services, transportation, valet parking, storage and pet-friendly living.
The goal is simple: make daily life easier so residents have more time for the people, interests and routines they enjoy.
Can independent living residents access higher levels of care later?
Yes. One of the major benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community is knowing that additional care is available if needs change. Residents who begin in independent living may later access assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, or rehabilitation services if appropriate.
This continuity can make transitions less stressful for residents and their families.
Assisted Living FAQs
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a senior living option for older adults who need help with daily activities but do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care. Assisted living provides personal support while encouraging independence, autonomy and social connection.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, assisted living is available on campus in Meilland Square and Hawthorn Landing. Residents receive personalized assistance in a welcoming environment designed to make each day easier and more engaging.
What are activities of daily living?
Activities of daily living, often called ADLs, are basic daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, eating and managing personal routines. When these activities become difficult or unsafe, assisted living can provide respectful support.
What does assisted living provide?
Assisted living at Heritage Community includes meals and snacks, housekeeping, laundry, life enrichment programming, wellness opportunities, an emergency response system and more. Depending on the level of support needed, assisted living can also include licensed nursing support, help with ADLs, medication assistance and other types of personalized care.
Here, assisted living is not just about receiving help. It is also about staying active, connected and supported in a community setting.
How is assisted living different from a nursing home?
Assisted living focuses on personal care and independence with support. A nursing home or skilled nursing setting provides a higher level of medical care for individuals who need ongoing clinical support, rehabilitation or 24-hour nursing oversight.
A person in assisted living may need help with bathing, dressing or medication routines. A person in skilled nursing may need wound care, therapy, complex medication support, or monitoring after surgery or hospitalization.
How do I know if assisted living is the right choice?
Assisted living may be appropriate when a loved one is missing medications, struggling with bathing or dressing, skipping meals, experiencing falls, feeling isolated or relying heavily on family caregivers.
Families should consider assisted living before a crisis occurs. A proactive move can help a loved one transition more comfortably and benefit from support while still enjoying their independence.
Memory Care FAQs
What is memory care?
Memory care is specialized residential care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment. It provides a secure, supportive environment where residents receive help with daily routines, personal care, medication support and meaningful engagement.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, memory care is available in Hawthorn Landing and Meilland Square. These neighborhoods are designed to support dignity, familiarity and safety for residents living with memory loss.
How is memory care different from assisted living?
Memory care offers a more specialized environment for individuals with cognitive changes. While assisted living supports daily activities, memory care also addresses wandering risk, confusion, communication challenges, behavioral changes and the need for structured routines.
Memory care staff are specially trained in the Best Friendsâ„¢ approach to support individuals living with dementia in ways that promote comfort, respect and connection.
What memory care services and amenities are available?
Memory care services may include personalized care, licensed nursing support, staff trained in dementia care approaches, Alzheimer’s-focused programming, medication assistance, bathing support, daily living assistance, laundry and linen service, family-style dining, private bedrooms, comfortable shared spaces and salon services.
Heritage also offers education, resources and support through its Memory Care Learning Center, which can be helpful for families and caregivers throughout the greater Kalamazoo area.
When should a family consider memory care?
Memory care may be the right choice when a loved one is wandering, getting lost, forgetting to eat, making medication mistakes, showing unsafe cooking behaviors, experiencing sundowning or needing more supervision than family can safely provide.
Caregiver stress is also an important sign. If family members are exhausted, worried constantly or unable to provide consistent supervision, memory care may offer a safer and more sustainable solution.
Skilled Nursing Care and Rehabilitation FAQs
What is skilled nursing care?
Skilled nursing care is a higher level of medical care provided by licensed professionals. It may be needed after surgery, illness, injury, hospitalization or a change in health that requires daily clinical support.
At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, skilled nursing care is offered at The Upjohn, the community’s Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Services include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care and support for more complex health needs.
What is rehabilitation care?
Rehabilitation care at The Upjohn helps individuals recover strength, mobility and daily function after a hospital stay, surgery, injury or illness. Services may include our highly rated physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy, depending on the person’s needs.
The goal is often to help someone return home, return to independent living or transition safely to another level of support.
What does Medicare cover in a skilled nursing facility?
Medicare coverage depends on eligibility, the type of Medicare plan and whether skilled services are medically necessary. Original Medicare may cover a limited skilled nursing stay after a qualifying hospital stay, but coverage rules can be specific.
Families should review their Medicare plan and speak with our skilled nursing team to understand coverage, coinsurance, length of stay requirements and documentation needs. Reach out to our team, and we’re happy to help you figure out next steps.
Am I guaranteed 100 days of Medicare coverage?
No. Medicare may allow up to 100 days of skilled nursing coverage under certain circumstances, but coverage is not automatically guaranteed for the full period.
Coverage may also differ for Medicare Advantage plans, so families should confirm details directly with their plan provider.
How do I qualify to use Medicare benefits for skilled nursing care?
With Original Medicare, qualification generally requires a qualifying hospital stay and a skilled care need within a specific time period. Requirements can vary, depending on the plan and care situation.
Because rules can be detailed, families should speak with the care team, discharge planner or insurance representative before admission.
How often will a physician visit while someone is at The Upjohn?
Physician involvement is part of skilled nursing care. The schedule may vary based on admission status, medical needs and care plan requirements. Nurse practitioners and other clinical professionals may also be involved in addressing medical concerns, medications and ongoing orders.
Medicaid and Financial FAQs
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program for individuals who meet certain income, asset and care-need requirements. It is administered by the state and requires an application process.
In Michigan, eligibility is determined through state and county-level processes. Families should speak with a qualified benefits advisor or community representative to understand current requirements.
What does Medicaid pay for in a nursing facility?
For eligible individuals, Medicaid may help pay for nursing facility care, including room, board and nursing services. Coverage details may vary based on the individual’s situation, state rules and available benefits.
Families should confirm current coverage rules before making financial decisions.
Home Care FAQs
What is home care?
Home care allows older adults to receive support in their own homes. Services can include help with daily tasks, homemaking, companionship, personal care, medication reminders, respite care or dementia support.
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo provides home care for older adults who want to age in place while receiving professional support. Home care can also help create a smoother transition if someone chooses to move into a Heritage Community residence.
What home care services are available?
Home care services at Heritage include personalized assistance, homemaking, nursing support, concierge services, pet care, family resources, dementia care specialists, respite care and life-enriching programming.
The goal is to bring the warmth, consistency and care philosophy of Heritage Community into your home.
How do I know whether home care or assisted living is better?
Home care may be a good fit when a senior wants to remain at home and only needs support for certain tasks or parts of the day. Assisted living may be a better option when care needs are more frequent, social isolation is increasing or the home environment is no longer safe.
Families should consider cost, safety, caregiver availability, transportation, nutrition, medication management and emotional strain when comparing options.
Choosing the Right Senior Living Option
Can couples with different care needs live at Heritage Community?
Couples often age differently. One person may be independent while the other needs assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing support. A Life Plan Community can help couples remain connected while each person receives the right level of support.
This is one of the reasons families choose a community with multiple levels of care.
What questions should I ask when touring a senior living community?
Helpful questions include:
- What levels of living and care are available?
- How are care plans created and updated?
- What happens if needs change?
- What is included in the monthly fee?
- What services cost extra?
- What dining options are available?
- How does the community support wellness and social connection?
- How does the team communicate with families?
- What makes this community different from other senior living options in Kalamazoo?
A tour is also a chance to notice how the community feels. Look for engaged residents, welcoming staff, clean spaces and an environment that feels comfortable.
Why choose Heritage Community of Kalamazoo?
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo offers a full continuum of senior living and health services in one community. With independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and home care, Heritage is designed to support older adults through many stages of life.
For seniors, Heritage offers more than a place to live. It offers a path forward with support available when it is needed most.
How do I get started?
The best first step is a conversation. Whether you are planning for tomorrow or need support soon, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo can help you understand which living option may be the best fit.
Contact Heritage to ask questions, schedule a tour, or learn more about independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, or home care in Kalamazoo.