Moving from your home to an independent living community is exciting. Prospective residents at Augsburg Lutheran Village love our spacious garden apartments, the friendly atmosphere, and the security and comfort of community living. But they also have many questions in preparing for their move. We have provided answers to many of the questions our prospective residents raise most frequently.

Q. Am I QUALIFIED for admission to Augsburg?
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 FEE?
The entrance fee 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 as long as you can live independently. Entrance fees range from $57,800 to $171,000 depending on the size of your apartment.

Q. What is the MONTHLY SERVICE FEE?
The monthly service fee 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 FEE if I leave Augsburg Lutheran Village?
If you leave during the six-month period following initial occupancy, 100 percent of the entrance fee is returned to you. Following the initial six-month occupancy period, 80 percent of the entrance fee 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 fee refund is returned to your estate.

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 Augsburg’s marketing coordinator, who will provide you with an “Application for Residency” form. Complete the form and return it with a non-refundable processing fee of $200 and a fully refundable reservation deposit of $1,000. Only one fee 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. At the same time, you have the option of declining the offer without penalty should it not be the right time for your move.

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Q. What kind of nursing care is provided?
Augsburg offers various levels of care in a variety of units, including skilled and intermediate units. 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 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 rules, 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 phone in my room?
You or your family may make arrangements with a local telephone service provider to install your own personal telephone. You will be billed directly by the telephone company. Charges for moving your phone to another room are your responsibility. In addition, public telephones are available for your use.

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.

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.

Q. Is there a resident council at the Home?
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, you participate in planning activities and events and can bring problems to the attention of the administrator or department heads.