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St. Joseph of the Pines director outlines benefits of life‑plan communities
Summary
At a Moore County senior seminar, Kimberly Russell of St. Joseph of the Pines explained how life‑plan communities combine independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing to offer predictable costs, on‑site programming and a continuum of care — and urged attendees to tour and plan ahead.
Kimberly Russell, sales and marketing director at St. Joseph of the Pines, told a Moore County Senior Enrichment Center audience that life‑plan communities combine residences, programming and on‑site care so residents can plan for changing needs. “When you are exploring plans for your future, we hope that these explorations and that these people that you're meeting with that you can be joyful about these and that you can be excited,” Russell said.
Russell described three common levels inside life‑plan communities: independent living where residents retain much of their normal routine; assisted living, which helps with activities of daily living such as bathing and medication management; and skilled nursing, which provides higher‑level medical care. She said communities usually bundle services such as dining, housekeeping, transportation and educational and spiritual programming.
She urged attendees to research communities before deciding, recommending tours of higher‑level care areas so families see assisted living and skilled nursing environments in addition to independent living. Russell pointed participants to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which posts annual disclosure statements that list pricing and other data for life‑plan communities.
On practical questions from the audience, Russell said many independent living units are pet‑friendly; that Medicare typically covers short, post‑hospital rehabilitation stays in skilled nursing but not long‑term room-and‑board; and that pricing can vary across communities. “Because every community is slightly different… it is important to know about the amenities, the dining, the services, the activities,” she said.
Next steps Russell recommended included making a plan, touring multiple communities with a friend or advisor, and discussing options with financial and health‑care advisers. The program closed with a reminder that planning ahead can reduce stress for residents and families if health needs change.
The seminar continued with separate talks on memory care, Medicaid planning and placement services.
