Quaker Retirement Communities and Senior Living

What Is Quaker Senior Living?

Quakers are members of a group with Christian roots that began in England in the 1650s. While some consider themselves Christian, others don’t. They’re formally referred to as either the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends and number around 210,000 worldwide.1 Central to their faith is their belief that all people have direct access to God without intermediaries. While anyone can worship on their own, the act of meeting together as a community is a critical component.2 Quakers have a deep concern for the spiritual aspect of the indiviudal, and their senior care reflects that by instilling the pillars of their beliefs. This includes the Quaker value of compassion, which is intertwined with the care each resident receives in a Quaker senior care facility.

How Is Quaker Assisted Living Different From Non-Faith Based Communities?

As with traditional senior care facilities, those catering to Quakers offer many similar services and amenities, such as full meal plans, housekeeping and laundry service, fitness classes, and social activities. The key difference, though, is that the mission of Quaker senior care facilities is based on their faith’s values, principles, and traditions. It means their offerings may include silent worship on Sundays and daily meditation.

For those who live in a Quaker retirement community and don’t have many medical restrictions, the Quaker value of giving back to the community is instilled through volunteer work like tutoring or participating in faith-based activities. Because tolerance is part of the Quaker approach to life, Quakers are willing to learn from all other faiths and churches. It’s not surprising, then, that their senior care facilities welcome other denominations. Some larger facilities even have an on-site nondenominational chapel for its residents.

Who Operates Quaker Senior Living Communities?

Quaker senior care facilities are usually run by nonprofit organizations with a board of directors. In keeping with their religion, the board’s members account for Quaker values such as simplicity and seeking peace with one another as part of their decision-making process.

How Much Does Quaker Senior Living Cost?

Generally speaking, there’s little difference between traditional assisted living facility costs and their faith-based counterparts. As with the former, costs will primarily depend on the type of facility, location, and level of care. For instance, a Quaker-assisted living facility that offers specialized memory care may cost more than one that doesn’t provide this service.

To give you an idea of how much senior housing costs, the national monthly median cost can range from $2,120 for adult day care to $5,511 for an assisted living facility. If you want to stay in a private room in a nursing home, you can expect to pay upwards of $10,000.5

There are a few options you can consider to help cover costs. These include personal savings and government funds, such as Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and veterans benefits. Medicare may pay for certain Medicare-covered health services for residents but won’t cover facility costs. Medicaid may also be a consideration, but eligibility requirements vary depending on your home state. Check your state’s Medicaid regulations for more information. You can also ask if a facility provides financial aid assistance.

Tips for Finding Quaker Senior Living Communities

Finding and choosing the right Quaker senior living community for you or your family member may be overwhelming. But with a little patience and some research (plus a few tips from us!), you’ll find the best one for your needs. Start by reaching out to your inner circle of family, friends, and neighbors who share your beliefs.

As the aging population continues to grow, more families may be either in the process of — or have recently undergone — their facility search and could shed some insight. They may even be able to provide some recommendations. You could also contact your local church office or nearby churches for any resources they may offer. You can contact senior living communities in your area to see if they offer Quaker-specific services.

You can always Google “Quaker senior living community” in your city in your browser for a list of search results. If possible, ask to schedule a walking tour of those centers you’re interested in. If you live in or around New York or Philadelphia, Quaker Aging Resources provides community resource information for local residents. Friends Services for the Aging is another information and referral service. Although headquartered in Pennsylvania, FSA is the umbrella for Friends senior service organizations in many areas nationwide.

Where Can I Find Quaker Retirement Communities?

Now that we’ve given you a few tips to get started, let’s look at a few Quaker senior living communities across the country. As previously mentioned, Quaker senior living facilities are welcoming to all. Whether you ascribe to the faith or not, you’ll find a community with a rich history that treats each individual with value and respect. While there might not be a Quaker senior community listed in your city below, this list gives an idea of what to expect at these facilities.

• Easthampton and Northampton, Massachusetts
  Situated in western Massachusetts, Lathrop offers independent residential living in both Easthampton and Northampton regions. Residents can choose between Northampton’s proximity to its lively downtown or Easthampton’s small-town feel.
• Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (Headquarters)
  Although the corporate office is based in Pennsylvania, Kendal operates facilities in nine states (including PA): CA, IL, MA, MD, NH, NY, PA, OH, and VA. The not-for-profit organization is made up of communities, programs, and services that advocate and empower aging adults.
• Medford, New Jersey
  The Medford Leas independent living and continuing care community is home to approximately 600 residents living in almost 400 homes of varying sizes and designs. The campuses are nestled inside the Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve, featuring over 90 activities, committees, events, and interest groups.
• Newberg, Oregon
  Since opening their doors in 1961, Friendsview has offered residents a place to “learn and grow while living your values.” Located across the street from George Fox University, the Quaker Senior Living facility offers a vibrant retirement community, healthy dining, cultural programs, and lifelong learning opportunities at the university.
• Richmond, Indiana
  Established as a not-for-profit in 1958, Friends Fellowship Community is a multi-faceted continuing care retirement community offering independent, assisted living, nursing care, and memory care services.
• Sandy Spring, Maryland
  Located on 62 acres of gently rolling hills with nature trails, Friendshouse offers assisted living and skilled nursing and rehabilitation, plus residential living accommodations.
• Stanton, California
  In 2014, after 50 years of service, Quaker Gardens changed their name to Rowntree Garden; its new name was a renewed commitment to providing a continuum of care. Their offerings include independent living, physical therapy, short- and long-term skilled nursing services, and memory care.