INDEPENDENT LIVING FAQ

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Want to know more about Independent Living at Hermitage Richmond? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page or call us at 804 474 1800. We’re always happy to help and would love to give you a tour!

What is the process to consider Independent Living at Hermitage Richmond?

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The first step is to provide your general personal, health and financial information, which we are happy to help you assemble.
Personal, health and financial information is then reviewed.
If necessary, a nurse and social worker meet with the resident to complete an assessment to determine the appropriate level of living.
A complete physical exam is required within 30 days before move-in

Is this process different from other alternatives?

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Yes. Many communities do not discuss finances with potential residents. At Hermitage Richmond, we include a financial and actuarial review for many reasons. Most importantly, we want to be sure residents can live on their terms and do not have to move again if they are blessed with longevity, and their level of living needs change.

Hermitage Richmond is part of Pinnacle Living and a not-for-profit organization, which means something to us. We form a lifetime relationship with our residents and commit to assisting those who, through no fault of their own, cannot fully meet the financial responsibilities of their residence or care.

As with any relationship, this one is based on reciprocity. By reviewing your financial and actuarial projections, we can be sure that the plan to call our community home is the right one. The Samaritan Program provides peace of mind to residents blessed by longevity but who have outlived their financial resources. Pinnacle Living has never asked a resident to leave solely based on their inability to pay for our services. This has been integral to who we are since our founding in 1948.

What exactly is an Independent Living community?

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Independent Living means many different things depending on the community. Some communities are basically apartments that are age-restricted and do not offer any services or safety nets. Others may offer some assistance through partners.

Independent Living at Hermitage Richmond is fully integrated into the community, offering the best of both worlds. Choose a suitable residence and location and enjoy maintenance-free living without investing a hefty entrance fee. Enjoy private parking and full access to on- and off-site events, programs and activities.

There’s also the convenience of services, including delicious meals, housekeeping, fresh linens, transportation and laundry services. And because Hermitage Richmond is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), if a resident needs Assisted Living services, they do not have to move! Only in the case of a need for a secure area to ensure those with memory issues are safe or where 24-hour nursing supervision is required do our residents move within the community to McGuire Park or The Grove Health Care Center.

How are Independent Living communities licensed?

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Most independent living communities are not licensed. We are proud to be licensed by the Department of Social Services and the Virginia Health Department for our Assisted Living and Nursing Care, in addition to our accreditation by CARF. If you would like to learn more about the protections and assurances those licenses and accreditation provide for you and your loved one, please visit their websites:

Department of Social Services
Virginia Health Department
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

What Independent Living issues should I be aware of?

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Different retirement communities may define “Independent Living” differently. Make sure any community you consider matches your understanding. You should also know whether the community can provide support if your or your loved one’s needs change.

Perhaps most of all, you should carefully consider what is important to you to feel happy, fulfilled and independent—Driving a car? Preparing meals or snacks? Entertaining friends? Interacting with friends and neighbors? Getting out into the surrounding community?

You want to be sure you compare “apples to apples” when comparing retirement communities. Are the monthly fees all-inclusive or à la carte? Does the community offer meals and choices? Do they provide transportation? Housekeeping services?

What if I have an emergency or need help in my residence?

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Each residence at Hermitage Richmond has an emergency call system in each room, including the bathrooms. In addition, Hermitage Richmond has a comprehensive system for residents’ security that can identify each resident by name and specific location anywhere on our campus.

Each resident is provided a pendant that connects electronically to our comprehensive system. In an emergency, the resident can press the button on their pendant; their location is immediately identified, and an alert is delivered to a dedicated response team. A nurse, or nurses, goes to the aid of the resident at that location. Team members, including nurses and medical professionals, are always on call and on-site 24 hours a day, ready to respond with professional help and assistance.

Do you have a wellness program?

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Hermitage Richmond is committed to enhancing residents’ quality of life in every way. Wellness means many different things depending on the individual. Our innovative Pathways to Wellness program takes a holistic approach that breaks down barriers regardless of age or abilities. Throughout our inspiring campus, we’re here to help guide and nurture every dimension of your well-being so you can flourish—mind, body and spirit.

For some, it means a walk with friends. For others, it’s volunteering, reading a book in private or playing a game of cards. We provide a wonderful campus in a historic, walkable neighborhood with great gathering spaces throughout.

We add to that events, activities and programs designed and run by licensed Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and other professionals dedicated to providing holistic support and options to benefit our residents’ health. Daily offerings include balance and mobility sessions, healthy eating choices, water aerobics, mental-sharpening exercises, spiritual studies, craft workshops, recreation and physical strengthening activities.

How do I determine my level of care?

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Finding the appropriate level of living is a crucial ingredient in enhancing quality of life. At Hermitage Richmond, each resident actively participates in the team that assesses and monitors their support level. Decisions are made with ongoing input from residents, family members, physical and occupational therapists, healthcare professionals and other key team members. A process informed by more than 75 years of Pinnacle Living’s experience uses multiple evaluation tools to make sure decisions are in our residents’ best interests.

Do you offer a rehabilitation program?

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Hermitage Richmond is staffed to respond. Hermitage Richmond offers complete rehabilitation services on-site with licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists. Transportation is provided to outside rehabilitation service providers when that is the best option for a resident.

Does the community provide residents with a full calendar of events, programs and activities?

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Every day brings a wide variety of activities for residents of Hermitage Richmond, with customized calendars for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Health Services and the McGuire Memory Care neighborhood. Sometimes, residents go out to enjoy all Richmond offers, and other times, they prefer for it to come to them.

What types of amenities and activities does Hermitage Richmond offer?

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Because the variety of supplemental amenities and programs offered by senior living communities can vary widely, it’s important to ask many questions as you investigate each community. Hermitage Richmond offers a full range, including:

Fitness Classes
Onsite salon and barbershop
Onsite manicure and pedicure
Art and craft studio and instruction
Full range of exercise and healthy living programs, including access to water aerobics
Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy clinic on-site
Concerts and entertainment events in our Social Hall
Cultural outings to plays, concerts and museums
Community gardens with raised planting beds
Community chaplain with weekly chapel services, Bible studies and fellowship groups

Does the community provide easy access to recreational opportunities?

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Hermitage Richmond’s central location makes getting to Richmond’s many recreational, cultural, social and educational opportunities easy. Regular visits to museums, concerts, parks, shopping and more are provided by our fully accessible bus. We also offer day trips to places further afield. And, of course, all the area’s opportunities are close by for residents who want to walk or drive.

Is the community convenient for frequent visits by family and friends?

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Hermitage Richmond is located just off Interstate 64, one exit away from Interstate 95, so it is easy to reach from all parts of Richmond and the surrounding area. Residents enjoy a spacious apartment or suite where they can entertain family and friends or choose from the many beautifully decorated sunrooms, gathering rooms and common spaces. Our central location is near many restaurants, or you can enjoy delicious meals together in our bright and airy dining room.

Is the community convenient to medical centers, shopping, places of worship and other services?

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Our convenient location makes visits to the broader community services easy. We provide transportation to medical appointments and shopping areas. In addition, area churches and synagogues offer transportation to and from their services. Our beautiful chapel with inspiring stained-glass windows offers weekly ecumenical worship opportunities.

Is the community close to cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, concert halls, gardens and historical sites?

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It’s a short drive from our Ginter Park neighborhood to the Virginia Museum and Virginia Historical Society, the Science Museum of Virginia, Flying Squirrels AAA baseball, downtown theaters and concert halls, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. And, of course, with three major universities in town, there are always many enrichment options available for our residents. In addition, cultural events are regularly scheduled on-site in our Social Hall.

Is the community convenient to public transportation, airports, highways, etc.?

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Hermitage Richmond is conveniently located near both Interstate 64 and Interstate 95. Richmond International Airport is just 15 minutes by car, and the train station and bus terminal are nearby. In addition, two city bus stops are located adjacent to our campus. And, of course, Hermitage Richmond has its own fully accessible bus, van and car to meet our residents’ transportation needs.

Does the community provide services such as housekeeping, maintenance, concierge assistance and scheduled transportation?

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As a full-service, continuing care retirement community, Hermitage Richmond offers a complete array of services at no additional charge, including:

Maintenance-free living, inside and out
Housekeeping and linen service
Personal laundry
Multiple dining experiences
Shopping excursions to grocery stores, area malls and other locations
Transportation to medical appointments
Recreational and healthy living activities
Scheduled transportation to shopping and cultural activities
Transportation to medical appointments
Emergency assistance pendant
On-site convenience shop
Full-time receptionist
Library and resource room

Are there other conveniences available on-site if you wish to pay for them, such as picking up dry cleaning, salon services, etc.?

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Hermitage Richmond offers many additional services on-site for our residents’ convenience. A full-service beauty salon and barbershop are located within our building, along with dry cleaning pickup, gift shop and convenience store and visiting podiatrist.

Does the community offer a full continuum of care, should needs change in the future?

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Hermitage Richmond is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), meaning residents can move directly to Independent Living, Assisted Living or The Grove Health Care Center without an entrance fee. In addition, we offer McGuire Park, a designated Memory Care neighborhood. Our philosophy focuses on our residents’ contribution and control regardless of their living level.