Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a lot to learn about John Knox Village. Explore some of the questions we’re asked most often and discover how life at the Village exceeds expectations.
Independent Living
Is Independent Living right for me?
Our independent living options are perfect for people who want to maintain their current active lifestyle without the responsibility of home maintenance. You’ll have the freedom to play, work out, volunteer, spend time with family and friends, even travel to faraway places — knowing that someone is looking after your home while you’re away.
Why choose a Life Plan Community?
A Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) offers the security of knowing you’ll have care options if you ever need them. Unlike many senior living communities, a Life Plan Community offers independent living and a full continuum of on-site care, from assisted living and rehabilitation to memory care and licensed skilled nursing care.
Why choose a not-for-profit community like John Knox Village?
As a not-for-profit organization, our mission and long-standing values govern every management and financial decision made by our executives, our associates, and our dedicated board of directors — three John Knox Village residents and six local business leaders. Instead of focusing on profits, revenues generated are reinvested into the community, ensuring John Knox Village remains one of the most stable retirement communities in the country.
Is now the right time to move to the Village?
Many of our current residents asked the same question. Today, they’ll tell you, “I wish I had made this move sooner.” Why not start enjoying the freedom of maintenance-free living and almost limitless life-enriching activities, amenities and services — with access to a full continuum of on-site care, if ever needed.
Can I bring my own furniture from home?
Absolutely! It’s your home. Bring furniture and belongings you treasure. And take advantage of this move to make a fresh start with new pieces you’ve been waiting to enjoy.
Can my grandchildren, family and friends visit?
Your guests are always welcome in your home and more than welcome to enjoy recreational facilities, dining venues, amenities and activities with you while visiting. Guest rooms can be reserved and rented for family, friends and prospective residents. Call (816) 892-4294 for information and reservations.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. They’re family, too! We’re a pet friendly senior living community and welcome dogs, cats, birds and fish upon approval through our Pet Admissions Program.
Be sure to ask about the pet policy and approval process and the “pet-friendly” areas of campus.
May I bring my car?
Most people who drive do, but with all the transportation options available as part of our service, a car isn’t a necessity. Many couples find they prefer one car instead of two, but that’s totally up to you.
Assisted Living
How can I know assisted living is the right choice?
Our assisted living options are ideal for people who can still live independently but need extra assistance with activities of daily living — taking medication, bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, transportation and other everyday needs. Trained professionals provide an individualized level of support while helping you preserve an active lifestyle filled with friends, neighbors and family.
Are the apartment homes furnished?
No. You have the freedom to furnish and decorate any way you wish. Bring treasured furniture and belongings, or make a fresh start with new pieces that make everyday living even more comfortable.
Do you offer activities?
Yes! Each day is filled with opportunities to build new friendships through activity choices, socials and entertainment, as well as access to life-enriching services and amenities around the Village campus.
Are there opportunities to journey out and about?
Absolutely! In addition to private transportation services for physician visits and other needs, the Village offers frequent group shopping, dining and entertainment excursions at many popular off-campus venues.
What is the difference between moving to assisted living versus staying in independent living and contracting with Village Helpers for assistance?
The key difference between these two options is the additional encouragement in assisted living, with the ability to socialize with neighbors and enjoy time together. Between the comfortable common areas, scheduled activities and our spacious dining room, Village Assisted Living residents have lots of opportunities to interact with others in an easy-to-negotiate setting that meets their physical needs.
What if memory care is needed?
It’s available through our full continuum of care. Memory care at Village Assisted Living provides specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s assisted living that provides purpose and accomplishment in a comfortable environment — every hour of every day. As needs progress, the Village Care Center offers memory care in a skilled nursing environment.
Memory Care
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functions (thinking, reasoning, the ability to remember) that are severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. While dementia is not a disease, it may accompany certain diseases or conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease. Although younger people can be (and are) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, symptoms generally begin after age 60.
How does memory care differ from traditional assisted living?
Care provided in the Village Assisted Living community — from dining to staffing to activities — is designed around the unique needs of memory loss. Specially trained professionals work hand in hand with the individual and their family members to create structure, familiar schedules and surroundings, all in a secure environment that promotes purpose and celebrates accomplishments. If additional skilled nursing care is needed, Village Care Center meets the needs of patients with compassion and highly specialized care.
Is the staffing different?
Yes. Staff members are specially trained in person-centered memory care. And these special caregivers carry with them a compassionate temperament and a passion for providing dignified, respectful memory care to individuals and their families.
Do you have a support group?
Yes we do! Our group meets once a month and is co-sponsored by Village Assisted Living and Village Care Center. Most importantly, this group is open to anyone from the area who has a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Join us!
Skilled Nursing
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing care is for individuals with medical needs requiring the skill of round-the-clock licensed nurses and therapists. Skilled nursing is appropriate for people recovering from illness, injury, surgery or stroke who need intensive therapy and care to gain optimal well-being and health.
When is long term skilled nursing appropriate?
Situations are as varied as individuals. Most often, candidates for long term care have an ongoing health condition or permanent disability. They may suffer from chronic severe pain or the natural symptoms of advanced age that led to frailty and the need for 24-hour medical supervision.
Will Medicare pay for skilled nursing?
The Village Care Center is Medicare-certified. With a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare typically covers days 1-20 of the stay. A Medicare-set daily coinsurance rate will be assessed for days 21-100. Medicare payment rules are very stringent and vary depending on a number of factors. Your out-of-pocket expense may vary based on any additional insurance coverage that you may have. Visit the official medicare website for more details.
Rehabilitation
Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?
It’s similar in that it helps restore strength and mobility. However, occupational therapy focuses on helping people improve their ability to perform daily tasks by modifying the physical environment and using adaptive techniques and equipment to increase independence.
How often will I receive therapy services?
Every person receives an individualized treatment plan based on medical certification by their doctor, which addresses condition and specific rehabilitation needs. We will provide the most appropriate services as recommended by your therapy team after admission.
Who will be involved in my care?
A team including a doctor, nurse, social worker, dietitian and therapists will provide care, guide your rehabilitation process, and work in partnership with you and your family members.
Do I need to be a John Knox Village resident?
No. The Village Rehabilitation Unit is open to local community individuals through direct admission. We are Medicare-certified, accept most major insurance providers, and will assist you and your family in guiding you through the administrative process.
What will happen when I’m ready to return home?
Prior to your discharge, a plan will be developed that determines any equipment needs and in-home services you may require. Village Home Health services are available to help with your transition — providing physical, occupational and speech therapies in the comfort and privacy of your own home. You may also visit the Village Rehabilitation Unit on campus to continue outpatient therapy services.
Hospice
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is for those who are choosing to experience more moments of life when faced with life-limiting illnesses. Village Hospice helps them with this by providing palliative care, including symptom and pain management, a team of specially trained professionals that includes nursing care, music therapy, social work, chaplain and bereavement support that is overseen by a Medical Doctor.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness — whatever the diagnosis or prognosis. It can accompany other curative treatments. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
How do we know when inpatient hospice care is appropriate?
The Village House offers a short term level of hospice care for patients who need pain control and symptom management that cannot be provided in another setting. The Village House is also a place patients can stay short term to be able to provide their caregiver relief.
How can I make a donation to Village Hospice?
Caring for your loved one is a joy and a privilege, and we are honored we can offer our services of comfort and care at the end of life.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of someone or in memory of someone through the John Knox Village Foundation, please use the button below to give online today.