How do life plan communities work?

A life plan community is designed to help older adults enjoy today while planning for tomorrow. In simple terms, it lets you choose the lifestyle and level of support that fits your needs now, while giving you a path to more care later if those needs change. At Londonderry Village, that means housing, healthcare, and supportive services are brought together on one campus so residents can call home with confidence and peace of mind.

What a life plan community is

Life plan communities, often called continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), combine several levels of senior living in one place. Instead of moving from one community to another as your health changes, you can transition within the same community.

That typically means:

• Independent living for active older adults who want freedom and convenience
• Personal care for those who need help with daily routines
• Nursing care for residents who require skilled support
• In some communities, memory care or specialized services are also available

The big idea is continuity. Residents can stay connected to familiar staff, neighbors, and routines, even when their care needs change.

How the model works day to day

A life plan community works best when residents begin at the level that matches their current lifestyle.

1. Start with the living option that fits you now

At Londonderry Village, that may mean an independent living apartment, cottage, or duplex. Residents enjoy the comfort of a private home along with access to community life.

2. Pay a predictable fee structure

Many life plan communities use an entrance fee and a monthly service fee. These fees help support housing, services, amenities, and future access to care.

At Londonderry Village, pricing varies based on the home style and the level of care. For Independent Living, there are both Entrance Fee and No Entrance Fee contract options.

3. Enjoy everyday support and amenities

Residents are not left to manage everything alone. Depending on the community and contract, monthly fees may help cover items such as maintenance, emergency support, housekeeping, wellness amenities, and access to common spaces.

4. Transition to a higher level of care if needed

If health or daily support needs increase, residents can move to personal care or nursing care without leaving the community they know. That continuity can make a stressful change feel much easier.

What makes the life plan model so helpful

For many families, the appeal of a life plan community comes down to peace of mind.

Stability

Instead of wondering what happens if care needs change later, residents already have a plan in place.

Familiarity

Moving to a new level of care on the same campus helps preserve relationships, routines, and a sense of home.

Convenience

Everything is designed to be close by, which can simplify daily life and reduce the stress of coordinating care in multiple locations.

Community

Life plan communities are built around connection. Meals, activities, wellness opportunities, and social programs make it easier to stay engaged.

How Londonderry Village puts the model into practice

Londonderry Village is a vibrant senior living community with more than 620 residents and 270 compassionate, well-trained staff members. It is an outreach ministry of the Church of the Brethren and is committed to providing quality housing, healthcare, and supportive services in an attitude of love and servanthood.

That mission shows up in everyday life:

• Independent living options include apartments, cottages, and duplexes
• Residents have access to personal care and nursing care
• The community sits on a single campus, which makes transitions easier
• There are many opportunities for social, recreational, and wellness-focused living

For residents who want an active lifestyle, the campus also includes activities and amenities such as:

• Woodshop
• Art classes
• Yoga
• TED Talks
• Choir groups
• Library
• Café
• Pickleball
• Fitness facilities and pool access

Londonderry Village also allows pets in Independent Living duplexes, cottages, and apartments in accordance with policy and for an additional fee. The campus is smoke free.

How the financial side works

The financial structure of a life plan community is one of the most important things to understand before moving in.

At Londonderry Village, monthly maintenance and services for Independent Living may include items such as:

• Taxes
• Water, sewer, and trash
• Electric in the Wheaton and Wayland Garden Apartments only
• 24-hour Lifeline phone system for medical emergencies
• 24-hour maintenance and emergency maintenance, inside and outside the home
• Membership to the gym, pool, fitness classes, and whirlpool
• Housekeeping services
• Priority access to the Health Center, which includes Personal Care and Nursing Care
• Access to the Community Center, dining options, programs, seminars, and salon services

If you are considering Independent Living, the marketing team can provide a more detailed price packet and help you understand your options.

A few important financial facts from Londonderry Village:

• If you choose an Entrance Fee contract for Independent Living, 10% of the entrance fee is due at contract signing
• The remaining 90% is due at settlement
• If you choose a No Entrance Fee contract, one month’s rent is due at contract signing

Just as important, Londonderry Village states that once you are a resident on campus, you will never be asked to leave because you are unable to pay. A benevolent care fund is available should it be needed.

Is everyone eligible?

Yes, consideration to move to Londonderry Village is not based on religious affiliation. While the community is faith-based and rooted in the Church of the Brethren, you do not have to be Brethren to be considered.

That welcoming approach is part of what makes the community feel open, supportive, and neighborly.

What to ask when comparing life plan communities

If you are exploring life plan communities, these questions can help you compare options:

• What levels of care are available on campus?
• How does the transition process work if my needs change?
• What do monthly fees include?
• Is there an entrance fee, and how does it work?
• Are there refundable options?
• What kinds of activities and amenities are offered?
• Is the community pet friendly?
• What happens if I outlive my resources?
• Is the community nonprofit or for-profit?

These answers can tell you a lot about both the practical side of the community and the culture behind it.

A simple way to think about it

A life plan community works like a long-term living plan with built-in support. You begin with the lifestyle you want, then add care if and when you need it, often without leaving the campus or losing your sense of home.

That is the heart of living with purpose at Londonderry Village: having the freedom to live actively today, while knowing future care is close by.

Ready to learn more?

If you are exploring Independent Living, contact the marketing department at 717.641.4344.

If you are interested in Personal Care Admissions, call 717.298.7232 ext. 3181.

If you are interested in Nursing Care Admissions, call 717.298.7232 ext. 3199.

You can also contact Londonderry Village to ask questions, request a packet, or schedule a personal visit.