Frequently Asked Questions

	1. What is The Pines at Davidson? The Pines at Davidson is an independent, non-profit, continuing care retirement community located in Davidson, North Carolina. The Pines began as an idea in the hearts and minds of local residents who were members of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Under the direction of the church, a knowledgeable steering committee continued diligent research and fund raising efforts until final completion of the community in July, 1988. The result is an attractive residential community which far exceeded its original expectations. The campus includes both apartments and cottages for independent living, a Community Center featuring various common areas, a Wellness Center with Assisted Living accommodations, and an on-site Health Care Center which provides skilled nursing care as needed.
	2. Do residents enjoy an active lifestyle? Residents of The Pines come from all areas of the United States, from different socio-economic levels, and from many backgrounds and religious denominations. However, they do share a common interest in the enjoyment of cultural, educational, recreational, and social activities found at The Pines. For that reason, you will notice an active and attractive group of residents living here. Many play golf or tennis, some enjoy boating or swimming, or taking leisurely walks. There is no structured schedule – you come and go as you please. Davidson College is one of the most respected institutions of learning in the South. This Presbyterian-related college is the focal point of this small community and opens its doors for all to enjoy the many concerts, lectures, artist series programs, varsity sporting events, theatrical and musical performances that occur year-round. Residents of The Pines may even audit courses in the regular curriculum with no registration fee. Many student groups entertain residents at The Pines, and some residents have even “adopted” students through a special program at the college.
	3. How is The Pines Governed? The Pines at Davidson was developed by local townspeople who are committed to its success. Three separate organizations work together to insure the highest quality of life for the residents, while operating in a sound financial manner. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of The Pines at Davidson is composed of leading citizens, business executives, active and retired professionals, and other influential leaders who volunteer from a four-county area and serve rotating terms. The Board is actively involved in the major decisions and direction of The Pines through a variety of committees. Management Team. The Board of Directors has selected an experienced Executive Director and management team to staff and manage the day-to-day operations of The Pines and to implement the policies of the Board of Directors. The Pines’ Resident Association. Each resident of The Pines is a member of The Pines’ Resident Association. The Association is comprised of Officers, a Resident Council, and multiple committees. It is a liaison body, interpreting administrative policies to residents, and conveying to the administration suggestions regarding any phase of life and service of The Pines. A system has been established to address individual resident concerns or suggestions for improvement to the Management Team and Board of Directors.
	4. What are the common areas, amenities, and support facilities provided by The Pines? Located within the boundaries of the beautiful 47-acre campus are four major buildings, all of which are connected by enclosed, temperature-controlled walkways. The Community Center includes a central dining room, private dining room, formal living room, beverage lounge, multi-purpose room, library, arts and crafts room, central mailboxes, branch bank, café and convenience store, chapel, woodworking shop, gazebo and courtyard area, barber & beauty shop, and administrative offices. The Apartment Building includes independent living accommodations, various residential lounges, billiard room, computer room, laundry rooms, and resident storage areas, as well as elevators. The Wellness Center includes a Warm-Water Therapy Pool with men’s and women’s dressing rooms, an Exercise Equipment Room, Physical Therapy Room and Wellness Clinic on the first floor. Assisted Living accommodations are located on the second floor. The Schramm Health Center contains Skilled Nursing accommodations for residents, with a separate convenient entrance.
	5. What type of fees do residents pay? Residents pay an entrance fee and a monthly fee. These fees vary according to the type of living accommodation selected, and the number of residents occupying the apartment or cottage. Entrance Fee. This is a one-time payment which entitles the resident to the exclusive right to occupy the apartment or cottage selected and to use and enjoy the common areas, programs, and amenities of The Pines for life. The entrance fee also assures the resident access to the Schramm Health Center, either on a temporary or permanent basis, at substantial savings over comparable nursing facilities. The entrance fee does not deliver title to one’s living accommodation. There are three Entrance Fee options to choose from: The Standard Entrance Fee option involves the least amount of entrance fee payable upon occupancy. Should a resident leave The Pines for any reason during the first 12 months of occupancy, The Pines will refund the entrance fee, less a 5% administrative fee, and 5% for each month of occupancy. The 50% or 90% Refundable Options require larger entrance fees payable based on actuarial tables, yet allow for either 50% or 90% of the entire entrance fee paid to be refunded to the resident, or the resident’s estate, upon leaving The Pines. Monthly Fee. This fee provides for the ongoing daily services mentioned in the description of fees, and depends on whether there are one or two people in an apartment or cottage. The monthly fee is based on the actual costs of services and operations and is subject to change. The Pines will maintain its costs at the lowest feasible rate consistent with sound financial practices. The Pines offers certain residential services at additional costs, including, but not limited to: cable TV, telephone service, additional resident or guest meals, catering for special events, beautician or barber services, convenience store items, extra housekeeping services, and personal transportation.
	6. What kind of Living Accommodations are Available? The Pines offers an impressive variety of residential floor plans for independent living including Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Apartments. Most have high ceilings and 9 ft. outside window-walls. Larger, custom accommodations may be available upon request. Our spacious Duplex Cottages all feature two bedrooms and two baths. They include either a sunroom, patio, or wood deck. Residents may transfer from one living accommodation to another as their needs later change in life.
	7. What are the Residential Apartment Features? The Pines’ Apartments have been designed for comfort and distinctive living, yet careful consideration has been given to specifications that provide the flexibility of barrier-free access. The theory of accessible design promotes the belief that the same living unit should continue to meet the resident’s needs as more assistance becomes necessary. These features will be unnoticeable in day-to-day life, but they will provide the luxurious dimension of peace of mind. The Pines provides wall-to-wall carpeting and linoleum, lighting fixtures, electrical and telephone outlets, cable television hookups, emergency call systems and smoke detectors connected to a centrally monitored system, individual thermostatic controls, hot water heater, fire retardant and sound controlled construction, and covered patios or balconies. The fully equipped kitchens include an electric range with oven, ventilation hood with light and fan, frost-free refrigerator with freezer, double sink with single lever controls, a garbage disposal, and ample cabinet & counter space. Microwaves are also available. Safety and accessibility are of prime concern in the design of the bathrooms. The bathrooms in the apartments include an emergency signal device, a shower/tub unit with a detachable hand-held shower head and textured non-slip surfaces and support bars. Also, a vanity and sink, a linen and towel storage closet, and exhaust fan with heat lamp are included. Residents use their personal furnishings to reflect their own tastes and preferences. However, any structural, physical change or redecoration must first be approved by the management and is the financial responsibility of the resident.
	8. Describe the Schramm Health Center and Workman Wellness Center The Pines complements its independent living environment with an on-site, state-of-the-art health center and a personalized wellness program for its residents. The Schramm Health Center serves those persons who need full-time nursing care, including 24-hour supervision and assistance in activities of daily living. Skilled nursing facilities include a dining room, pantry, activity room, lounge, bathing rooms, nurses station, and patio. The Purcell Wing is reserved for those residents with dementia-related illnesses needing special care. Our nursing staff provides 24-hour assistance with a professional, yet personal touch. We recognize each resident’s individuality and personal worth. Our full-time activity director provides both social and physical activities in the Schramm Health Center on a daily basis. Assisted Living accommodations are reserved for those individuals who are somewhat independent, yet cannot completely manage their day-to-day affairs. This level of care provides some supervision and assistance in monitoring medications and minor health-related conditions. The Assisted Living level has its own lounge, dining room, activity room, laundry, and nurses station. The Workman Wellness Center is an important component of the health care program, insuring a proactive health orientation for residents. The center is comprised of a Wellness Clinic, Physical Therapy Room, Exercise Equipment Room, and a state-of-the-art Warm Water Therapy Pool and Whirlpool, with men’s and women’s dressing rooms. The Wellness Concept at The Pines emphasizes an inter-disciplinary team approach to each resident’s care. It further promotes a high quality of life by addressing dietary, social activity, psychological, and spiritual needs as well as basic physical needs. The concept also encourages family involvement through participation in care plan meetings, special activities, and educational programming.
	9. What are Resident Health Care Costs? Keep in mind that national medical and health care related costs have been increasing at a higher rate than other costs of daily living. As in any retirement community, a percentage of the costs is usually distributed among the broad base of residents. Most people in their retirement years have a need for some temporary health care, but statistics show the vast majority of retirees do not require permanent long-term care. They could spend the majority of their residency in independent living and never have a need for health care. To choose a retirement community solely upon the basis of health care costs would be unwise. The Pines has developed a modified-life care approach to health care costs which assures quality health care and extraordinary services at a substantial financial discount, while at the same time offering a credit toward a resident’s monthly fees for independent living. Each resident of The Pines is entitled to 14 noncumulative “exempt days” per calendar year in the Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Care accommodations in the Schramm Health Center. During these 14 “exempt days”, the resident will have no increase in the monthly residential fee for their respective living accommodation, except for the costs of two additional meals per day and any ancillary health care costs, such as pharmacy charges or the cost of physician care. The Pines will establish and publish per diem charges for room use and nursing care for the Assisted Living and Skilled Care accommodations in the Schramm Health Center. These rates include three meals per day, and are based on operating costs and comparable rates charged in other nursing facilities. Once the 14 “exempt days” have been used, the resident will begin to pay 85% of the amount of the published per diem rate for the Health Care Center accommodation occupied by the resident plus ancillary health care costs not included in the per diem rate. ₁₀
	10. What are The Pines' Ancillary Health Care Services that are not Included in the Monthly Fees? The Pines will arrange for certain ancillary health care services at the request and expense of the resident, including, but not limited to: physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitative treatments and equipment, ambulance services, limited pharmacy and laboratory tests, and medical supplies. Each resident is required to designate a licensed physician as his or her personal physician and is responsible for the cost of the physician’s services.
	11. Who Determines When a Resident Moves to the Health Care Center? A move to one of the levels of care within the Schramm Health Center is based on the physical and mental health of the resident. The decision to transfer a resident to the Schramm Health Center is made by The Pines Medical Director and the Executive Director. Such a move is made only after consultation to the extent practical with the resident, representatives of the resident’s family, and resident’s physician. Should the resident recover to the extent of being able to return to independent living, they are given the first available unit of the type previously occupied, without having to pay a second entrance fee.
	12. What are the Procedures for Entering The Pines? Reservations. Following a meeting with a representative of The Pines, the applicant selects an apartment or cottage, signs a Residence and Care Agreement, and makes a deposit equal to 10% of the Standard Entrance Fee. Within 30 days, the applicant completes an Application for Admission, a Confidential Financial Statement, and a Personal Health History form. The applicant’s personal physician completes and submits a Medical Certificate. Once these forms have been reviewed, the applicant meets with the Director of Wellness and Social Services for a personal interview. The Admission Review Committee then meets to render a decision for admission to The Pines. Notification. Once notified of acceptance, the applicant then has up to 60 additional days in which to move to The Pines, or pay the balance of the entrance fee and begin making monthly maintenance fee payments to keep the accommodation reserved until occupancy. The 10% deposit is applied in full toward the entrance fee for the accommodation reserved, or returned in full, should the applicant not be approved by the Admissions Review Committee for any reason. There is no application or processing fee charged by The Pines.
	13. What are the Requirements for Admission? Living at The Pines is normally within the financial reach of most people who own a home or have savings and an average retirement income. Prices vary with the residential accommodation, single or double occupancy, and the services received. Age. Present admission requirements are that an applicant be at least 65 years of age. A spouse may be 62 years of age. Health. Each applicant for The Pines residential living accommodations must be able to care for themselves independently in a residential setting. Non-Discriminatory. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of United States policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity through the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, handicap, sex, familial status, or national origin.
	14. Does The Pines Have a Waiting List? Yes. The Pines’ Future Residency Program is an important step in assuring oneself of a move to The Pines at some time in the future. A $1,000 deposit will obtain a priority position on the future residency list, and will apply in full toward the accommodation selected at time of occupancy. An individual may apply for the Future Residency Program at any age. A small application packet needs to be completed and submitted for approval. No medical certificate or interview is necessary at this time. The deposit is fully refundable should the applicant be disapproved by the Admission Review Committee. Don’t wait until you have to make a decision to move – apply for the Future Residency Program early!