Frequently Asked Questions

We realize that selecting a retirement community is a big decision—one that can set in motion a major life transition. That’s why it’s so important to have accurate, complete information. If you’d like more details about our community, services, and philosophy of care, we invite you to contact us at (207) 374-2306 or email us. In the meantime, here are answers to the questions we hear most frequently.

What is senior living?
Why choose a senior living community?
What is independent living?
What is assisted living?
What is the difference between assisted living and independent living apartments?
How much does it cost to live at Parker Ridge?
What are the leasing terms for apartments at Parker Ridge?
Are cottages available for rent?
Do you offer care for those with memory loss disorders?
What is short-term or respite care?
How can I decorate my apartment?
What about pets?
Is senior living affordable?
When is the right time to choose a senior living community?
What type of security does Parker Ridge have?
Is smoking allowed at Parker Inn?
Does Parker Ridge provide transportation for residents?
Does Parker Ridge have visiting hours?

What is senior living?

Senior living actually includes many types of living arrangements or services. The main types are:

Independent Living is a type of senior community for residents who are capable of living independently and require little assistance with daily activities. Units typically have one or two bedrooms with a kitchen or kitchenette. Buildings often include a significant amount of common space for dining, recreation, and group activities. Services generally include one or two meals per day served in a common dining room, regularly scheduled housekeeping and laundry services, and emergency pull cords.
Assisted living can be an intermediate step between independent living and a skilled nursing facility. Service packages most often include three daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication management, and personal care such as incontinence care and assistance with bathing, grooming, or dressing. Apartments are usually one-bedroom or studio, and buildings provide common areas for dining, recreation, and group activities. Typically, residents require assistance with daily activities and mobility.
Memory care facilities provide housing and services to seniors who have special needs due to memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive disorders. The services and facilities often include those provided at assisted living communities with the addition of security, activities geared toward those with memory loss, and added levels of care needed by those with various forms of dementia.
Skilled nursing care communities, also known as nursing homes or long-term care facilities, provide comprehensive nursing and long term care to their residents and are capable of serving residents with intensive needs. Because of the levels of care provided at nursing homes, the cost of residing at these facilities is usually the highest of all the senior housing and care options.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called Life Care Communities, are a combination of independent living, assisted living, and nursing care facilities in a campus setting. CCRCs offer seniors the opportunity to “age in place” when higher levels of care become necessary and frequently involve long-term contracts or commitments.

Parker Ridge is a senior living community that offers three different living options: Cottages (independent living) for those who wish to own their home, independent living apartments for rent at Parker Inn, and assisted living suites at Parker Court. We do not provide specialized memory care services or skilled nursing services.

Why choose a senior living community?

Aside from obvious benefits such as freedom from home maintenance and the peace of mind of having emergency assistance available around the clock, residing in a senior living community can have many long-term benefits.

Proper nutrition is vital at any age, and enjoying delicious meals in the company of friends is an important way to stay strong and energetic. Many seniors living alone may suffer from malnutrition or dehydration, which can negatively impact health.
Keeping an active mind has many social and physical benefits. Interaction with others is an important aspect of being happy and well adjusted. Having companions and transportation can help seniors avoid becoming isolated or suffering from loneliness.
Physical activity is important in maintaining mobility and improving overall health and emotional well-being. Senior communities have exercise and activity programs that contribute to good health.

Loneliness and risk factors that impact health and well-being do not need to be a part of your life. Our goal is to help you find a balanced solution that meets both your immediate and long-term needs. Our friendly, professional staff will help you feel right at home, and new neighbors will quickly become good friends, adding to your enjoyment of life and your new home.

What is independent living?

Residents of our cottages and independent living apartments enjoy an active lifestyle with services and amenities that are not available at housing options that do not focus on meeting the needs of seniors. These additional benefits allow Parker Ridge residents to maintain their independence and enjoy a safe and healthy way of life with access to 24-hour emergency assistance and many other services. Our vibrant community fosters a sense of well-being and belonging within Parker Ridge and within our greater community of Blue Hill. Residents contribute their skills and talents, allowing our community to flourish and provide a desirable, comfortable place to call home.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a lifestyle option that allows seniors to maintain independence while providing many basic services necessary for a safe and healthy way of life. At Parker Ridge, we define assisted living according to the needs and circumstances of each individual resident. We provide a comfortable and engaging place to live and a long list of services that range from meals and light housekeeping to laundry and personal assistance. Each care plan is customized to meet the needs of the individual’s personal needs. All residents have 24-hour access to our staff, and every apartment is equipped with an emergency response system. By offering the right mix of services, we make it possible for seniors to experience both independence and security.

What’s the difference between assisted living and independent living apartments?

At Parker Inn, we provide both assisted living and independent living lifestyles in a place with many services and amenities that allow us to serve the needs of a wide variety of individuals. Our independent residents frequently move to Parker Ridge to enjoy the atmosphere and social benefits of our wonderful community. They feel confident knowing that if they need additional services, they can enjoy higher levels of care without having to move away from friends and staff they have come to know and trust. Our Personal Care Services Program provides support to our independent living apartment residents, allowing them to maintain control over their lives while receiving the assistance they need. Assisted living apartments at Parker Court (located within Parker Inn) offer the additional services needed where staff are close at hand in a community designed with the purpose of serving the needs of our residents.

How much does it cost to live at Parker Ridge?

Parker Ridge offers three different lifestyle options—cottage ownership, independent living apartments, and assisted living suites. The pricing for each option varies according to size, features, and services included. Please contact Verena A. Stoll to arrange a personal consultation to learn about pricing and the right option for you.

What are the leasing terms for apartments at Parker Ridge?

Unlike some retirement communities, we do not require large entrance fees or so-called “Life Use” deposits for independent or assisted living apartments. Residents simply pay monthly rent as they would in any apartment community. Many services and amenities are included in the rent. Our leases are for a period of one year and can be terminated with 30 days’ written notice for independent living apartments and 3 days’ written notice for assisted living suites.

Are cottages available for rent?

Parker Ridge cottages offer a very desirable way for our residents to own their own home and enjoy the many benefits our community lifestyle—without all the hassles of home ownership such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, cleaning the gutters, and exterior maintenance. From time to time, cottages may also be available for rent. Please call us to inquire about cottage availability.

Do you offer care for those with memory loss disorders?

If a resident's memory loss progresses to a point where we cannot provide the appropriate care and security, our administrators can recommend a number of certified care facilities that offer services specifically for those suffering from memory loss disorders.

What is short-term or respite care?

Parker Ridge offers temporary housing and support services for seniors who need assistance in order to maintain their independence. These services can be an excellent short-term option for those who have had a recent hospitalization or surgery or for caregivers who are going out of town or need additional assistance. Following an initial assessment, we can arrange for respite care. The visitor's stay can be as short as 3 days or as long as two months. Meals and personal care services are provided, and as part of our community, guests are encouraged to participate in our many activities and social events. Home care and physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be arranged to provide additional support services on site as needed.

How can I decorate my apartment?

We encourage residents to decorate and furnish their apartments so they feel right at home, surrounded by their favorite furniture and keepsakes.

What about pets?

Small pets—dogs, cats and birds—are welcome at Parker Ridge. Residents must be appropriately responsible for the care and hygiene of their pets. Parker Ridge has an outside fenced dog park for the enjoyment of dogs and their owners.

Is senior living affordable?

Senior living is more affordable than you might think, and because many vital services are included in one easy monthly payment, planning your budget and tracking expenses is much easier. For example, one monthly rent payment for your apartment at Parker Ridge replaces many expenses, such as mortgage, structure insurance, property taxes, utilities (heat, electricity, water, and septic), scheduled transportation, home maintenance, lawn service, and snow removal. At Parker Ridge, we use the buying power and economies of scale of our community’s population to offer services at more affordable prices than you can get on your own. Our assisted living care plans are individually designed so our residents pay only for the services they need, at rates that are more affordable than private duty care givers or long-term (nursing home) care. When you set up your personal consultation at Parker Ridge, ask for our “Senior Living Cost Checklist” to analyze your current expenses and see how much you could be saving at Parker Ridge.

When is the right time to choose a senior living community?

Some individuals choose to move to a senior community that offers a wide range of options for services, and they do this before services are needed—when they have freedom, energy, and control over their circumstances. Later, if they need additional assistance, those services are available right at home—where friends are near and favorite activities can continue. Planning ahead and moving to a senior community allows you to take advantage of the benefits that can help extend your independence, improve your health and outlook, and allow you to maintain control over your life.

With three lifestyle options to choose from, Parker Ridge has something for you. If you want to spend less time cleaning gutters and fixing your roof but still want to own your home, our cottages are for you. If you want maintenance-free living with housekeeping services and fewer meals to cook and dishes to wash, our independent living apartments are for you. If additional services and daily assistance are needed, our Personal Care Services Program or assisted living services are there for you. Not sure what best fits your needs? Contact Verena A. Stoll for a personal consultation about how Parker Ridge can meet your needs.

What type of security does Parker Ridge have?

In order to provide a safe and secure environment for all our residents, Parker Inn is equipped with an array of safety features, including:

Exterior doors locked throughout the night
Wander alert system in Parker Court
After-hours visitors can gain access using the intercom system
24-hour personal emergency call system
Heat and smoke detectors in every apartment
Fire sprinkler system throughout Parker Inn
Each apartment is individually keyed for privacy and security

Is smoking allowed at Parker Inn?

Parker Inn is a smoke-free building. Neither residents nor employees are permitted to smoke in the Inn or on campus grounds. Cottage residents may smoke inside their cottages.

Does Parker Ridge provide transportation for residents?

Parker Ridge has its own van for small groups going out on scheduled shopping trips, running errands, and special outings.

Does Parker Ridge have visiting hours?

There are no restrictions on visiting our residents, who are encouraged to receive visitors and entertain friends whenever and as often as they like. At night, when the exterior doors are locked, visitors can gain access via the intercom system.

Parker Ridge
63 Parker Ridge Lane, Unit 290
Blue Hill, ME 04614
Phone: (207) 374-2306
Fax: (207) 374-2907