Answers to frequently asked questions about Westerwood.

Yes, we were called Friendship Village Columbus until spring 2021. We changed our name to Westerwood to better reflect our ongoing transformation and the many amenities and offerings that today’s modern elder wants. We also wanted to better associate ourselves with the nearby Westerville area. Finally, we wanted to avoid market confusion with another community called Friendship Village of Dublin that also operated in our service area. There’s a great newspaper article that explains the shift and you can learn more about our transformation.

However, while the name has changed, much has not. We are still the same nonprofit Life Care community that offers the same continuum of care and services we always have. We also have the same leadership team and employees who have made us the most respected and highly recommended community in Westerville and the greater Columbus, Ohio, area.

Westerwood is a Life Care community. Simply put, we offer everything that a Life Plan community has but with one important distinction: You can add a Life Care contract to your residency. A Life Care community combines the safety net provided by the availability of health care with the freedom from the day-to-day tasks that come with homeownership, enabling residents to live life to the fullest. The freedom and benefits of independent living combine with guaranteed access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, when needed, at a predictable cost for life. A Life Care community such as Westerwood provides the perfect opportunity to plan, live, and love your retirement.

As older adults plan for retirement, they must consider how they’re going to maintain their home and their health. A Life Care community gives you peace of mind by providing access to health care alongside easing the burden of keeping up with all day-to-day tasks that come with homeownership. Studies show that older adults who choose to move to a Life Plan community are happier and healthier. Nearly 80 percent of our independent living residents participate in our fitness programming on a regular basis.

Choosing a Life Care community also takes the stress of decision making off the shoulders of your family members and loved ones, as they can trust that you have access to all the care you need for every stage of your life. It also puts you in the driver’s seat instead of allowing others to make the decision that might not align with your wants, needs or location. Westerwood allows you to live without uncertainty.

With a variety of Life Care options, Westerwood offers you financial stability. Rental, Life Choice, or Life Care are all tailored to fit your individual circumstances and financial needs. Each contract type allows you to enjoy all community amenities, the residence of your choice, and preferred access on the full continuum of health care services.

When you choose Westerwood, you put a plan in place for the future. Unlike moving to an independent living community, if your needs change, you won’t have to move to get the health services you need. Everything is right here under one roof: independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Westerwood offers a variety of contract options, including Life Care, Life Choice, and rental agreements. This pricing structure provides more flexibility for your future.

The Life Care agreement provides the greatest control over limiting your future health care costs. For a one-time full entry fee, you receive secured, predictable pricing for unlimited use of assisted living, memory care, or long-term care over the course of your lifetime. The return of capital option is 50 percent refundable. Because this option is a type of prepaid health care, it has the potential for significant tax-related savings.

Westerwood’s Life Choice agreement allows you to pay a lower entrance fee and receive a discount on future health care costs as well as up to 10 free days in the Westerwood Rehabilitation or short-term assisted living in a calendar year. The return of capital option is 50 percent refundable.

The rental agreement is designed for those who prefer no upfront entrance fee. Our rental agreement includes the same full range of amenities as the Life Care and Life Choice agreements, but monthly fees are higher.

Yes. Westerwood has month-to-month leasing contracts available for independent living apartments.

Pets are welcomed in Westerwood apartments. We’re in the process of designing and approving a new dog park as well. Please contact a marketing representative at (614) 890-8282for more information.

Assisted living costs vary greatly by community and even by state. Some financial assistance programs such as Medicaid, veteran’s programs, Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Social Security are options. Other funding sources include reverse mortgages, life insurance benefits, assisted living loans, and long-term care insurance. We recommend downloading our free Financial Tips booklet to understand the differences and tax advantages for CCRCs. Also, visiting PayingForSeniorCare.com for more information about financial assistance and funding options for assisted living/senior living. This resource includes an assisted living financial resource locator tool, as well as tips for developing a financial plan for assisted living. A home care vs. assisted living cost calculator can be used for reference.

The cost for assisted living, home care, and adult day care varies by state. Learn more about financial assistance and senior care costs in Ohio. This webpage will help Ohio residents understand assisted living, home care, and adult day care costs throughout the state. It also explores the payment options and financial assistance programs available to assist in caring for the elderly in residential care or for aging in place at home.

Great question, but it requires more than a few sentences to answer! We recommend visiting our Lifestyle page and viewing our Westerwood flipbook (need to add) to dive into all the specifics of life at Westerwood. On our Gallery page, you’ll find links to videos, photos and even a virtual tour. Consider attending one of our online resident panel events where you can hear from real residents and ask them questions. In the meantime, check out our Westerwood podcasts and get a feel for what life is like through interviews with our leadership team and residents.