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FAQs About Senior Living

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Senior Living Community

Chances are you have some questions. We invite you to take some time to review these frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about The Marshes of Skidaway Island. Then, please contact us to learn more or ask your own specific questions.

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions
Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions
Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
Short-Term Rehabilitation and Respite Care Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Life Plan Community/Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), are senior living communities that provide several lifestyle options enabling you to choose the one that fits your needs and the way you want to live. This includes a range of services, amenities, wellness programs and activities all designed to help you stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. Most importantly, Life Plan Communities provide residents with access to high-quality health care at fees significantly lower than market rates. As your health needs change, you have the appropriate level of support. At The Marshes of Skidaway Island, we offer independent living, assisted living, memory care support services, skilled nursing, short- and long-term rehab, home care and respite care.

What is an entrance fee?

Residents pay a one-time 90% refundable entrance fee that gives them the exclusive right to live at the community for life. The fee is an upfront sum to help cover community operating expenses and provides access to all the amenities and services offered at The Marshes of Skidaway Island. The fee also prepays some of the fees that come with offering access to continuing care for life and ensures priority access to several levels of health care, if ever needed, at The Oaks Health Center. At The Marshes of Skidaway Island, your entrance fee is based on the size of the residence you choose and the number of occupants.

The entrance fee does not deliver title to the residence. If the resident leaves for any reason, 90% of the original entrance fee paid will be refunded to him/her or to his or her estate.

What other expenses can be anticipated?

Residents pay for their own telephone service, premium cable packages, medications, therapies, outside medical bills and personal expenses. Residents are charged for additional dining room meals beyond their monthly dining allocation as well as bar bills.

What are some of the tax advantages of a Life Plan Community?

The IRS has ruled that a portion of the entrance fee is tax-deductible as a future health care cost in the year you pay it. Every year a calculation of how much of each monthly service fee goes toward operating The Marshes of Skidaway Island is distributed to residents and can be used toward their medical deduction. All care provided to residents of The Marshes of Skidaway Island can be deductible, as well. Discuss all tax considerations with your own tax professional.

Can I keep my car?

Of course. All cottages and townhomes include attached single-car garages that are covered in the monthly service fee. Free outside parking is available for all residents and guests of The Oaks Health Center.

What are my dining options?

The Marshes of Skidaway Island boasts an elegant clubhouse, The Island Club, which features three restaurant-style dining rooms and The Bistro for casual dining and the popular Island Club Lounge.

How do you accommodate special dietary needs?

Our menus offer a variety of food choices and include dishes that meet special-needs diets. These dishes are identified with descriptors such as low-sodium, gluten-free, etc. Our Executive Chef is available for consultation by appointment.

What is your pet policy?

Pets are permitted in all residences at The Marshes of Skidaway Island with the understanding that they will not be a nuisance to your neighbors. When you visit, please speak with a marketing representative regarding our pet policy.

Does The Marshes of Skidaway Island have a financial report available for review?

The Marshes of Skidaway Island’s annual audited report is available through the marketing office.

Can my friends and family come to visit me?

Always! Your friends and family are welcome at The Marshes of Skidaway Island. Guest apartments and meals are available to residents’ guests for a nominal fee.

Who operates The Marshes of Skidaway Island?

The Marshes of Skidaway Island is owned and sponsored by Skidaway Health and Living Services, Inc. (SHALSI), a Savannah-based nonprofit corporation. SHALSI is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of leaders from our local community.

The community retains an executive director as part of its partnership with Life Care Services® to manage The Marshes of Skidaway Island’s day-to-day operations.

What are the prerequisites for living at The Marshes of Skidaway Island?

Applicants must be at least age 62 or have a spouse of that age, be able to live independently and demonstrate the financial ability to meet the terms of the residency agreement. There is no maximum age limit provided these criteria are met.

Can I move from one residence to another at a later date?

Yes, depending upon availability. Any moving and renovating expenses will be incurred at your own expense.

Do you have a wait list?

Yes! By making a refundable deposit, you’ll get to meet future friends and neighbors while you enjoy many of the same amenities and activities current residents do. You’ll also be securing a solid plan for your future — all before you move in. Wait times vary depending on the style of residence desired for your retirement. Ask us for more details.

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent living community?

Independent living communities are designed for adults age 62 and over who want the conveniences of community life without the burdens of home maintenance. Some communities, like The Marshes of Skidaway Island, offer an enriched lifestyle with recreational, social and educational opportunities, while others provide senior housing and only a minimal number of services and amenities.

What services and amenities are available at The Marshes of Skidaway Island?

The Marshes of Skidaway Island boasts an elegant clubhouse, The Island Club. It features three restaurant-style dining rooms, The Bistro for casual dining, a well-stocked library, a computer center, a spacious ballroom, private dining room, and card and game rooms. There is also the popular Island Club Lounge with a veranda overlooking the marsh. The Palmetto Club includes an indoor heated pool, hot tub, an exercise area, a woodworking shop and a greenhouse.

Will I have a voice in the community?

We encourage residents to participate in our community resident committees — special committees focused on different aspects of community life. Residents are able to actively participate in decisions regarding social programing, food and beverage, communications, endowment, health & wellness and more.

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is assisted living?

Assisted living provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise. Residents are assured ongoing wellness evaluations and personalized care that addresses their specific needs. Licensed, compassionate team members assist with daily tasks as needed and the many amenities and life-enriching activities are geared toward helping residents more easily enjoy what matters most to them.

How do I know when someone needs assisted living?

It’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. Depending on the circumstances of your situation or that of your loved one, you can match needs to the right level of assistance. When help with daily tasks is needed — taking medicines, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping — assisted living may be the answer. Trained professionals provide support while helping preserve an individual’s independence.

What if my loved one needs more than what’s provided in assisted living?

The Marshes of Skidaway Island offers home care for independent living residents as well as a continuum of on-site care. Our assisted living, memory care support services, rehabilitation and skilled nursing provide round-the-clock care for individuals recovering from illness or injury or those needing more long-term care or support.

Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

What is skilled nursing?

Skilled nursing is for those who need longer-term care delivered around the clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LPNs and certified nurse aides. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.

When is skilled nursing necessary?

These are some conditions that often require skilled care for seniors:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Stroke
  • Cardiac failure
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Other major illness
  • Hip or bone fracture
  • Fall-related injury
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Severe osteoarthritis

When would someone need long-term skilled nursing care?

Potential candidates for long-term nursing care include those who are dealing with an ongoing health condition or disability, chronic or severe pain, a chronic medical condition, permanent disability or dementia.

Short-Term Rehabilitation and Respite Care Frequently Asked Questions

What do physical therapy and rehabilitation include?

We provide short-term rehab through physical, speech and occupational therapies at The Marshes of Skidaway Island. Residents can receive expert care from our speech pathologists and therapists who use the most advanced treatments and technologies.

Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?

It’s similar in that it helps restore strength and mobility. Occupational therapy helps people adapt to their social and physical environment through education in things like dressing, memory training and coordination exercises.

What can I expect from speech therapy?

Our skilled speech and language pathologists address communication issues and swallowing dysfunction. They’ll design treatment plans to help with language ability, provide alternate communication strategies and give appropriate diet recommendations.