Questions & Answers

QUESTION: What makes Villa Maria Retirement Center different from other types of Senior Housing?

ANSWER: Villa Maria Retirement Center is not the typical senior housing facility.  Our building program is designed specifically for those individuals who would otherwise have to consider nursing home placement or home service.  It is an affordable and very desirable alternative for people who need some degree of assistance with the activities of daily living.  Some residents do not need assistance at this time, but want the assurance that it is available when needed.  Others who live at Villa Maria Retirement Center may receive assistance with personal needs intermittently throughout the day and night.

QUESTION: Does Villa Maria Retirement Center offer all of the services and assistance I would get in a nursing home?

ANSWER:  No.  At Villa Maria Retirement Center, you may receive all types of personal and health care services provided in a non-institutional manner while you continue to live in your own apartment.  Combined with the facility 's personal care services, home health services through a provider of your choice, if you qualify, you can obtain additional health care service in your apartment through Medicare.

QUESTION: Are there any entrance fees or endowments?

ANSWER:  Absolutely not.  At Villa Maria Retirement Center, you rent your apartment on a month-to-month basis.  Unlike many other senior projects, there are no endowments or entrance fees, a deposit is required when you move in.

QUESTION: What kind of restrictions are there? Will I be able to entertain guests? Do I have to follow a schedule?

ANSWER:  Living at Villa Maria Retirement Center is no different than living in any other private residence.  You remain independent and make your own choices.  Guests are free to visit at any time.  Although we offer a full calendar of activities for your enjoyment, you never have to follow anyone's schedule but your own. 

QUESTION: Will Home Health provide medical services at Villa Maria Retirement Center?

ANSWER:  Yes.  Health care at home, meaning your apartment.  The Home Health Agency of your choice is available on a part-time or intermittent basis to medically homebound individuals who have a covered need for skilled care or therapy service.  The Home Health Agency is available for evaluation to determine if services are medically indicated and covered under Medicare or other payer policies.

QUESTION: Do I need a medical examination before I enter Villa Maria Retirement Center?

ANSWER:  Yes.  This is to assist you in remaining independent and be able to provide you with a health care plan.  The State of Louisiana Health Department requires all residents to have the resident physician examine them before entering.  A resident can move into the facility after obtaining his or her medical report. 

QUESTION: Do I need to be ambulatory to move into Villa Maria Retirement Center?

ANSWER:  Yes.  All residents must be ambulatory to move into Villa Maria Retirement Center, however our personal care aides will assist you with bathing, grooming and dressing when the need arises.

QUESTION: Will Villa Maria Retirement Center provide medical services or injections or prescribed medication?

ANSWER:  No.  Our Personal Aide will assist in providing medication supervision to assure that you, the resident, takes his or her medication in the proper dose and frequency.  We also maintain a record of medication that the physician prescribed and record that information in the medication computer file.  This information is held with the strictest confidence and is only released if the resident approves same.

QUESTION: What is dining like? Are there assigned seats?

ANSWER:  Three nutritious meals are served in the dining room by a waiter or waitress. You are invited to come to meals at your convenience and may sit anywhere you wish.

QUESTION:  Are utilities included?

ANSWER:  Yes.  All utilities are included in your monthly rent with the exception of cable TV and telephone charges.

QUESTION:  May I bring my car?

ANSWER: Yes.  We have provided well-lit parking spaces for those who have automobiles.

QUESTION:  What other transportation services are available?

ANSWER:  Regularly scheduled transportation is available to residents at no extra charge.  If you require a personal trip to the doctor or to any event, the staff can make arrangements for you at an additional charge.

QUESTION:  What about emergencies?

ANSWER:  Villa Maria Retirement Center is equipped with the state-of-the-art emergency response system which is monitored 24 hours a day by professional personnel of the facility and it ensures proper response and prompt attention at all times.  The facility has made arrangement for emergency services via local transport services and other medical facilities in the immediate area or hospital of your choice.

QUESTION:  How do I go about using the home health care agency if I wish to do so?

ANSWER:  The Medicare-Certified home health agency has a local office which you may contract for as little or as much care as you may require or as prescribed by your physician. 

QUESTION:  What kind of personal assistance is available at the facility?

ANSWER:  The facility can provide the resident with assistance with their medication, assistance with bathing, dressing, getting up in the morning, going to bed at night, assistance during the night or other special health care needs. 

QUESTION:  Will I have to leave Villa Maria if my health deteriorates?

ANSWER:  No.  As long as you are receiving adequate assistance to make it possible for you to live safely at the center, you are welcome to stay.  You may arrange for your own assistance or avail yourself of the services at Villa Maria Retirement Center.

QUESTION: Can I use the Family Life and Community Center?

ANSWER: Yes all residents have full access to the services available at the Family Life and Community Center.

QUESTION:  Can I bring my own furniture?

ANSWER:  Yes.  We recommend that you bring your own furniture or we can arrange to provide the furnishings at an additional cost.

QUESTION:  Who owns and manages Villa Maria Retirement Center?

ANSWER:  The center is owned by Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Manor sponsored by Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Church, but is operated under a separate non-profit corporation.  The management will be by the corporate board which is all affiliated with Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Church, however, one does not need to be Catholic to reside at the center. 

QUESTION:  How do I become a resident?

ANSWER:  You've already taken the first step by requesting information.  If Villa Maria Retirement Center appeals to you, we invite you to come for a visit to see for yourself to see how much value you receive from a private apartment at Villa Maria Retirement Center.

QUESTION:  Can I reserve an apartment now?

ANSWER:  Yes, you may call and make an appointment to select an apartment of your choice, and determine your anticipated move-in date.  You must to commit to pay your deposit, complete an application, and discuss your overall needs with the Administrator. If you wish to reserve a particular unit it is recommended that you pay your first month's rent to insure the location of your choice.