The Margaret and Martin Heller Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the apartments?
One-bedroom 1-bath units range from approximately 600-725 sq. ft., with 2-bedroom, 2-bath units ranging from approximately 1,000-1,122 sq. ft.
Are there "buy-in" or application fees?
There are no buy-in fees, as all apartments are rentals. There is a one-time entrance fee that is refundable on a prorated basis up to 12 months.
Is there an additional rental fee for a second person in an apartment?
Yes, since the residency fee includes one (l) evening glatt kosher meal a day Monday through Friday and housekeeping services twice a month.
What additional fees are there?
Residents are responsible for utility fees based on usage in their individual units.
What about low and moderate housing?
Lower-cost one-bedroom apartments are available at Lester Senior Housing.
How long are the leases on the apartments?
The leases are normally 1-year with an automatic renewal, unless notice is given one month in advance.
What are the age and health requirements for admission?
At least one tenant in the apartment must be 62 or over or disabled. Each resident must be able to exit the building unassisted. Specific health and financial requirements will be addressed by the Admissions Application.
Are the apartments furnished?
No, however, wall-to-wall carpeting and blinds are supplied.
Is there a response system for emergencies?
Yes. All tenants are provided with a pendant which can be worn and activated at any time in any location, sending an emergency signal to building staff.
What happens if I become ill and need temporary help?
We are sensitive to the changing needs of our residents. On a short-term basis, meals will be brought to your apartment. The Judith & Josh Weston Assisted Living Residence next door offers assisted living for respite care.
What about laundry service?
There is a washer and dryer in each residence, in addition to one public laundry room.
What activity opportunities are available?
There is an exercise room, crafts room, library, card room, computer center, chapel, bistro, theatre, mini-store and concierge services. Residency at the Lester Senior Housing Heller Independent Living Apartments comes with complimentary membership in the Jewish Community Center (JCC)’s Men/Women At Leisure groups offers membership, which includes access to discussion groups cultural programs. In addition, Gold’s Gym operates a facility on the campus which provides opportunities for fitness and swimming.
How may I entertain guests?
With 24 hours notice, you may have guests enjoy dining in our elegant dining room. We also have a small dining room that can be used for private parties. This room is available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Is it possible to have a second meal?
Yes. The Bistro is open for lunch on weekdays. You and your guests may purchase additional meals at the Bistro for a nominal charge.
If I know in advance that I will be out of town for a period of time, will there be any reduction in my residency fee since I won't be using the dining room?
No. Since the cost of staff salaries and utilities remain constant, and we will be offering club type services, we offer no reduction in the residency fee.
Should I have to move into a nursing home or die, will my heirs be responsible for the unexpired portion of my lease?
No.
Exactly how much cash do I need to have available, and when?
You will need your first month's residency fee, a security deposit and the entrance fee to reserve an apartment when you sign the lease. When you submit your admission application you will need to submit a non-refundable administrative fee of $200.
How much shall I estimate as the average monthly expense for utilities?
All utilities are electric. Each resident is assigned a meter, which monitors their usage, and the resident pays their own bill. Cable TV connection is included. If you wish to have TV cable service you will have to pay for this service yourself.
If I have overnight guests, will there be facilities available for them?
There are motels in close proximity to the Lester Senior Housing Community. Short-term accommodations in our Assisted Living Residence may also be available.
May I house a guest in my apartment, if I wish?
Yes, on a temporary basis.
What about pets?
Yes, as long as you comply with our pet policy, which is available upon request.
What housekeeping services are supplied?
There is housecleaning twice per month.
Is there parking available?
There is one parking space assigned to each apartment where the resident(s) brings a car. An additional parking space is allotted to each apartment where both residents have a car.
What about transportation?
A vehicle takes residents to recreational programs, shopping, etc. on a scheduled basis.
Is smoking allowed at Lester?
No.
Is there a facility that will provide assisted care and skilled nursing services?
There is an assisted living residence, The Judith and Josh Weston Residence adjacent to The Margaret and Martin Heller Independent Living Apartments that was also developed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation.
If I have a question that is not on this list, may I contact someone for an answer?
Yes. Please
contact us.
The JUDY & JOSH WESTON ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES Frequently Asked Questions
How many apartments dedicated to Assisted Living are there in the building?
We have 55 Assisted Living apartments
How many styles of apartments are there?
There are two styles: studios are approximately 355-365 sq. ft. and 1-bedroom apartments are approximately 460 - 533 sq. ft. Combo units are 730 sq. ft.
What are the "buy-in" or application fees?
There are no “buy-in” fees as our assisted living units are not for sale. There is an application fee of $200. There is also an entrance fee of $5,000 that is entirely refundable up to 60 days after the beginning of the residency agreement.
How long are the leases on the apartments and will the residency fee change?
The leases are normally one-year with an automatic renewal unless notice given one month in advance.
What are the age and health requirements for admission?
At least one tenant in the apartment must be 62 or over or disabled.
What about food?
Three (3) meals per day, seven (7) days per week are included in the residency fee. All food in the dining rooms is glatt kosher. If there is a second person in the apartment, there will be an additional charge to cover the food and housekeeping service. In an individual's apartment one is not obliged to follow any dietary laws.
What else do I get for my residency fee?
Your residency fee pays for more than just your apartment and 21 meals a week. It also pays for:
- Access to our medical suite with nursing and other professional staff;
- Assistance with two showers per week;
- Housekeeping;
- Linens;
- Laundry;
- Recreational programs and social activities;
- Transportation to shopping and events.
Other than the admission and administrative fee are there any fees in addition to the residency and service fee?
There are no other mandatory fees. However, service plans and medication management can be purchased if desired.
What about parking?
There is one parking space assigned to each apartment whose resident(s) brings a car. There is an additional parking space allotted to each apartment where both residents have a car.
What about transportation?
There is a vehicle to take residents to recreational activities, shopping, etc. on a scheduled basis.
Are the apartments furnished?
The apartments are unfurnished; carpeting and blinds are supplied.
What about security?
There is a security person on-site for most part of every day. A building security system is in operation and the entrance doors are locked overnight.
Is there a response system for emergencies?
Yes. All tenants are provided with a pendant which can be worn and activated at any time in any location, sending an emergency signal to medical suite and/or building staff.
What happens if I become ill and need temporary help?
There are several options. On a short-term basis, meals will be brought to your apartment. Extended Services are available at an additional cost.
What about laundry service?
The Assisted Living residency fee includes weekly laundering of your linens and personal laundry. In addition there are two public laundry rooms.
What kind of activity opportunities will be available?
Our community is committed to maintaining a vital lifestyle for all of our elderly. There is an exercise/physical therapy room, crafts room, library, card room, multi-media center, soda fountain/gift shop, on-site medical suite and chapel. The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of MetroWest offers Men and Women At Leisure groups on the campus, which includes access to discussion groups cultural programs. In addition, Gold’s Gym operates a facility on the campus which provides opportunities for fitness and swimming.
How may I entertain guests?
With 24 hours notice, you may have guests enjoy dining in our elegant dining room. We also have a private dining room that can be used for private parties. This room is available on a first-come, first serve basis.
If I know in advance that I will be out of town for a period of time, will there be any reduction in my residency fee since I won't be using the dining room?
Since the cost of staff salaries and utilities remain constant, and we will be offering club type service, there will be no reduction in the residency fee.
What happens if I become so ill that I have to move into a nursing home, or if I die? Will my heirs be responsible for the unexpired portion of my lease?
No.
Exactly how much cash do I have to have available, and when?
You will need your first month's residency fee, a security deposit and entrance fee to reserve an apartment when you sign the lease. When you submit your admission application you will need to submit a non-refundable administrative fee of $200.
How much shall I estimate as the average monthly expense for utilities?
In Assisted Living units all utilities are included (except telephone). Cable TV connection is included. If you wish to have TV cable service you will have to pay for the service yourself.
If I have overnight guests, will there be facilities available for them?
We have motels in close proximity to Lester Senior Community Housing and short-term accommodations in our assisted living residence.
Are pets permitted?
Yes, as long as you comply with our pet policy, which is available upon request.
What housekeeping services are provided?
Weekly housecleaning is provided. There is also changing and laundering of bed linens and towels. Beds are made daily.
Is there a facility that will provide skilled nursing services?
Yes, we have an agreement with Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center, our community skilled nursing facility.
Do you have short-term or respite care available?
Yes. Individuals stay with us to recuperate after leaving a hospital or rehab center, or when their caregivers require short-term respite help.
Who can I call with additional questions?
Call or email Joel Goldin by
contacting us.
Do you have additional questions that were not addressed above, please feel free to contact us.
