Heller Independent Living
Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers to the most frequently asked questions follow.

Where is the rental retirement community, Lester Senior community located?
The building is on the United Jewish Federation Aidekman Campus off Route 10 in East Hanover, NJ.
How many apartments are there in the building?
There are 120 Independent Living Apartment Units.
How many styles of apartments are there?
One-bedroom 1-bath units range from approximately 600-725 sq. ft.
2 bedroom, 2 bath units range from approximately 1,000-1,122 sq. ft.
What are the "buy-in" fees?
All apartments are rental. There are no "buy-in" fees, but there is an entrance fee.
What is the "entrance fee" or "membership fee" or whatever you call it?
The entrance fee has been mandated by our Bond (Mortgage) Buyers.

1 Bedroom Units - $10,000
2 Bedroom Units - $15,000
One time fee is refundable on a prorated basis up to 12 months.
What are the residency fees?
The rates effective October 1, 2005 are set at:
One bedroom, one-bath units range from $1,893 - $2,007
Two bedrooms, two bath units range from $2,380 - $2,574
Second person occupancy - $624 per month
Note: Rental rates include one (l) evening Kosher meal a day Monday through Friday and housekeeping services twice a month.
How long are the leases on the apartments and when will the residency fees change?
The leases are normally 1 year with an automatic renewal, unless notice is given 2 months in advance. The residency fees could change yearly.
What are the age and health requirements for admission?
At least one tenant in the apartment must be 62 or over. Each resident must be able to exit the building unassisted. Specific health and financial requirements will be addressed by the Admissions Application.
What about food?
One meal per day, Monday through Friday, is included in the residency fee. All food in the community dining rooms will be kosher. If there is a second person in the apartment, there will be an additional charge of $624 per month. This will cover the food and housekeeping service. In an individual's apartment one is not obliged to follow any dietary laws
Other that the admission and administrative fee are there any fees in addition to the residency and service fee?
In the Independent Living units the resident will be responsible for utility fees based on usage in their individual units.
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 our residents to recreational programs, shopping, etc. on a scheduled basis.
Are the apartments furnished?
The apartments are unfurnished; wall-to-wall carpeting and blinds are supplied.
Is there a response system for emergencies?
Yes. There are emergency telephones in all apartments. This service is mandatory and there is a $630 non-refundable fee for this equipment.
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. We have The Judith and Josh Weston Assisted Living Residence next door that offers assisted living for respite care, if available at the time you require accommodation.
What about laundry service?
There is a washer and dryer in each residence, in addition to one public laundry room.
What kind of activity opportunities will be available?
Our community is meant for ACTIVE people. There is an exercise room, crafts room, library, card room, computer center, chapel, bistro, theatre, mini-store and concierge services. On the MetroWest campus the JCC offers membership, which includes access to the indoor swimming pools, walking track and cultural programs.
How may I entertain guests?
With 24 hours notice, you may have guests enjoy dining in our beautiful, gracious, 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.
How much annual income do I need to be able to afford to be a resident?
Government experts counsel that one can afford to spend as much as 50% to 70% of his/her annual income on rent in a retirement residence that has food as part of its service.
Is it possible to have a second meal?
Yes. The Bistro is open for breakfast and lunch. Your additional meals may be purchased 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, 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 need to have available, and when?
You will need your first month's residency fee, a security deposit, emergency telephone equipment fee 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 $150.
How much shall I estimate as the average monthly expense for utilities?
All utilities are electric. In our Independent Living units, 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?
We have motels in close proximity to Lester Senior Community and short-term accommodations in our Assisted Living Residence.
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. This policy is set for any number of health reasons and is available at the time of admission.
What housekeeping services are supplied?
For Independent Living units, there is housecleaning twice per month.
I am not Jewish. Am I eligible to be a resident?
Yes.
Is smoking allowed?
Our Medical Advisory Committee has made the following recommendation: "There is NO SMOKING in all indoor public areas. The negative health factors associated with passive smoke inhalation prompted this recommendation".
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. There will be an agreement with a community skilled nursing facility.
If I have a question that is not on this list, may I contact someone for an answer?
Yes, indeed. Please contact:

Lester Senior Housing Community
903-905 Route 10 East
Whippany, NJ 07981
Phone #: 973-428-0300, extension 216
FAX #: 973-428-5270

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While we believe all of these answers will remain in force,

nevertheless, some may be subject to change.

THE LESTER SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITY

THE MARGARET & MARTIN HELLER INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS

RATE SCHEDULES

ESTIMATED

DESCRIPTION SQ. FT. UNIT MONTHLY RENTS

*ONE BEDROOM 587 A $1,446.00

*ONE BEDROOM 587 A $1,598.00

ONE BEDROOM 696 B $1,893.00

ONE BEDROOM 726 C $2,007.00

TWO BEDROOM 1000 D $2,380.00

TWO BEDROOM 1122 E $2,574.00

TWO BEDROOM 1064 F $2,466.00

Monthly service fees are for one person per residence.

Please add $624.00 per month for second person occupancy.

Monthly service fees will exclude individual utilities (heat, electric, telephone).

* Low/Moderate units are available to those who quality.

Fees are subject to change. The fee schedule is typically adjusted based on labor, energy and food costs.