An Independent Living cottage at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown

The Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown completed its Independent Living cottage construction project last February.

The project began in August 1996 as part of the Masonic Homes' continuing care retirement community, now comprises 100 cottages designed for persons ages 65 and older.

The project was accomplished in three phases. The first phase, which included 36 cottages with varied floor plans, began in August 1996 and was completed in October 1997. The second phase, also consisting of 36 cottages, beg an in May 1997 and was completed in May 1998. The third phase, consisting of 28 cottages, began in May 1997 and was completed in February 1999.

The Masonic Homes now has a total of 450 Independent Living units, including apartments and cottages offering varying styles and payment plans: 116 cottages and 220 apartments are offered under an entrance fee plan, and 114 a partments are offered under a rental option. With the entrance fee plan, residents pay an entrance fee, which provides them lifetime use of their apartment or cottage, plus a monthly service fee for a full array of services, such as housekeeping, mainten ance, etc. Residents who choose an apartment under the rental option pay a monthly rental and service fee. All residents have access to health care services on the Masonic Homes' campus on a fee-for-service basis, including outpatient, clinical, subacut e, or rehabilitation services.

The Masonic Homes began offering Independent Living accommodations in October 1990, with the completion of the Independent Living Community, which includes the first 220 apartments and 16 cottages built on campus. There is al so a clubhouse within this area, which includes administrative offices, formal dining room, coffee shop, general store, hair care center, craft room, meeting room, bank, and outdoor courtyard.

In 1993, the Masonic Homes began offering Independent Living apartments under a rental payment plan. Five granite buildings and one brick building on campus were renovated to offer a total of 114 apartments.

The expansion project allowed residents choosing an Independent Living cottage not only the opportunity to choose their preferred cottage site, but also the chance to customize their unit. The cottages range in size from 1,10 0 square feet to 1,800 square feet, at the cost of $110,000 to $163,000, depending on the options chosen.

The Masonic Homes offers almost limitless versatility. Residents can choose from a variety of floor plans and can customize their cottages. If people choose to have work done on their own, they have that option as well.

"Our commitment to creating a customer-focused community really allows residents the flexibility to add upgrades and options for their preference and interests," said Bro. Raymond E. Tierney, Administrator of Independent Livi ng.

One of the most innovative and flexible services is the dining program. Residents can choose either to participate in the standard meal plan, or they may walk into one of the Home's two dining rooms or the coffee house and pa y for their meals.

Independent Living residents enjoy the Boardwalk theme buffet.