- I am interesting in being a resident in the new apartment building. What should I do?
Give us a call at 717-627-8421. We will send you an application for you to fill out. If your application is accepted, you can join our priority list which will grant you first access to reserving your apartment in the Spring of 2023. Priority list is a $1000 refundable deposit that goes towards your entrance fee on the new apartment.
- Where will the new building be located?
The new building will be located by our current entrance along 501. So it will be very easy to go from the new apartment building to the main building with the chapel, salon and more.
- When will the new apartments be ready for move-in?
Move-ins are planned for the spring of 2025. However, we will start taking reservations the spring of 2023. Get an application in today in order to be one of the first to reserve a residence in the new building. There is no cost to apply.
- When will the layouts and pricing be available for the new apartmetns?
We are looking to have layouts and pricing by January 2023.
- What are senior living cottages and apartments in Lancaster, PA at United Zion?
United Zion Retirement Community in Lititz, PA provides a retirement village/neighborhood of cottages and apartments for people 62+. Independent Residential Living in general is suited to individuals or couples who want to keep a vibrant lifestyle, while escaping the burden of home maintenance. Helpful services like housekeeping, grounds care, and on-call maintenance are provided for residents. Learn more.
- Why consider United Zion Retirement Community for senior living?
Located in Lititz, PA (Lancaster County), United Zion offers an easier lifestyle, allowing you time to pursue special interests. Choose from cottages in our neighborhood or senior living apartments. As a Life Plan retirement community (aka “Continuing Care Retirement Community”), we provide the security of priority access to personal care and healthcare services for a short-term rehab need or for ongoing care in the future. With over 110 years of service to Lancaster County, generations have been coming to us for the quality services and the family atmosphere they expect from a small, friendly retirement community.
- What services are included for cottages and apartments?
Our independent cottages and apartments include a variety of services:
- Maintenance of the interior, exterior, and provided appliances
- Most utilities including water and sewer
- Real estate taxes
- Housekeeping
- Emergency response call system
- Grounds care
- Trash removal
- Planned activities
- Scheduled group transportation
Plus, there are plenty of on-campus amenities such as the:
- Restaurant
- Library
- Fitness center
- Community room
- Outdoor common areas
- Hair salon
- Game rooms
- ATM
- Chapel
- Gardens
- Art gallery
See more of our community life.
- Is United Zion a 55 (plus) retirement community in Lancaster County, PA?
If you’re looking for a 55+ retirement community in Pennsylvania, you should definitely consider United Zion in Lancaster County, PA. Note that residents of United Zion Retirement Community must be 62 years of age or older when they move in (if applying as two applicants, one of the applicants must be at least 62 years old). Learn more about us or call (717) 627-8421 to find out why United Zion could be the right place for you!
- When I move in, how new are the cottages and apartments?
All units are refurbished before you move in, including new flooring and paint of your choice. Our most recently built senior living apartment units were opened in the Fall of 2018.
- How does the admission process work for cottages and apartments?
The first step is to submit an application (which you can fill out online here) to see what best fits you financially. Submitting an application is free. Next, let us know what types of units you are most interested in.
If you’re looking for the timeliest access to the next available senior cottage, apply to our Future Resident Priority List. While the list does require a $1,000 deposit, which will be applied against your entrance fee, the benefit is that individuals on the priority list are notified of the opening first. That’s why individuals or couples thinking of a retirement community (even if a few years into the future) should consider joining our Future Resident Priority List. The waiting list for an open unit can take anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on the type of unit desired. Call us at 717-627-8421 with questions or to get on the list.
- What additional services are available in cottages and apartments should a need arise for assistance with daily activities?
In both our cottages and apartments, United Zion Retirement Community welcomes the use of additional support from family, friends, or outside service providers to facilitate one’s independence as long as possible. We encourage conversations about your specific needs and how our services may be able to meet them.
- Does United Zion offer a dementia support area?
United Zion focuses on the individual needs of each person, including memory support (including for those with Alzheimer’s), regardless of which level of living they reside. We are an integrated community when it comes to dementia care, so we do not offer a dedicated or secured memory care unit. Individual circumstances may require additional caregiver supervision or transfer to Personal Care or Healthcare to ensure that the appropriate support will be available. Current technologies are also used at the main building to enhance the safety and security of individuals displaying a potential to wander.
- What are the age requirements for United Zion’s independent living homes for seniors?
Residents of United Zion Retirement Community must be at least 62 years of age at time of residency. If applying as two applicants, then one of the applicants must be at least 62 years old.
- How is Independent Residential Living different from Personal Care?
In Personal Care (commonly referred to as Assisted Living), there is 24/7 staffing to help with activities of daily living (which include things like medication management, meals, bathing, and incontinence care). For Residential Living, it’s living independently in your own private cottage or apartment. Independent residential living means you can forget about tasks like home maintenance, home repairs, ground care, snow shoveling, and other burdens that come with home ownership.
- What are the benefits of living in a continue care retirement community and independent residential living?
Residents of our cottages (and our senior apartments) enjoy knowing they no longer have to deal with things like home repairs, home maintenance, yard work, snow shoveling, and other burdens of home ownership.
Residents appreciate the on-campus amenities, including things like:
- Dining
- Chapel services
- Art gallery
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Billiards
- Hair salon
Social events make staying active easy! Events and groups include:
- Bingo
- Trivia
- Prayer group
- Bible study
- Volunteering
- Educational speakers
- …and lots more!
Plus, residents have peace-of-mind for the future. They receive priority access to our supportive care services, including short-term rehab and long-term care.
- How much do senior independent living cottages and apartments cost?
Entrance and monthly fees vary depending on the type and size of residence (ex. independent living cottages versus apartments). See available cottages, request a brochure, or contact us today!
- Does Medicare and/or Medicaid pay for living in independent residential living cottages and apartments?
While Medicare and Medicaid don’t help cover the cost of Residential Living or Personal Care, United Zion’s Healthcare Center does accept Medicare for short-term rehab and Medicaid for long-term nursing care.
- How do you pay for residential living cottages and apartments?
After the entrance fee, there is a recurring monthly fee that covers:
- Water
- Gas
- Electric
- On-campus activities
- Scheduled group transportation
- Property taxes
- Maintenance
- Housekeeping
- Grounds care
Payments can be directly deducted from your bank account or can be paid by check.
- Is living in residential living apartments or cottages tax deductible?
No. United Zion’s Residential Living is not tax deductible.
- What type of contracts does United Zion offer?
United Zion is considered a Type C contract Life Plan Community. We offer a standard plan, a 50% refund plan, and also a modified plan. Call us at (717) 627-8421 to learn more about these options.
- Once I need more care, does the cost that I paid for the cottage cover future care services (ex. skilled nursing care, memory care, etc)?
United Zion is Type C community, so rates are dependent on the care level. However, you do have priority access to additional levels of care should you need it in the future. A benefit of a Type C community is the lower entrance fee and lower Residential Living monthly fee, than communities offering Type A (Lifecare) or Type B.
- Are short-term cottage rentals/leases available?
We do not offer short-term senior cottage rentals at this time.
- Is there a waiting list for residential living cottages and apartments?
Usually the time period from when the application is submitted until the move-in date is 2-5 years. That’s why we recommend sending in your application (which can be done online here) before you are ready to move into a senior home. There is zero cost for applying to United Zion, which you can do online here or call (717) 627-8421 today for an application.
- How far in advance can I get on the future resident list for a residential living cottages and apartments?
You can apply online right here at any time. It can often take anywhere from 2-5 years for the cottage to come available. That’s why we recommend applying for a cottage as soon as you know that United Zion is the right place for you. There is no cost to applying at United Zion; you can apply online here or call (717) 627-8421 for an application today!
- What kind of activities and amenities are available for cottage residents?
At United Zion, there’s truly something for everyone. Residents love the on-campus amenities, such as:
- Dining
- Chapel services
- Art gallery
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Billiards
- Hair salon
It’s easy to stay active with all of the social events and group activities that happen at United Zion. For example:
- Bingo
- Trivia
- Prayer group
- Bible study
- Volunteering
- Educational speakers
- And many more!
- How close are you to an airport or train station so that my family and friends can easily visit me?
The Lancaster Amtrak train station is 20 minutes away, which gives you rail access to Washington DC, NYC, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and many others. The regional Lancaster Airport is only 15 minutes away, Harrisburg International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away, and both Philly International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) are within a 1.5-2.5 hour drive.
- Are there nearby hotels for my guests?
Definitely! We’re blessed to have multiple hotels in the Lititz area. The closest to us is Hotel Rock Lititz. Contact us about discount rates for family members and residents.
- When they visit, can children/grandchildren spend the night in our cottage?
Yes! Your guests are welcome to spend the night when they visit!
- Can children and/or grandchildren live in my cottage for extended periods of time?
As long as the stay is under 30 days, your children or grandchildren are welcome to stay with you in your cottage for an extended time period.
- Will there be things to do, places to eat, and shopping near my cottage?
There are so many things to do in Lititz and Lancaster County that go beyond your typical Amish tourist attractions! Lititz itself offers many small shops, fantastic restaurants, museums, art galleries, hiking trails, and more. Looking things to do when the grandkids visit your Lancaster County home? Check out this list.
Visit Discover Lancaster or LancasterPA.com for even more fun ideas!
- How do meals/dining packages work?
We offer restaurant-style and grab-and-go dining. All meals are very affordable.
- What happens if I need to move out of my cottage and into a higher level of care?
If you want additional levels of care, you can meet with the Residential Living social worker to determine your needs and to get support for the transfer.
- Will any of these new apartments be rentals?
At this time, we do not plan on offering rentals as we want everyone to have the benefit of continuing care. However, we do offer several plans including a modified entrance fee which has a lower entrance fee. Give us a call to learn more about the various plans we offer at 717-627-8421.
