FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Commons in Lincoln offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Sub-Acute Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing.

At The Commons, there are 168 Independent Living cottages and apartment homes, 40 Assisted Living apartment homes, 24 Memory Care apartments and 26 beds in the Sub-Acute Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing neighborhood.

There is underground assigned parking for Russell House residents. There is surface assigned parking for Flint House residents. Cottages include an extended one-car garage.

The cost of living at The Commons is made up of a one-time 90% refundable entrance fee and a monthly fee that is determined by the type of apartment home you select.

What services are included with the monthly fee?
Your monthly fee provides you with a package of services, including housekeeping, dining, transportation services, 24-hour response system, apartment home maintenance, repairs, snow removal, taxes, landscaping, all utilities except telephone, assigned parking, security and Lifecare.

It also includes the use of our many amenities, including a beauty salon, pool and library. Residents have access to all programs and activities, including lectures, functions, outings, classes and fitness classes.

We have a 44-point checklist for apartment home and cottage housekeeping. Please note that apartment home housekeeping is once a week, and cottage housekeeping is every other week. Linens and towels are done every week for apartment homes, every other week for cottages.

We offer a wide range of enjoyable programs and activities that stimulate the mind, body and spirit, including water fitness, lectures and off-campus trips. Some of our residents’ favorite activities include bocce, the Cider Press newsletter committee, dining committee, wine club and The Commons Green Initiative.

The fitness specialist’s hours are Tuesday–Saturday from 7 AM–3:30 PM, and the fitness center and pool are open from 7 AM–9 PM. There are aqua classes twice a week in the morning. Otherwise, the pool is available for open swim.

The Commons is a pet-friendly community. We welcome a variety of pet family members and offer various perks for them.

The Commons in Lincoln is owned by JustLiving Communities, a not-for-profit organization, and managed by Benchmark Senior Living. This structure ensures the community remains mission-driven, with a focus on enhancing residents’ experiences, while benefiting from Benchmark’s extensive operational expertise.

We provide continued education and training, clinical care protocols and multiple quality assurance measures to reinforce our strong standards in each part of our continuum of care. We take great pride in the training of our associates, which has led to strong tenure across our team.

Benchmark’s extensive training programs have been developed throughout our 30-year history and include classroom, online and hands-on training and employee shadowing and mentoring. We offer a series of courses, workshops, seminars and experimental learning programs for all associates.

A Lifecare continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers senior housing and on-site amenities for seniors who want to remain in one place as they go through the aging process. At a CCRC, you could start in Independent Living, and later get expanded care or move into Assisted Living as the need arises. A CCRC provides services to residents for the full continuum of care.

All CCRCs offer residential housing and amenities, but the range and cost of on-site services vary widely. A Life Plan Community is a CCRC that offers access to full-service housing and a wide range of amenities and programs and access to long-term care, including Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing, should the need arise.

Other plans may not offer the same comprehensive package, so understanding the differences in other options will help you make the right decision for you and your family.

There are three types of CCRCs: Type A (The Commons), Type B and Type C. Each has different financial implications and levels of service, so it is essential to know the differences.

With a Type-A contract, you pay an entrance fee partially refundable to you or your estate when you leave. At The Commons, that refund is 90% of your entrance fee. There is also a monthly service fee. Care is available at predictable rates throughout the continuum of care.

In short, when you choose the Type-A option at The Commons, we promise to care for you for the rest of your life, under most circumstances, without significantly increasing monthly fees.

These communities provide senior housing, services and amenities. Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care are typically offered in one of two ways: with a limited number of free days of care as part of the entrance fee, with additional care billed at market rates per service or an ongoing, minimally discounted rate for care services. Healthcare services may be available on or off-site, and two monthly fees may be incurred if couples require different levels of care.

A Type-C CCRC is a fee-for-service community. Housing, services and amenities are provided under the resident agreement. Access to long-term healthcare, as needed, is typically guaranteed, but charged at fee-for-service market rates. If care is required on a short-term basis, to maintain the Independent Living residence, the resident would be required to pay the monthly fee on that residence plus the costs of housing and healthcare received in the Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing residence.

CCRCs have many advantages for seniors, including maintenance-free living. No raking, no shoveling, no home repairs. Residents at a CCRC are surrounded by like-minded people, so there are stimulating social opportunities. There are typically wellness and fitness programs, amenities, dining and access to a full range of health services.

Lifecare provides access to a continuum of care with on-site Assisted Living and Memory Care at a more predictable monthly rate for life that is in accordance with what you pay for Independent Living.

With the rising costs of long-term care, this plan offers peace of mind for the future because if you ever need care, you will always know what you will pay and who will provide it. You will also know that once accepted into the Lifecare program, we will work with you on an appropriate payment plan if you have an inadvertent financial setback.

If you and your loved one have differing care needs, your partner can receive the care they need, and you may stay in the Independent Living or Assisted Living residence. You will pay one monthly fee.

If you need care but your partner does not, your loved one can move to a different apartment home within the same campus, where they may receive the care they need, and you may stay in the Independent or Assisted Living residence. You will still pay one monthly fee.

Substantial tax benefits may be available. As always, you should consult with your tax or financial advisor to guide you through the details of potential deductions.

Several rulings by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have established that a portion of your entrance fee and monthly fees may be deductible as a prepaid medical expense, so you could take advantage of the tax benefits even if you live independently, requiring little or no healthcare.

Residents must demonstrate adequate physical health to qualify for a Lifecare plan, so it is best to take advantage of Lifecare while you are still healthy and independent. Care coverage will begin as soon as you need it and will continue for the rest of your life.

If you are seeking a vibrant, healthy lifestyle enriched by opportunities for social connection and personal growth, Lifecare may be the ideal choice for you.