Frequently Asked Questions

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Financial Questions

Q. What are the rates?
A. Presbyterian Homes & Services has housing and service options with varying price structures and rates including market rate, reduced rent and subsidized rent. To obtain specific rate information, please contact us at the location of interest or download the specific community and living option brochure from this website.

Q. What types of assistance are accepted?
A. Presbyterian Homes communities participate in a variety of financial assistance programs such as: alternative care grant/elderly waiver, medical assistance, and long term care insurance. Availability and payment types vary according to community and state. Assistance is dependent on income qualifications set by specific program guidelines.

Q. Where is Medical Assistance (MA) available?
A. The following Presbyterian Homes' long term care centers are MA certified.

Minnesota: Boutwells Landing, Carondelet Village, Flagstone, GracePointe Crossing, Harmony River, Johanna Shores, Lake Minnetonka Shores, Maranatha, Norris Square, Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, Waverly Gardens 

Iowa: Highland Ridge, Mill Pond, Mount Carmel Bluffs, Prairie Gate, Walnut Ridge

Wisconsin: The Deerfield

PHS Home Care is also able to accept MA dollars for qualified services.

Q. How much will Medicare cover in assisted living?
A. Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It will cover some costs of home health/skilled nursing services.

Q. What will my long term care insurance pay for?
A. Some long term care insurance policies cover assisted living as well as long term care. Policies vary, so please consult your insurance company’s benefits administrator to determine what your particular policy covers.

History & Affiliation

Q. When and how was Presbyterian Homes & Services established?
A. Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) had its beginnings in 1946 when a committee, appointed by the Synod of Minnesota of the United Presbyterian Church, decided to investigate the matter of a home for the aged in Minnesota. In 1953, Presbyterian Homes of Minnesota was incorporated, with Dr. Irving A. West being elected the first president of its board of directors.

In 1955, the first senior residence was built by Presbyterian Homes of Minnesota, the predecessor of Presbyterian Homes & Services, on 20 acres of donated lakeshore property in Arden Hills. Today, 59 PHS-affiliated senior living communities are located in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Q. What is your affiliation with Presbyterian Homes in other parts of the country?
A. Presbyterian Homes & Services shares a covenant relationship with the Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Presbyterian Homes & Services is governed by its board of directors and with the exception of Presbyterian Homes of Wisconsin, operates independently of other Presbyterian Homes. Presbyterian Homes & Services is a member of the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA) along with many other Presbyterian Homes around the country. They are listed on the PAHSA website at www.pahsa.org.

Selecting a Home

Q. Is there a waiting list?
A. Many communities within Presbyterian Homes & Services do have waiting lists, but this does not necessarily mean that there is no availability. Some people are waiting for a specific type of apartment, a certain view, etc. which may mean other living options are available. It is best to call and speak to the Housing Counselor at the community in which you are interested or contact us online.

Q. How do I choose between the various types of housing and service options?
A. Our online Care Questionnaire will assist you in considering the various options. Our staff can also help you determine what type of setting would best meet your needs and preferences.

Q. How do I reserve an apartment?
A. Meet or speak with a Housing Counselor at the Presbyterian Homes community in which you would like to live. Contact information is listed on each of the specific community pages within this website or fill out our online Contact Us form.

Q. How do I obtain more information or arrange for a tour?
A. To schedule a tour or obtain more information, please call the specific Presbyterian Homes community in which you are interested. Phone numbers are listed on each of the specific location pages. You can also request additional information by submitting the contact us form within this website.

Q. Do I have to be Presbyterian to live in a Presbyterian Homes community?
A. No, all faiths are welcome without preference. Residents choose whether or not to participate in any of the variety of spiritual programs offered.

Q. Are pets allowed?
A. Many Presbyterian Homes communities do accept pets within certain guidelines. Inquire at the location of interest for more detail.

Q. Is smoking permitted?
A. Presbyterian Homes & Services communities are smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited by residents and guests in all areas of the buildings and grounds, including individual residences. Presbyterian Homes employees may not smoke on the property at any time.