Q. Who owns The Hermitage in Northern Virginia?

A. The Hermitage in Northern Virginia is one of seven retirement communities in Virginia, which is owned and operated by Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc. (VUMH), a Virginia non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation. VUMH opened its first community in 1949.

Q. Is the Hermitage an accredited retirement community?

A. The Hermitage is accredited by CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Commission) and EAGLE (Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence) by the United Methodist Association. CCAC accreditation is widely regarded as a “seal of approval” for retirement communities. EAGLE accreditation is a voluntary self-assessment and peer review process designed to enhance the quality of services provided at church-related, not-for-profit ministries.

Q. How does the Future List (waiting list) work?

A. The Future Residency Priority List (Future List) is designed for those who are interested in moving to the Hermitage in the future. A fully refundable $1,000 deposit secures a priority position for obtaining a living unit in the long-term future. When making a deposit and completing a registration form, one states a preference for a year of entry and type of living unit. At that time, should such a living unit become available, people will be contacted in order of deposit date and preferences.
Once you are on the Future List, your position on that list will not change. Even if you decline several opportunities to acquire an apartment, you will not be moved to the bottom of the list.

Q. What are the requirements for admission to Independent Living at the Hermitage?

A. The Hermitage is designed for people who can live independently at the time of entry. In order to move into Independent Living, each person must be able to live independently, and be in relatively good health with no conditions that are likely to require long-term in the near future. The Hermitage staff conducts a health assessment to determine eligibility for Independent Living. A financial projection determines that resources are sufficient to allow an adequate and enjoyable lifestyle.

Q. If a spouse transfers to another level of care or dies, is the other spouse required to transfer to a smaller living unit?

A. At the Hermitage your apartment is your home, and you are not required to move simply because the size of the household changed.

Q. Is the Hermitage in Northern Virginia non-denominational and does anyone receive preferential treatment?

A. The Hermitage is a non-denominational retirement community, which means people of all faiths and denominations are welcome. Admission is based upon qualification for the desired living unit through financial and level of care assessment.

Q. If I carry Medicare and a Medicare supplement policy, what benefits would this offer me at the Hermitage?

A. Hermitage requires that all residents carry Medicare and a Medicare Supplement policy or equivalent. As a federal medical health insurance program, Medicare will help defray costs associated with physicians and hospital stays; however, the Hermitage is not a certified Medicare health facility, so your Medicare benefits will not cover the monthly cost of your stay in Health Services.

Q. If I come to the Hermitage as a Lifecare resident, should I continue my Long Term Care insurance premiums?

A. The Lifecare program means that there will be no increase in your monthly service fee when you move to a higher level of care – short term or long term. Yet this type of insurance could be beneficial, depending upon the type of policy purchased. We suggest you check with your insurance agent before making decisions regarding your policy.