FAQ

Questions and Answers About Lathrop Communities

What are the entrance requirements?
To become a resident of Lathrop, you must be at least 55 years old, able to live safely and independently and qualify financially for the residence that you choose.

Can I afford Lathrop?
If you own a home and have a predictable and reliable income, it is likely you will be able to afford us.  Lathrop carefully qualifies everyone financially before they take steps to move into the community.  If you would like to verify your financial eligibility, our sales team is able to use a preliminary financial analysis to help you.

Will the monthly Occupancy Fee increase in the future?
Yes, the Occupancy Fee is likely to increase in the future in order to maintain quality of site and services.  In 2018, the annual increase was 4%, in 2019 it was 4%, in 2020 it was 3% and in 2021 it was 4%.

What if I run out of money?
We make every effort to ensure that living at Lathrop remains comfortably affordable for all residents, and are prepared to subsidize those who outlive their assets, or meet with a financial reversal through no fault of their own.

What kind of health services does Lathrop offer?
All residents have full access to the Lathrop Wellness Center and to the Community Care Coordinator. When and if a townhome resident needs help, the Care Coordinator will assist in recommending and arranging for the appropriate services. A la Carte nursing and care services are available from the Lathrop Support Services (LSS) for residents of The Inn, and are designed to fill a variety of needs and changing requirements. Please ask to see the Lathrop Care Resident Plans sheet for more details.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes. Lathrop is pet friendly! However, dogs are not allowed to stay overnight at The Inn.

Can I bring my car?
Yes.  You can even bring two cars! Each townhome has an attached garage with room for a second car in the driveway.  Apartments at The Inn come with secure, assigned parking spaces.  In addition, garages at The Inn are available for a fee.

Can my family or guests stay at Lathrop?
Yes. Your family or friends are welcome at Lathrop.  Overnight guests can stay in your personal residence, and guest apartments are available for short stays at a nightly rate.

Is transportation available?
Yes. Transportation, housekeeping and meals are available at reasonable fees to townhome residents.  These services are all included in the monthly fee for residents of The Inn.

Will I still need to have homeowner’s insurance?
No, but Lathrop requires you to carry renter’s insurance to cover your personal belongings.

How can I get the residence I want?
If there is a particular floor plan or location that interests you, and you are ready to make a move, call us to determine current availability.  If you are not quite ready, then the best way to get your ideal residence is to put your name on our Reservation List as soon as possible.  This will help to ensure that we will have what you are looking for, when you are ready.

Questions and Answers About The Kendal System

The Lathrop Communities became an affiliate of the The Kendal System in 2004.

What is included in The Kendal System?

The Kendal System consists of 1) operating organizations (Kendal affiliates, each of which is separately incorporated); 2) a supporting fund raising and charitable funds organization (Kendal Charitable Funds); 3) an outreach function; and, 4) a supporting organization (The Kendal Corporation). All of the Kendal affiliates provide care and services for older people through a continuum. Many Kendal affiliates are continuing care retirement communities.

What makes the structure of The Kendal System different from other organizations?

The structure of The Kendal System is based on a federal-type structure. This is very different from the top down, hierarchical structure of many multi-entity organizations. The Kendal System does not fit the typical parent-subsidiary model. It is also different from the organization of several loosely affiliated autonomous or independent entities. The relationship between The Kendal Corporation and the Kendal affiliates is interdependent and involves autonomy and shared purpose. While each Kendal affiliate maintains an independence that fosters creative thinking, it is guided by the mission, vision, and values of The Kendal Corporation. Recognizing that the strength of the system as a whole, and the strength and reputations of each of the members within it, are linked to each others’ performance, a system for mutual accountability is integral to the Kendal structure.

What is the role of The Kendal Corporation with respect to Kendal affiliates?

While The Kendal Corporation does not act as a centralized authority, handing down policies and edicts, it does have responsibilities for leadership with respect to the affiliates and the system as a whole. The corporate role, however, is designed to call attention to opportunities and problems constructively and with the expectation that the leadership of the affiliate will identify the solutions. Corporate staff serves as mentors, coaches, and advisors to affiliate staff, rather than supervisors. The role of The Kendal Corporation, therefore, is to enhance the performance of Kendal affiliates, not to intervene in ways to diminish their roles and responsibilities. The Kendal System reflects a commitment to a participative and team-based culture.

mapPix What specific decision making authority does The Kendal Corporation have regarding the Kendal affiliates?

Currently, the bylaws for each Kendal affiliate include eight areas requiring The Kendal Corporation approval: 1)Changes in the corporate purposes; 2)The incurring of indebtedness with a value larger that that specified in the most recent affiliation agreement; 3)The Affiliate’s use of the name Kendal; 4)The substance of resident contracts; 5) The purchase, sale, lease, or other disposition of any real estate or improvements thereon, with a value greater than that specified in the most recent affiliation agreement; 6) Dissolution, merger with another entity, division, or acquiring control of another entity; 7)The selection of new members of the Board of Directors of the Affiliate; and 8) Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or the fundamental sections of the Bylaws of the Affiliate.

How else do The Kendal Corporation and the Kendal affiliates demonstrate mutual accountability?

The Kendal Corporation and the Kendal affiliates are interdependent and apply a structure of shared authority. Affiliate boards of directors are responsible for the overall operations of the individual affiliate. The Kendal Corporation Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the system as a whole. Each Kendal affiliate has a designated seat on the board of directors of The Kendal Corporation. The President of The Kendal Corporation, or his/her designee, attends board meetings of the various Kendal entities ex officio.

What is the Affiliation Agreement?

The affiliation agreement is a written agreement detailing the relationship between The Kendal Corporation and a Kendal affiliate. It also clearly distinguishes the roles and responsibilities of each entity and includes specifics about the relationship established in the bylaws.

What is a system fee?

Each affiliate pays an annual fee in monthly installments to The Kendal Corporation. By being part of the Kendal System, each affiliate shares in the established reputation of the system and has the resources of The Kendal Corporation available to it for support, education, and advisement. The fee covers affiliation with the system, basic services, and contributes to system financial reserves. Recognizing that developing communities require more support and assistance than established communities, the amount of the fee is different for developing and established affiliates.

What are the Values and Practices? 19-Values&Practices

The Kendal Corporation and all of its affiliates are governed in harmony with the principles of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). This heritage embraces standards that are detailed in the publication Values and Practices. These standards and practices reflect the experience gained over thirty years, beginning with the earliest Kendal communities. While other organizations measure their success by the bottom line, The Kendal System uses the Values and Practices as benchmarks for success.