Ann's Choice is a senior living community in Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Ann's Choice is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia. It offers assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing care on one campus, which means residents can move between levels of care without leaving the community if their needs change.

The community is operated by Kendal Corporation, a nonprofit organization that runs senior living communities across the United States. Ann's Choice has been operating since 1993 and serves roughly 600 residents across its different care levels.

Because Ann's Choice is a CCRC, it works differently from a standalone assisted living facility. You sign a long-term agreement and typically pay an entrance fee upfront, plus monthly fees. This structure allows the community to provide care across the full spectrum of aging — from people who need minimal help to those requiring 24-hour nursing care.

Key Takeaways

  • Ann's Choice is a continuing care retirement community in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus.
  • Entrance fees and monthly costs are substantial; you will need to review the current fee schedule directly with the community, as costs change annually.
  • The community requires a long-term residency agreement and typically conducts a financial and health review before admission.
  • You can tour the community and speak with current residents and staff to understand whether the environment and services match what you or your family member needs.

What services and amenities does Ann's Choice provide

Ann's Choice offers different levels of care depending on where a resident lives on campus. In the independent living section, residents have their own apartments and access to community amenities but arrange their own meals and housekeeping. In assisted living, staff provide help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals — while residents still have private or semi-private rooms. The skilled nursing section provides 24-hour medical care for people with complex health needs.

All residents have access to common areas including a dining room, library, fitness center, and activity spaces. The community organizes social events, educational programs, and outings. Transportation is provided for medical appointments and some community activities. Residents can bring pets in most cases, though there are restrictions on size and type.

Ann's Choice also coordinates with local hospitals and physicians. The community has an on-site pharmacy and can arrange for visiting specialists. Residents keep their own doctors but can use the medical services available through the community's partnerships.

How much does Ann's Choice cost

Ann's Choice charges an entrance fee and monthly service fees. The entrance fee is a one-time payment that can range significantly depending on the size and type of accommodation you choose. Monthly fees cover housing, utilities, meals, activities, and basic services. Additional services — such as extra housekeeping, personal care beyond what is included, or specialized medical care — cost more.

Costs vary based on the level of care (independent, assisted, or skilled nursing) and the specific apartment or room. Because fees change annually and depend on your individual situation, you will need to contact Ann's Choice directly or request their current fee schedule to understand the exact cost for the care level you need.

Some residents use long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to help cover costs, though coverage varies widely. Ann's Choice can discuss payment options and what insurance they accept, but you should verify coverage with your insurance provider or state Medicaid office before committing.

What is the admission process

Ann's Choice requires prospective residents to complete an admission process before moving in. This typically includes a tour of the community, meetings with staff, a review of your health history, and a financial assessment. The community wants to understand your care needs and confirm that Ann's Choice can meet them.

You will need to provide medical records, a list of current medications, and information about your financial situation. The community uses this information to determine which level of care is appropriate and to may support you can sustain the monthly fees over time. Some applicants are asked to meet with the community's medical director or social worker.

Once you are admitted, you sign a residency agreement that outlines the terms of your stay, the fees you will pay, what happens if you need a higher level of care, and what occurs if you leave the community. Read this agreement carefully or have a lawyer review it, because it is a binding contract.

What questions should you ask during a visit

When you tour Ann's Choice, ask about staffing levels — specifically how many nurses and aides work during day and night shifts, and whether staff turnover is high or low. Ask what happens if your care needs increase and you need to move to assisted living or skilled nursing; some CCRCs may provide you can stay, while others have waiting lists. Find out how the community handles medication management and what happens if you have a medical emergency at night.

Ask about the contract terms: What happens to your entrance fee if you leave within the first few years? Are there refund provisions? What are the rules about bringing family members to meals or activities? Can you keep your own doctor, or must you use the community's medical staff? What is included in monthly fees, and what costs extra?

Speak with current residents if possible. Ask them whether they feel safe, whether staff respond quickly when they need help, and whether they would recommend the community to others. Ask about the food quality, the variety of activities, and whether the community feels like a good fit for their personality and interests.

When to seek care elsewhere or ask for a second opinion

If Ann's Choice does not offer the specific level of care you need — for example, if you require memory care for advanced dementia and the community does not specialize in that — look for a facility that does. Not every CCRC is equipped to handle every condition, and it is better to know this before you move.

If the entrance fee or monthly costs are beyond your budget even with insurance coverage, explore other assisted living options in the area that may cost less. Lansdale and surrounding areas have other senior living communities; comparing a few will help you understand what you are paying for and whether Ann's Choice is the right value for your situation.

If you have concerns about the community's financial stability, staffing, or quality of care, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. They investigate complaints and can tell you whether there are unresolved issues at the facility. You can also search the community's inspection records online through the state health department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to independent living first and then switch to assisted living later?

Yes. Most CCRCs allow residents to start in independent living and move to assisted living or skilled nursing as their needs change. This is one of the main advantages of choosing a CCRC — you do not have to move to a different community. However, confirm the process and any additional costs with Ann's Choice before you move in, because the terms vary.

What if I run out of money to pay the monthly fees?

This is a serious concern with any CCRC. Some communities have financial information programs or will work with you to adjust your care level to reduce costs. Others may ask you to leave. Before you sign an agreement, ask Ann's Choice directly what happens if you can no longer afford the monthly fees, and get the answer in writing.

Can my spouse move with me if we need different levels of care?

Many CCRCs allow couples to live in the same community even if one person needs assisted living and the other does not. They may live in separate units or the same unit depending on the setup. Ask Ann's Choice how they handle this situation and whether there are any additional costs.

How do I know if Ann's Choice is financially stable?

You can ask the community for their most recent financial statements or annual report. You can also contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health to ask whether there are any pending investigations or complaints. A stable CCRC should be transparent about its finances and willing to discuss its long-term plans.

What if I want to leave after I move in?

Your residency agreement will spell out the terms for leaving, including whether you get any of your entrance fee back and how much notice you must give. Some agreements refund a portion of the entrance fee if you leave within a certain period; others do not. Read this section carefully before you sign, because the refund terms can be substantial.