A Guide to Quaker Assisted Living
Date Published: September 13, 2023
Are you seeking an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one that aligns with your Quaker values — somewhere that cherishes your spirituality and independence? This guide’s purpose is to aid your quest by answering some questions you may have and some you haven’t considered. It covers subjects such as how Quaker assisted living differs from standard assisted living and how much it costs (and how to pay for it). You’ll also find a list of useful resources for Quakers. Read on to learn more about Quaker assisted living.
What Is Quaker Assisted Living?
Quaker assisted living is a type of senior living community anchored by Quaker values and principles. It’s where residents can age in comfort and peace in the company of peers who share their faith and standards. Residents are seniors who need help with activities of daily living and are content to give up the responsibilities of living at home. A typical facility will have the following:
- Quaker values: these should be enshrined in its policies and procedures
- Private or semiprivate apartments: these should be designed for comfort, safety and accessibility
- Staff to assist with the resident’s daily living tasks: such as bathing and dressing
- Social and recreational activities: these should satisfy residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs
- Freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced meals: these should respect dietary requirements
- Personalized care plans: these should ensure each resident gets the appropriate level of support
How Is Quaker Assisted Living Different From Regular Assisted Living?
Quaker assisted living differs from regular assisted living because it incorporates Quaker values and principles into its approach to care. It adds a distinctive spiritual and communal dimension to the delivery of structured care programs. Friends in Quaker assisted living communities can enjoy certain benefits associated with their faith, including:
- Bible and religious text studies: these provide spiritual nourishment and foster more understanding of Quaker beliefs
- Regular religious services or meetings: where residents congregate to reflect on and express their faith
- Quaker values: such as equality, community, simplicity and peace woven into the fabric of everyday life
- Food: prepared for friends in accordance with Quaker testimonies
- Low-key celebrations: including Christmas and Easter at some facilities, as well as every day being a holy day
- Spiritual counseling: as well pastoral care from those with the gift of vocal ministry
What Are the Benefits of Quaker Assisted Living?
There are several benefits for seniors seeking a faith-based community that aligns with their values and provides comprehensive care. Some advantages include:
- Spiritual enrichment: such as bible study and spiritual counseling
- Connection with like-minded seniors: such as people who share your beliefs and values
- Holistic care: which prioritizes physical, emotional and spiritual support equally
- A peaceful and tranquil atmosphere: because serenity is profound
- Regular meetings: because engaging with other Friends is life-enriching
- Management decisions guided by Quaker principles: such as respect and social responsibility
- Staff trained to provide care that upholds Quaker values: as this respects the resident and their faith
Tips for Finding a Quaker Senior Living Community
Tips for finding the right assisted living facility are usually the same, regardless of the type of community. However, you should consider some key factors when searching for the right Quaker senior living community for you. Here are some to keep in mind:
- Seek Quaker-affiliated organizations: as these are likely to know of Quaker senior living communities in the area
- Research online: if you can’t find a Quaker organization, search online for communities near you
- Attend Quaker meetings: as you’ll get the chance to ask other Friends about nearby communities and their experience with them
- Read Quaker publications: if you can’t find a community by other means, you may find them in The Friend or Friends Journal
What to Look for in a Quaker Senior Living Community
It’s difficult to remember everything when searching for the right community. This guide covers the essentials in an easy-to-read and follow format.
How Much Does Quaker Assisted Living Cost?
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey is the country’s most authoritative guide to care costs across the United States. The results of the 2021 survey reveal the country’s median fee for assisted living is $4,500 per month. The survey doesn’t account for the type of community, so Friends may find Quaker senior living communities are slightly costlier. This is more likely if a community provides many specialized faith-related services.
Financial Assistance for Quaker Assisted Living
Assisted living is considered nonmedical care, so it’s generally not covered by Medicare or other types of health insurance. The assistance provided by the organizations in the following table doesn’t typically consider the faith element of care. However, you may find a local Quaker group that can assist you financially (although this depends on your location).
Covers Assisted Living?
Learn More
Medicare
Only up to 100 days for Medicare Part A recipients (20 days of coverage and the remaining 80 days partially covered)
Quaker Senior Living Communities
Below, you can learn about some of the Quaker senior living communities in the United States. This is not an exhaustive directory, but can help you get an idea of what your options are for Quaker senior living.
Name
Address
Phone Number
Description
12151 Dale Street, Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 643-2563
Rowntree Gardens is a faith-based continuing care community offering everything from independent living to skilled nursing care. Living options include suites, apartments and cottages with on-site chef-prepared dining choices. Nestled in a tranquil courtyard, the nondenominational Heartwood Chapel offers a place for fellowship, programs and Sunday worship. Other spiritual offerings include Bible study, prayer breakfasts, prayer meetings and choir. The community offers several convenient services, including free laundry facilities, a gift shop and three salons.
16821 West 74th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80007
(303) 422-4446
Quaker Acres is a faith-centered assisted living community that spans 5,000 square feet in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by horse stables and yards. The beautiful views and amenities, such as housekeeping, delicious meals and wellness programs, including a full calendar of social activities, make it an ideal community for seniors looking to maintain their independence. The center offers comfortable single rooms with shared bathrooms and indoor and outdoor common areas that encourage socializing.
100 Bassett Brook Drive, Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 586-0006
Lathrop is a Quaker-based senior community with a compassionate staff dedicated to giving the best personal care possible in a spiritual setting. Residents can pursue their individual interests in art, music, gardening and healthy living while developing close friendships and serving others. Local transportation is available for seniors to get to and from medical appointments, grocery shopping and religious services. Mid-day meals are served on Sundays, with breakfast and dinner offered Monday through Friday.
17340 Quaker Lane, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(301) 924-5100
Situated in a lovely forest, the Friends House in Sandy Spring, MD, offers a secure and loving environment where seniors can age gracefully. Founded by the Religious Society of Friends, the community embodies Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity and stewardship. Community activities include organic gardening, seasonal plant sales, free transportation and creative projects. Friends House is a Type-C Life Plan community that facilitates the transition from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing.
1 Medford Leas Way, Medford, NJ 08055
(866) 484-5794
Medford Leas provides primary care, companionship, respite care, assisted living, memory support and short-term rehabilitation services. The Quaker home gives seniors the opportunity for spiritual growth through faith-based activities and mindful exercises such as meditation, yoga and tai chi. Fitness centers, heated indoor/outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, theaters and workshops are a few of the many amenities included. Podiatry, dentistry, psychology and pharmacy services are also available on-site.
1010 Kendal Way, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
(914) 922-1000
Located 35 miles north of New York City, Kendal on Hudson is is guided by Quaker values and principles, such as purposeful living and social engagement. With a selection of living options, such as assisted living and memory care, and studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments, this community offers many opportunities for healthy senior living. Activities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a 25-acre campus and walking trails in the adjacent state park.
1301 Fulton Street, Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 538-3144
Located in the heart of picturesque Newberg, OR, Friendsview is a faith-based community for seniors aged 62 and over. Its continuing care services, ranging from independent living to memory care allow residents to age in place as their requirements change. Influenced by Quaker roots and principles, Friendsview offers a number of resident-led groups, and seniors also have access to a fully equipped aquatic and fitness center with exercise classes. Educational lectures are held on-site.
700 North Franklin Street, West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 696-5211
Barclay Friends is a senior living community founded on Quaker principles and traditions that provides skilled nursing services, short-term rehabilitation and personal care. Residents are encouraged to express their artistic abilities, spirituality and skills by attending religious services, mindfulness classes and strength training. Seniors receive assistance with taking medications, bathing and dressing, so they have more time to socialize with others. Amenities offered at Barclay Friends include a beauty salon, a spa and chef-prepared meals.
50 South Congress Street, Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 968-3346
Friends Home and Village is built on the Quaker principle of seeing God in everyone, with a focus on friendship. Residents are encouraged to life a purposeful life through stimulating activities such as gardening in the community garden, volunteering to build the community and learning new skills such as tech classes in the on-site Senior Planet Training Center. Living styles include independent living cottages and personal care apartments.
1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA 19436
(215) 643-2200
Since 1967, Foulkeways at Gwynedd has provided comprehensive rehabilitation services to seniors in a homelike setting. Its skilled nursing facility, Gwynedd House, emphasizes resident-centered care with a dedicated team offering physical, occupational and speech therapies. All private rooms feature natural light and ample space. Guided by Quaker values, the center respects residents' lifelong practices, customizing care to individual preferences. The serene Dream Garden adds to the healing environment, making Foulkeways a nurturing space for recovery.
1382 Newtown-Langhorne Road, Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 968-9110
With a foundation of Quaker values, Pennswood Village fosters fellowship and personal growth through care options, including independent living, personal care and skilled nursing. Living options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with emergency medical alert systems. The community hosts weekly interdenominational services and Quaker meetings plus free transportation to other places of worship. Meals crafted by an executive chef follow seasonal menus, and fitness options include pools, walking paths and personalized fitness programs.
500 East Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA 16801
(814) 238-3322
Foxdale Village offers seniors plenty of opportunities to explore their faith by participating in religious activities at churches throughout the community. Nondenominational worship services are held once a week to give residents time for personal reflection and spiritual devotion. Health services include short-term rehab therapy, around-the-clock nursing care and enhanced memory support for those with cognitive impairments. Seniors gather in Foxdale's community center to enjoy meals, attend concerts or participate in activities, such as painting.
3300 Darby Road, Haverford, PA 19041
(484) 851-9760
At The Quadrangle, seniors enjoy walking trails, gardening, playing tennis and hiking in a peaceful and welcoming Quaker community. Staying loyal to its Quaker roots and values, the community fosters the mind, body and spirit through prayer and worship. Residents feel invigorated by participating in activities, ranging from fun games and crafts to musical performances and nature walks. Other great amenities include a bistro, an indoor swimming pool and a resident-run library.
147 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 444-2577
Friends Home in Kennett is a non-profit senior living community that provides affordable housing and care services to low-income seniors. The community is guided by Quaker values and all of the staff members incorporate the values of simplicity, equality, peace and integrity into their everyday interactions with residents. This historic community provides daily activities that are based on each resident's physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs. Healthy and delicious meals are served each day.
160 Kendal Drive, Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 463-1910
Kendal at Lexington is a Quaker, faith-based Life Plan Community on a sprawling 84-acre property with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus offers assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, memory support and rehabilitation services. Residents can choose from 150 cozy studios to spacious one- and two- bedroom apartments and single cottages with an optional den or sunroom. The community features a fitness center, indoor pool, restaurant and meeting areas.
Resources for Quaker Seniors
The resources in this table encompass financial assistance, spiritual and emotional support, social connections and more. Please note availability may vary depending on location.
Resource
Contact
Description
(212) 673-5750 (NYC)
(215) 241-7068 (Philadelphia)
Quaker Aging Resources provides a range of resources on aging, including articles, books and online forums and provides support and guidance for Quaker seniors and their families in and around NYC and Philadelphia.
(404) 600-1128
QVS offers opportunities for Quaker seniors to engage in meaningful service work, fostering personal growth, community connections and a sense of purpose.
(215) 561-1700
FGC organizes gatherings and conferences where Quaker seniors can connect with others, engage in spiritual exploration and participate in workshops and activities.
(215) 478-6663
FFA issues grants to Quaker organizations nationwide. Although it doesn’t bestow grants on individuals, seniors can check the organizations that have benefited to determine if grants are available nearby.
(215) 241-7245
Friends Council provides spiritual guidance and support to Friends of all ages.
(740) 484-9001
Conservative Friend has split from traditional U.S. Quakerism. It holds meetings in Ohio, Iowa and North Carolina. It’s an explicit Christ-centered theology where meetings are held in silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a senior living community guided by Quaker values and principles. It provides housing, care and support services for older adults who can’t live fully independent lives.
Nonprofit organizations, religious institutions or Quaker-affiliated groups typically operate Quaker senior living centers.
Quaker senior living offers seniors an opportunity to live in a place that supports their spiritual and cultural needs.
Quaker senior living communities emphasize Quaker values such as equality, simplicity, community and peace. You’ll find spiritual support and opportunities for worship and religious study.