QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is Continuing Care?

The continuing care concept offers members living in personal residences, a variety of activities and services, and health care-if necessary. All this is contained within a neighborhood community environment. A significant emphasis is placed on maintaining independence and an active lifestyle.

Who owns The Cypress?

The Cypress is owned by the members. The entire community, including the health center, is debt-free and operated on a not-for-profit basis.

Who is the developer of The Cypress?

The developer is The Cypress Company of Hilton Head Partnership. The company's purpose is to offer the very best residential product and highest quality service possible. As long-time residents of Hilton Head, the officers of the company have a deep, personal commitment of the Island and The Cypress.

Who manages The Cypress?

Life Care Services Corporation of Des Moines, Iowa, manages the day-to-day operation of The Cypress. The company is nationally recognized as one of the leaders in continuing care community administration. Its reputation is based on more than 30 years experience managing over 50 communities nationwide. Since 1961, every retirement community Life Care Services administers has continued to prosper.

Is there an initial fee to join The Cypress?

Each member of The Cypress purchases his or her own residence, securing the economic benefits of individual home ownership. Included in the purchase price is a ten percent (10%) non-refundable club and community membership fee. Therefore, ninety percent (90%) of the purchase price or future resale value is true equity ownership. It becomes an asset for the member, which can be sold.

What about monthly costs after I purchase my residence, and what does the monthly fee include?

Each member pays a monthly fee based on the type residence purchased. This fee includes a meal plan and all the services and activities within the community, including ninety (90) days in the health care facility at no additional charge, except for some meals and special services. Also included are utilities such as water/sewer, electricity (for apartments and villas) and basic cable television, along with housekeeping, laundry service, maintenance and insurance. All residents are responsible for their own telephone, taxes and personal property insurance. Cottage residents are responsible for electricity and gas.

What about meals?

Each residence has a complete, full-sized kitchen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Clubhouse dining room by waiters and waitresses. Each resident's choice of thirty (30) meals per month is included in the monthly fee. Additional meals are available as desired. Home delivery and take-out are also available.

Is there transportation to shopping, special events and sight-seeing?

Yes. The Cypress has a regular schedule of transportation for shopping, social events and special trips. Personal, individual transportation is also available.

What activities does The Cypress offer?

Cypress sponsors a wide variety of activities including tours, shopping excursions, fitness and art classes, dinner dances, card games, craft activities and tournaments. There is a full-time Activities Coordinator who plans and organizes a series of events tailored to the special interests of The Cypress members.

What health care facilities are available?

The Health Center, which is Medicare certified offers assisted living and skilled nursing care. Assisted living and home health care programs are available for members living in their own residences. One wing of the Health Center has been designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Are there charges for the health care center?

Each member of The Cypress is entitled to ninety (90) days of health care at the same monthly fee they are currently paying for their residence, plus the cost of two additional meals per day. After ninety days, the rate is approximately 50% of comparable facilities' rates.

What is the difference between "skilled care" and "assisted living"?

Skilled care is designed to provide all necessary services to persons who do not require hospitalization but are chronically ill or need continuous care. It provides 24-hour supervision and treatment by licensed medical personnel. Assisted living is for those who require assistance with some day-to-day activities such as dressing, bathing and meals.

Are monthly fees and health care charges adjusted annually?

Yes. Within defined limits, the monthly fees and health care facility monthly charges can be adjusted annually to account for cost increases. The cost to a Cypress member for health care is expected to remain significantly lower than the rates charged by comparable health facilities in the area.

What about pets?

Pets are welcome within established guidelines. If a pet becomes disagreeable to other members, the Executive Director may disallow the privilege.