Common Questions

We're Here to Help

The following are some of the questions that many prospective residents and their families ask us. You may have other questions as well. Please call us. We are happy to answer them. We know how difficult choosing the right community is, and we are here to help. 

What happens when my family member's health changes?

Community residents receive priority for transfer to the most appropriate level of care within our community.  When a move occurs, it is usually less traumatic because the resident and family are already familiar with our facilities and staff.  Sometimes a resident’s condition improves, allowing transfer from our nursing facility to our residential or Assisted Living facilities.

Can my family member keep his or her own personal physician?

Residential Care and Assisted Living Facilities
Yes, as long as the physician’s practice is within a reasonable distance of Cedar Hill, allowing transportation to medical appointments.  However, it is also advisable to establish a backup physician with admission privileges to local hospitals should the resident require acute hospital admission

Nursing Facility
Residents must have an attending physician who agrees to visit the resident regularly at our nursing facility. State and federal regulations for skilled nursing facilities require this.

Do you offer Rehabilitation Services, such as for recovering from a broken hip or a stroke?

Yes, we do. We have skilled beds just for that purpose in our Health Care Center. We have consultant physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists that work with our staff for rehabilitation. We offer this to residents who live at the Cedar Hill community and for those who choose to come here after a hospital stay to get rehabilitation before returning to their homes.

After an acute care illness and stay in the skilled nursing center, can my family member return to the residential or assisted living?

Yes, as long as the resident recovers to that level of independence, and the resident has chosen to hold his or her accommodations in the residential or assisted living facilities.

What does the resident need to bring?

Living in the Village at Cedar Hill
Village residents are responsible for furnishing their apartments completely.

Victorian House
Residents have a choice of using our furnishings or bringing  their own or a combination of both.

Nursing Facility and Teddy's Place
The resident may bring a comfortable chair, pictures, and other personal items, as well as personal clothing and supplies. We provide a hospital bed and dresser.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. We are pet friendly. But prospective residents must discuss their desire for a pet with our staff before bringing one into our facilities.  We generally allow cats and smaller dogs. Cedar Hill is currently home to cats, birds, fish and has regular visits from family, staff and therapy dogs. We've had baby lambs visit as well as horses. We strongly believe that pets add to life and will accommodate them whenever possible.

When can I visit my family member?

Anytime.  We encourage family visits and participation in all our events.

What religious programs are available?

We believe in supporting our residents in keeping an active faith life. Cedar Hill has a minister at a local church who is our community pastoral counselor. She is part of our support and hospice programs and visits with our residents and staff regularly.

We have a variety of ministers who visit Cedar Hill to conduct services and are on call our residents' spiritual needs. Among them is a Catholic priest  conducts Mass once a month. We also have a Eucharistic minister who comes on Sunday to give communion and a Rosary Group which meets once a month.

All residents are encouraged to attend whatever services they prefer. Some of our Village residents still drive and attend local churches as well.

My family member is not self-motivated.  What do you offer for activities?

We encourage the highest level of independence possible.  We encourage and assist residents to attend activities, even if on a passive level. Residents particularly enjoy the musical events, social hour and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program with some of the local school children. During the warmer weather, outside events include gardening, walks, the Quechee Balloon Festival, van rides and visits to local events and places.

Is there an entrance fee for Victorian House and Cedar Hill Health Care?

No. However, potential residents must fill out an application and provide financial and medical information before being considered for admission.

What is the main source of referrals to Cedar Hill?

The number-one source of referrals is from current and previous family members and residents. Other referrals come from hospitals, doctors and other members of the regional medical community.

Do you offer respite care?

Yes, in every part of our community.

What makes Cedar Hill different from other assisted living facilities?

Cedar Hill offers a continuum of care from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing and rehabilitation care to comfortable and dignified end-of-life care.  It is all here on the same campus, with the same loving family of care givers. And we are a Vermont family-owned company.

Am I required to buy a share in Cedar Hill?

No. We are a continuing care community, but there is no requirement that you "buy into" our community.  You pay for the level of service that you choose and need on a monthly basis.  Most continuing care communities require a substantial financial deposit and commitment on your part.  Cedar Hill does not believe in that approach.  You earned the right to retain you savings for as long as possible.

How can I get driving directions to Cedar Hill?

There are maps and a full set of driving directions on the "Maps and Directions" page of the "About Us" section of this site.