Change in Rules Rips Off Retirees

As of Tuesday, February 21, 2012

While visiting my aging parent at a Southern Pines “luxury senior retirement community,” I was shown a letter written by a director. The rules are changing, and what my parents paid a large sum of money for will no longer exist.

Each month their savings have been required to be paid into a discretionary fund. This money was used as they wished — in an on-campus store, at a beauty salon, to buy wine, etc.

Beginning May 1, 2012, the required monies placed into this “discretionary” account may only be used to purchase meals in the two dining facilities on site, and other goods and services must be paid for separately.

Some residents have accumulated funds. From now on, if the money is not used, the balance is zeroed out monthly, and all previously accumulated funds will be zeroed by May 1.

To add an extra insult, it probably will not be possible for a large number of residents to purchase goods and services to spend their own accumulated funds. This is because there will be no extra inventory, as stated in the letter.

This is unethical thievery, and I would advise all to consider better options than spending their lifetime savings on a retirement rip-off.

I know I will never live in such a place, and I will tell friends and their parents to beware.

Ruth Baldwin

Aberdeen

More like this story

Zippy 3 months ago

Its the same old story. In general care for the elderly, perhaps more so in the private sector, they're more interested generally in profit over any kind of "care." But overall no matter whether public or private we do not take adequate care of the elderly, its not a priority in this country, the shame of a country so materialistic and less interested in people than money

emb6683 3 months ago

If this is true, why don't you say the name of the facility? My mother-in-law is also living at a Southern Pines “luxury senior retirement community,” and I would like to know if this is the same one. If it is not, then at least I will know where I won't be moving to.

girlymonster 3 months ago

native 3 months ago

How can they take a persons money and tell them what they can use it for or "zero" (take it) it out every month.

emb6683 3 months ago

"How can they take a persons money and tell them what they can use it for or "zero" (take it) it out every month."

Very easily - you sign a contract that agrees to that.

For instance, the contract may say that you pay $300 per month for the meal plan. If the meals you choose to eat in the dining room costs more than that, then you are billed for the extra.

But if the meals you choose to eat cost less than that, you forfeit the the rest.

native 3 months ago

But in the above letter it plainly says that the letter informs them of a change, so that is not the contract they signed...

native 3 months ago

The good news is, that this community is a 30 day month to month, with no entry investment, so I would find another option for my loved one,,,30 day notice and leave.......

teufelhunden 3 months ago

That's horrible. That is slick thievery. Thanks for exposing this practice.

OldSpook 3 months ago

Actually, there is nothing slick or even underhanded about this practice. However, and in my most humble of opinions, the misbegotten son of a syphilitic jackal that introduced this method of relieving seniors of their limited funds should be tarred, feathered and staked out spread eagle in the sun to dry for a few days. (Not that I have a strong opinion of course) The “Assisted Living” center where I had my parents tried the same container of excrement on them. They were also a month-to-month center but due to protests and people taking their parents out they suddenly reversed their decision and the manger was replaced. It is amazing how these centers will change their tune when confronted with money walking out the door. And for what it is worth, the Gray Panthers while quieted down are still active and interested in this sort of information as is AARP.

emb6683 3 months ago

I still would like to know the name of the establishment.

golflady 3 months ago

My guess is that The Pilot won't allow the name to be published which is too bad because it could help o thers. Perhaps a location, other than Southern Pines could be given.

native 3 months ago

If you live in Southern Pines you know what the name is because you get a postcard every week inviting you to come and visit and live with them. Call them and you will find that the "rent" can run as high as $1800 a month. I have visited also and the apartments are no more than a efficiency with a small kitchen living room, bedroom and bath. You get nicer apartment if you rent from one of the local low income apartment complexes.

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