Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community, such as Royal Oaks Manor, provides a full range of housing, services, care and maintenance based on a contract between the resident and provider. Most contracts require payment of an upfront entrance fee and monthly fees.  Back to Top

• Is Royal Oaks Manor a full-service Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Yes, Royal Oaks Manor is dedicated to full-service retirement living. We offer a choice of independent living floor plans, which you furnish yourself, and an array of services, such as meals, activities, transportation, housekeeping and more. If at sometime in the future your needs change and you require help with the activities of daily living, assisted living and skilled nursing care is also available.  Back to Top

• What is the entrance fee?

A one-time fee that grants a resident the use of an accommodation and services at Royal Oaks Manor. This fee is not equity, nor can it be assigned or transferred to others. We currently offer two types of entrance fee agreements. Our standard agreement is amortized to zero over a five-year period (30 months in case of death). Thus, should someone change their mind for any reason, a portion is refunded on a straight-line basis up to the end of the 60th month. Our 75% guaranteed repayment option limits amortization to 25% in exchange for an entrance fee that is 1.8 times higher. State law requires that entrance fees be completely refundable in the first 90 days except for a processing fee ($1,500).  Back to Top

• Why is there such a wide range in entrance fees?

Entrance fees are based on an accommodation's features. Views, size, patios, general location, etc. all factor into the entrance fee. Entrance fees also reflect area housing costs and are guaranteed not to increase once a reservation has been made.  Back to Top

• How much are my monthly fees?

Please see the yearly fee schedule for your monthly rates or speak to someone in Marketing or Social Services.  Back to Top

• What is included in the monthly service fee?

Services include: bi-weekly housekeeping; utilities (except phone service); basic cable TV; wellness programs; emergency medical support; security; maintenance and landscaping; use of common spaces; educational, social, and recreational programs; scheduled transportation and more.  Back to Top

• Isn't it expensive to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

It really depends on the kind of lifestyle you value and desire. Becoming a resident at Royal Oaks Manor means security and stability in retirement, plus the freedom to enjoy life. When you consider that you may be able to enjoy a more active, worry-free retirement and that your changing health needs can be accommodated on-site, you'll likely realize that investing in a continuing care retirement community can be a prudent, efficient use of your income and assets. In fact, if you have an average retirement income and own a home, you probably qualify for residency.  Back to Top

• Do I have to turn my assets over to Royal Oaks Manor?

No. Royal Oaks Manor does not take over anyone's assets. You need only to provide evidence of your financial ability to meet the obligations of living at Royal Oaks Manor.  Back to Top

• How can I make a deposit?

Call us at (626) 359-9371 to speak to one of our marketing representatives.  Back to Top

• Must I qualify financially or medically to place a deposit?

Your financial and medical applications are not needed until you apply for residency before move-in. The medical application includes a report from your physician. Informally, upon placing a deposit, you should be able to live safely and healthfully in an independent setting in the specific space they have chosen and have sufficient resources to meet the financial obligation. The SCPH rule of thumb is that income should be 1-2 times the monthly service fee and assets should be 3-4 times the entrance fee. Almost 53 years of experience has indicated that under normal conditions and financial planning, these amounts will assure your financial comfort.  Back to Top

• When can I have visitors?

You may have visitors anytime you like. All visitors need to check in at the front lobby and get a guest badge before visiting. There are no formal hours.  Back to Top

• If I need to go somewhere, what do I do?

Royal Oaks Manor can provide transportation through our Transportation Coordinator within a 15-mile radius of our campus.  Back to Top

• Where do I park?

One assigned parking space per resident is available. An additional space may be available as needed.  
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• Are pets allowed?

Yes, dogs, cats, birds and fish are allowed at Royal Oaks Manor. Some restrictions do apply, so please consult with the Marketing Department for details on our pet policy.  Back to Top

• Is there additional storage?

Yes. Every independent/residential unit in the main building has additional storage either on the same floor or on an adjacent floor. The residents living in the master plan apartments have additional storage space in a secured area of the lower parking garage. Cottage residents have storage in their attached garage.  Back to Top

• How is Royal Oaks Manor affiliated with Southern California Presbyterian Homes (SCPH)?

SCPH is a not-for-profit California corporation that owns and operates retirement communities in Southern California. SCPH, since its founding in 1955, provides quality housing and support services, primarily for older adults of all faiths, that enrich the physical, social and spiritual dimensions of their lives. The organization also acts as a resource for the communities in which it operates. Since its inception, SCPH has been nondenominational and now has no legal or financial ties to the Presbyterian Church. All faiths are welcome.  Back to Top

• When is the right time to move in?

We recommend that you don't wait until it's too late. We often hear seniors say they're not ready to move into a retirement community or to give up their homes. Royal Oaks Manor is a place for active retirees, so your good health is your best assurance of entrance. You never know what the future holds.  Back to Top

• Are there age restrictions?

The minimum age for residency at Royal Oaks is 62. For couples, only one person must be 62. There is no maximum age for application at this time.  Back to Top

• What kind of staff can I expect?

Royal Oaks Manor is staffed with trained professionals. They are efficient, and, more importantly, caring and genuinely concerned with your happiness and well-being. In areas that require it, staff members are licensed.  Back to Top

• Do I have to give up my lifestyle when I move to Royal Oaks Manor?

When considering a retirement community, you may hesitate because you don't want to give up your freedom. This is particularly true of the dining experience. You want to be able to decide when to eat, what to eat and with whom. At Royal Oaks Manor, you have the flexibility to select your table companions as well as your entrée, which is chosen from a new menu printed daily. There are no assigned dining times, only a timeframe within which you choose when you want to eat. Guests, family and friends from outside Royal Oaks Manor are welcome to dine with residents for a nominal fee. Additionally, Royal Oaks Manor's carefree lifestyle includes many on-site recreational pursuits, as well as numerous planned outings to social, cultural and recreational events. You decide how you want to spend your day.  Back to Top

• Is Royal Oaks Manor financially stable?

Yes, Royal Oaks Manor is operated by the non-profit Southern California Presbyterian Homes, which has been serving seniors since 1955. It is important to check the financial background and stability of any retirement residence you are considering. You should request audited financial statements for the previous year's operations, and have your attorney or other trusted financial advisor review it. Also, ask about the occupancy rate. Low occupancy is a major cause of financial stress for a CCRC or other retirement home. The administrative staff of Royal Oaks Manor is happy to share this information with prospective residents. SCPH Annual Reports are available, and Royal Oaks Manor is proud of its continually high occupancy rate.  Back to Top

• How can I be assured about the quality of living at Royal Oaks Manor?

Royal Oaks Manor is fully accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging in Washington, D.C. CCAC accreditation is generally considered a "seal of approval" for continuing care retirement communities. Accreditation from this organization indicates that the community has met the standards for excellence agreed upon by continuing care professionals. Such accreditation provides a standard of comparison for evaluating different retirement communities. Currently, there are less than 330 such accredited CCRCs in the U.S. We also encourage you to take a "test drive" yourself. Come visit Royal Oaks Manor and stay for a few days.  Back to Top

• What do I need to know before I sign?

Prospective residents should carefully consider the risks, benefits and costs before signing a contract and are encouraged to seek financial and legal advice. Additionally, remember that the authority to enter into continuing care contract or life care contract granted by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is neither a guarantee of performance by providers, nor an endorsement of providers or facilities by the CDSS.  
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For more information or to arrange a tour, please call Royal Oaks Manor at (626) 359-9371.