Application Process
The first steps in a long friendship of love and laughter.
The Friends Home Application Process
1. The Tour & Discovery
Before you get started on the paperwork, we invite you to see the grounds and meet the staff.
You can schedule a tour with the executive director to guide you through the grounds and options available.
This is your chance to experience our homelike atmosphere and the vibrant Kennett Square location. Many families visit once or twice before proceeding.
2. Application Submission & State-Required Medical Evaluation (DME)
No more than 60 days prior to move-in, you submit the formal application and provide a state-required Medical Evaluation (DME) completed by either your doctor or our house doctors.
This information is essential. The application secures your place, and the DME confirms your current health status so we can plan for your safe, high-quality care.
3. State-Required Pre-Admission Assessment (PAA)
No more than 30 days prior to move-in, our Clinical Team conducts an in-person, functional assessment as required by the state of Pennsylvania (can also be done online for out-of-state applicants).
This personal meeting is crucial for determining your exact Level of Care needs, which directly affects your monthly fees and ensures we can support your independence.
4. Decision & Acceptance
A decision is made about your place at Friends Home.
We strive for a decision within 24 hours of your PAA. If accepted, we welcome you to the family and move quickly to finalize the paperwork and set a move-in date!
A Place to Truly Live, Laugh & Love
Join a community where Friends become family.
Ensuring We Can Meet Your Individual Needs
To ensure a safe and supportive community environment, we have a few criteria for residency. These requirements help us protect the wellness and safety of all our residents.
Health and Clinical Eligibility
For your safety and that of our community, we must confirm we can provide appropriate care. This is finalized by reviewing your Medical Evaluation (DME) and our Pre-Admission Assessment (PAA).
We can confirm acceptance and provide a final monthly cost only after:
- You have had an in-person or virtual visual assessment by a Friends Home team member.
- Your care needs fall within the scope of our licenses (Independent Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing, and Integrated Dementia Care).
Please note: Friends Home is a small, non-profit community and cannot accept residents who require a ventilator or who present significant psychiatric behaviors that could be harmful to themselves or others.
Financial Screening
Friends Home is built on a pure-rental model.
Our Executive Director conducts a personal financial review to project how long your funds will support your residency, providing both you and your family confidence in your long-term independence.
Please note: Friends Home is a private-pay community and is not Medicare- or Medicaid-certified for any Level of Care.
“Personal, loving care for the elderly.”
- S. J. Palumbo
Financial Details
Long-term care is a big financial decision. We offer a transparent, month-to-month rental model without a large upfront buy-in cost.
Monthly costs include:
- Room & Board
- Level-of-Care Fees
Move-in Details
The big day! Our priority is to eliminate the burden of managing a home so you can focus on living well and being well.
Details include:
- What to expect
- What to bring
- How to set up your new space
A Place to Truly Live, Laugh & Love
Join a community where Friends become family.
Admissions FAQs
Is there a waiting list?
We do occasionally have waiting lists, particularly for certain sizes of rooms or Levels of Care.
The best way to secure your place in our process is to submit a formal application and the $5,000 admission fee if you wish to hold a specific, available room for more than three months.
How quickly can I move in?
Once your medical evaluation and pre-admission assessment are complete, and you've been formally accepted, the move-in process can move quite quickly.
State regulations require the medical evaluation to be conducted within 60 days of move-in and the PAA to be completed within 30 days.
What if my care needs change after I move in?
Your wellness is our priority. Your care needs and associated fees are formally reassessed annually by our clinical team, or as soon as there is a significant change in your health status.
This ensures that your monthly fees always reflect the actual Level of Care and support you receive.
Are there any medical conditions that Friends Home cannot accommodate?
To ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in our intimate setting, we must focus on high-quality, personalized care that fits our environment.
Our facilities are not equipped to provide continuous care for residents requiring ventilator dependency.
Additionally, we cannot accommodate individuals with significant psychiatric issues that could result in them being harmful to themselves or to others.