Frequently Asked Questions

Basically, it’s life without worrying about the upkeep and mainteance of a house. That means all exterior, interior, and appliance maintenance, as well as groundskeeping, grass cutting and leaf removal are included in your monthly fee. The fees also provide for trash removal, scheduled transportation, security personnel, and the emergency call system.

There are primarily two fees, a one-time Entrance Fee, and an ongoing Monthly Service Fee.  The Entrance Fee assures you a residence at Southminster for the balance of your life whether one lives independently or in our health area.  Both “standard” and “refundable” entry fee options are available.  The Monthly Service Fee covers the monthly expenses associated with you living at Southminster including utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, the meal plan, use of the wellness center, and many of our activities.

Yes. Current IRS rules allow a portion of your monthly service fee and entrance fee (in the year paid) to be considered as a pre-paid medical expense.  This amount may be added to your overall medical expenses and, to the extent then that your total medical expenses are deductible, it may offer you a tax advantage.  Charges related to health services received through Embrace Care or Embrace Health are also allowable as medical expenses.  Early each year, you will recieve a letter from Southminster’s independent auditors notifying you of the amounts determined acceptable as a pre-paid medical expense.  As with any item related to your tax situation, we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor.

One of the most important benefits of Southminster is the access to a variety of health services. No matter what your needs are, we’ve got the capacity to meet them on every level.  At Southminster, you’ll have the security of a full continuum of care that includes home care, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and physical rehabilitation.

Obviously, making the move to a retirement community is a personal decision that needs to be made by every individual. We suggest that people move while they are physically capable of making a move and mentally able to enjoy the lifestyle here at Southminster.

We encourage all of our residents to create their own ideal living space – we can even help you with the planning and execution. Depending on the extent of your renovations, you may have to get written approval before you begin. Of course, you’ll be responsible for all the costs associated with your improvements or modifications. Ownership of the addition or change automatically accrues to Southminster.

Yes, each apartment has an additional storage area located off one of the residence halls.

Definitely not! Southminster reaches out to people from all walks of life, and all faiths, and encourages them to become a part of our community.

Yes, we welcome your well-behaved cat or dog.  There is a small one-time pet deposit required.

Most of our residents who drive bring their cars, although couples often find they can easily get along with only one. However, if driving is one of the things you choose to leave behind, we provide medical transportation and scheduled transportation to area shopping and Southminster off-site events.

At Southminster we have an environment that encourages social interaction and an authentic sense of community.

Absolutely! We have accomplished professionals living at Southminster who continue to enjoy and excel in their careers. Others choose to apply their experience and skills serving on boards and committees here on campus or in the greater Charlotte area. Walking around the property, there’s a good chance you’ll run into some of the business and philanthropic leaders who built and continue to shape the greater Charlotte area.

The decision is a collaborative effort involving the resident, the family, the resident’s physician, and the Health and Wellness Team.

Absolutely. The residents appoint a Mayor to serve as their representative in regular meetings with the Southminster management and board. There are also over 20 resident committees that help shape the daily goings on at Southminster ranging from a budget review committee to a communications committee.