May 25, 2023 —In this guide to becoming a resident of Kendal at Lexington (sometimes called KaLex), we’ll help you navigate the process in a step-by-step fashion, from exploring our website to opening the door to your new home and endless possibilities.
A Portrait of Kendal at Lexington
Before we set out, you may be interested to know that about half of the approximately 200 current residents at Kendal at Lexington come from the Lexington, VA, geographic area; others are from parts nearby. Still others come from as far away as California, Maine, Texas, Florida, and everywhere in between.
Many of our residents are highly educated with considerable skills and life experiences, but newcomers of all backgrounds feel at home right away in our friendly, welcoming community.
Outside our picturesque Kendal campus in the stunning Shenandoah Valley is historic downtown Lexington, within walking distance of residents’ front doors. An active small town with two colleges, abundant natural beauty and wonderful weather, Lexington is where those who live here want to stay, and those who don’t want to come.
Step 1: Delve into Our Website
Chances are, you’re on our recently revamped website at this moment, so feel free to really dig in and take an in-depth virtual tour!
Easy and intuitive to navigate, our top-level tabs on every page open the first doors to many more. “Walk” right in each one, and don’t forget to use the search bar to jump directly to subjects that interest you.
Here are some quick links to get you started:
Community Overview
Understanding the Continuum of Care
Kendal Values
Floorplans
Pricing Information
Video Tours
Dining and Menus
News and Blogs
Resident Testimonials
Local Lexington Attractions
Schedule a Tour
Contact Us
Step 2: Try Us Out!
Seeing is believing, so why not experience our beautiful community in person? Schedule a tour with one of our knowledgeable marketing associates, who will answer your questions about contracts, amenities, floor plans, etc. and show you our dining rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center, library, auditorium and other common areas, as well as apartments and cottages. Meet some of our residents and staff, and stay for lunch, dinner or an activity on campus
For a more immersive experience, stay overnight with our Try-It program, offering you complimentary lodging for one or two nights at our restored 18th century Sunnyside guest house and complimentary meals hosted by current residents. You can also meet with our marketing team for a tour and participate in activities and amenities.
Step 3: Join the Priority Waitlist
Whether you’re ready to move in a month, a year, or 10 years, it’s wise to join our Priority Waitlist as soon as possible.
Our marketing team is here to guide you through the process and answer all your questions. Keeping our waitlist members close in mind, we reach out regularly with developments in their status and other relevant information.
While our current waitlist membership averages about 150-180 households, there are several variables that determine wait time. Depending on your housing and floor plan preferences, something could open up quickly, and even if it doesn’t, you have your place “in line” when it eventually does.
To join the Priority Waitlist, there is a $1,350 ($1,000 refundable) fee, which not only guarantees your place in line for residency, it allows you to participate in Kendal events, access our fitness center at discounted rates, and receive communications to make you feel part of the community right away.
What’s more, our one-stop online portal for Priority Waitlist members keeps you in the KaLex loop well before you move in, providing exclusive content from admission forms to floorplans to financial worksheets, a money gauge tool, plus stories, blogs, our “CATIE web” resident website portal, and more.
Find out more about joining our Priority Waitlist here or call 540-458-3790.
Step 4: Join the Ready List
Different from the Priority Waitlist, the Ready List (a subset of the waitlist) is for those prospective residents who are two years or less away from a possible move to KaLex. Once you’ve decided upon this time frame, it’s important to let the marketing team know as soon as possible at 540-458-0117.
Keep in mind that if those who joined the waitlist before you also join the Ready List, they will have priority over you. But don’t despair. Circumstances continually change, and some people on the list choose not to move to Kendal.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE READY LIST
Step 5: Reserve Your Residence
Being on the Ready List means you’re prepared for our call! Once something we think you’ll like opens up, we will contact you. At this time, you will have approximately a week (sometimes less for high-demand residences) to decide whether you want to reserve the available apartment or cottage.
Reservation requires a deposit of 10% of the Kendal entrance fee, and the closing period is typically 60-90 days.
It’s wise to begin downsizing as soon as you request to be on the Ready List, or perhaps even when you join the Priority Waitlist. Downsizing is often a lengthy, arduous process; the sooner you begin, the more ready you’ll be when your new home becomes available!
Step 6: Begin the Admissions Process
Once you’ve made your reservation, you will fill out necessary financial and medical paperwork, and the approval process begins. While this may seem daunting, several Kendal residents say they were surprised how easy the process was.
Others felt assured that Kendal, a Life Plan community, ensures that residents have the financial wherewithal to receive the best of care for the rest of their lives, regardless of how their needs may change, and that their baseline health condition is assessed upfront. This information is held in the strictest of confidence.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR FINANCIAL REVIEW AND MEDICAL REVIEW PROCESSES.
Step 7: Discuss Renovation Option
Before residents move in, the marketing and operations team meets with them to discuss desired upgrades or renovations such as paint colors, flooring, kitchens, etc. We will work with you to ensure everything in your new home meets the “Kendal Standard” KaLex residents are accustomed to.
Step 8: Sign the Residence and Care Agreement
Residents sign a Residence and Care Agreement (RCA) once financial and medical paperwork is completed and approved and renovations are discussed. This is a contract between Kendal at Lexington and residents outlining resident and community responsibilities and the continuum of care.
Step 9: Close the Deal
At the time of closing, residents pay the balance of their entrance fee in full. Depositors who have a home to sell are offered a promissory note for 50% of the entrance fee at zero percent interest for six months or until the house sells, whichever comes first.
Step 10: Move In!
This is the last step in the process and the beginning of your brand-new life! Once you’ve moved in, one of the friendly residents on Kendal’s Welcome Committee will reach out as your mentor to answer your questions, introduce you to all the activities and special interest groups on campus, and smooth your transition into the KaLex family – all from a fellow resident’s perspective. One or more members of the leadership team will also meet with you in your new home.
Is Kendal at Lexington the Next Step on Life’s Exciting Journey?
Start the Adventure Today!
