Frequently Asked Questions

Why move to Fairhaven?

For over 50 years, Fairhaven has been refining and improving the way we provide care and accommodations for senior citizens. From the beginning, our vision has been one of independent living for as long as possible and unparalleled health care and support when needed. We encourage you to continue with your usual interests and pursuits and to maintain current friendships and relationships. There is comfort in knowing that you can look to Fairhaven for additional services as needed.

What are the requirements for residency?

A physical exam from your doctor is required prior to acceptance. This will help us determine the appropriate living environment for you. Those requiring some level of assistance must be able to be cared for within the scope of Fairhaven’s licensure and policy. You must be of good character and meet financial requirements to pay for current and anticipated services through personal assets or insurance.

Residents are expected to manage their own financial resources in a responsible and ethical manner to assure payment for services received. Once accepted for residency at Fairhaven, except in a case of divestment of resources, residents will not be asked to leave because they can no longer pay for services.

What are the financial obligations?

An Entry Fee is required for independent apartments. This is a one-time payment to help cover the cost of all services and conveniences that are included with your residency. That Entry Fee varies according to the type of accommodation chosen. In addition, there is a monthly maintenance fee for your apartment. This monthly fee includes all utilities (except telephone), cable television, all activities, and social programs, heavy house-cleaning (every 4-6 weeks), weekly flat laundry service, kitchen appliances, any maintenance needs, and Fairhaven’s local transportation service.

No Entry Fee is required for entry into Hearthstone, the Health and Rehabilitation Center, the Assisted Living area, and some levels of Supportive Living.

What provisions are made for health services?

We hope to help you stay healthy, but in case of urgent needs, our nursing staff is on-site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Our apartments are licensed as a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF). You may not need any routine services upon move-in, but it is good to know that, through our Supportive Living Program, you can receive assistance with medication administration, bathing, dressing and the like while remaining in your apartment. Should additional assistance be needed, we offer an Assisted Living area and the Hearthstone Memory support residence. Our Health & Rehabilitation Center is located in the central building and is certified for Medicare and Medicaid.

Do I have to relinquish assets or turn over resources to Fairhaven?

No! Your commitment to Fairhaven is limited to the Entry Fee and the monthly maintenance fee. In addition, though we hope your residency will be long and enjoyable, you are free to leave at any time.

There is a great value to a community that has an entrance fee. Once you qualify both medically and financially to live in an independent apartment, you are taken care of for life. All the apartments and care areas are on one campus. Transitioning to the next level of care is smooth and supportive, and with the same familiar faces, you’ve come to know and trust.

Why move to Fairhaven Now? I'm healthy and I get by.

This can be a perilous way of thinking. It’s like saying, “I will only make a move if I have a health crisis.” When health has worsened, the burden is put on someone else for support and decision making. By coming to a community when you are healthy and of sound mind, you will get to choose where you want to enjoy the rest of your retirement years. You’ll be able to take advantage of all the activities and enjoy friends. Statistics prove that community residents live healthier and longer lives because of the stimulating surroundings and the camaraderie of neighbors.

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Our History

The father of Fairhaven was Rev. Dr. Jess H. Norenberg. He, among others, took up the vision of a home for the aging while serving as the superintendent of the Wisconsin Congregational Conference, later to become the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ.   Through his efforts and talent, Fairhaven became what it is today.

In 1962, five residents moved into a newly constructed apartment building in Whitewater that was designated for seniors. The vision of its founders was residency, not institutionalism, with residents coming and going as they choose and free from the burdens of homeownership and maintenance. Over the years, various other services were added – housekeeping, laundry, food service, and nursing services.

In those early years, the idea of having all levels of care under one roof (Life Plan/continuum of care) was new to senior housing. Fairhaven has been a leader in this concept and continues to grow and provide even more services for its residents.

Over our short 50+ years of existence, Fairhaven has added Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Assisted Living and Supportive Care in addition to the Independent Living Apartments that it first offered. Fairhaven also recognized the need for housing that would give specialized care to those with memory impairments.

Hearthstone was designed specifically to accommodate and care for those residents. Prairie Village residents, age 55+ enjoy an independent lifestyle while knowing that they have access to the amenities of Fairhaven and the care levels there if the need arises.