FAQs About Independent Living: Table of Contents

1. What is included in the monthly fee?
2. Is there an entrance fee?
3. Is O’Connor Woods a smoke-free environment?
4. Are pets allowed?
5. Is there space available for personal gardening?
6. Tell me about your lease.
7. How old do I have to be to move in?
8. How many couples reside at O'Connor Woods?
9. Is O'Connor Woods a life care community or a continuing care community?
10. Where are you located?
11. What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living at O’Connor Woods?

What is included in the monthly fee?
Flexible dining plan, all utilities except telephone, cable TV, weekly housekeeping, 24 hour security, transportation, activities (including the fitness classes) and the services of our health clinic nurse.

Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is only a non-refundable application fee of $1000 as well as a month's rent when you select your apartment. Occupancy has ranged from 95-99% the past four years. 

Is O'Connor Woods a smoke-free environment?
Yes, we are a non-smoking community.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, small pets are allowed in the cottages and one of the apartment buildings.

Is there space available for personal gardening?
Yes, we have a climate controlled greenhouse as well as beds for personal gardening. There is even a large vegetable garden available for residents use.

Tell me about your lease.
All residents sign a 1 year lease which terminates after 30 days notice should you need another level of living, such as assisted living or skilled nursing.

How old do I have to be to move in?
At least one of you (in the case of a couple) must be 62 years old.

How many couples reside at O'Connor Woods?
Although it can fluctuate from time to time, out of 325 residents, approximately 40% are couples.  Counting both married and single gentlemen, over 30% of our Independent community is made up of men. We are proud to report that these percentages are on the higher side compared to many other retirement communities.  

Is O'Connor Woods a life care community or a continuing care community?
No, life care and continuing care facilities typically charge entrance fees and are required to be licensed by the state of California.  Since we do not charge an entrance fee nor charge for the privilege of having priority access to different levels of care on the campus, this licensure is unnecessary for us. 
 
Although we are not licensed as either life care or continuing it is important to point out that our continuum of care services are as comprehensive as any CCRC in the state.

Where are you located?
Stockton is located 83 freeway miles east of the San Francisco Bay area, 337 miles north of Los Angeles and 40 mile south of Sacramento, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.  Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Mountains are a short drive to the east and the beautiful Pacific Ocean is a short drive to the west. Stockton is bordered by Interstate 5 on the west side and State Highway 99 on the east side

Click here to view location map

What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living at O’Connor Woods?

Our Independent Living is designed for residents who want to continue living an active and independent lifestyle.  They must be able to provide for their daily personal needs without assistance.  We have an expansive 34-acre campus, so it is important to the success of one’s residency to be able to physically access a variety of activities and services throughout the community.  One meal is served daily in our beautiful dining room.  Each residence has a full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer for the resident’s convenience. 

Click here for more Independent Living Information

Our Assisted Living accommodations are designed for the individual who needs non-medical assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication supervision, but does not need nursing care.  Laundry services are provided, as well as three meals a day.  The closer proximity of services in Assisted Living offers a more supportive environment for those who have limited mobility or must rely on a walking device; however, residents must be able to transfer on their own if they use a walker or wheel chair. 

Click here for more Assisted Living Information