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Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills - Assisted Living & Senior Care in Forest Hills, NY

Address: 108-25 Horace Harding Exwy, Forest Hills, NY 11368 Neighborhood: Forest Hills (bordering Corona), Queens Phone: (718) 760-4600 Website: Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills Website

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Quick Overview

Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills is a large, established senior living community offering multiple levels of care just off the Long Island Expressway in Queens. With a capacity for 200 residents and currently operating near 90% occupancy, it provides a structured environment with dedicated services for both general assisted living and memory care populations.

• Care Offered: Assisted Living, Memory Care (Dementia Care), Respite Care, Trial Stays (30 days)
• Pricing: Starting at $1,406/month for a shared room; Memory Care from $7,750/month plus community fee (See details below)
• Vibe: A bustling, structured community with diverse residents and staff, offering comprehensive care services within a multi-story building.
• Standout Features: Secure, dedicated Memory Care floor with specific programming; Clear acceptance and handling of Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI; Diverse staff accommodating multiple languages (Spanish, Creole, Mandarin noted).
• Contour Score: (Optional: Your own rating based on standardized criteria)

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Pricing, Fees & Contract Details

Understanding the costs associated with senior living is crucial for families. Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills operates on a month-to-month basis and provided the following pricing structure during a March 2025 admissions call. Please note that these figures are subject to change and should be verified directly. Care costs appear integrated into the base rates provided, but specific care level assessments may apply.

Monthly Room Rates (Base Rent): (Note: Prices confirmed via admissions call March 2025. SSI income can be used towards Room & Board for eligible residents.)

Room Type	Starting Price (Monthly)	Availability	Description / Notes
General - Shared (2 people)	$1,406	Based on current occupancy	Base rate for shared accommodation.
General - Private (Small)	$2,606	Based on current occupancy	Base rate ($1406) + $1200 private room supplement.
General - Private (Large)	$2,906	Based on current occupancy	Base rate ($1406) + $1500 large private room supplement.
Memory Care - Private	$7,750	Based on unit availability	All rooms are private. Equivalent to $250/day.

• Base Rent Includes: Room, board (3 meals + 2 snacks), housekeeping, laundry, activities, medication management reminders/assistance, basic care oversight. Specific inclusions should be confirmed in the residency agreement. Research suggests an “all-inclusive structure” but this requires verification against the specific care plan.

Additional Costs & Fees:

Fee Type	Amount	Frequency	Notes
Memory Care Community Fee	$4,000	One-Time	Required for entry into the Memory Care program.
General Admission Fee	None	N/A	No security deposit or separate community fee noted.
Personal Care Items	Varies	As needed	Diapers may be covered by Medicaid if eligible.
Specialized Therapies	Varies	As needed	PT/OT may be covered by insurance (e.g., Medicare).

• Care Level Costs: The provided rates seem to encompass standard care within each program (General vs. Memory Care). Significant changes in care needs could potentially alter costs; this should be clarified during the assessment process. The presence of an on-site Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) allows for potentially integrated or additional care services.

Contract Terms:

• Lease: Month-to-month. Residents can opt to pay multiple months in advance.
• Rent Stability: Rent increases are possible; inquire about the facility’s history and policy regarding annual rent adjustments.

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Care Services & Medical Support

Levels of Care: Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills provides the following levels of care:

• Assisted Living: For residents needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders, within the ‘General Admission’ population floors.
• Memory Care: Provided on a dedicated, secured floor (2nd Floor) for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, featuring specialized programming and increased staff ratios. Capacity noted as 20 beds.
• Respite Care: Short-term stays for individuals needing temporary care or whose regular caregivers need a break (Capacity noted as 3 beds on NYS profile).
• Trial Stays: A 30-day program allowing prospective residents to experience the community before committing long-term.

Care Planning:

• Your care plan is typically created by: The admissions team, incorporating information from the resident’s primary physician.
• The process involves: Gathering medical history and needs via physician-completed paperwork (facility provided) during the admissions process. Admissions staff conduct interviews to understand dietary needs, preferences, and required accommodations, ensuring a customized plan. The plan is communicated to relevant departments (kitchen, care staff).

Medical Staff & Support:

• On-Site Professionals: Medical Assistant (daily), Physician (multiple times per week). Access to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy is available on-site.
• Availability: Medical Assistant available daily (reported as 8 am - 4 pm with overnight coverage by other staff/aides). Physician visits occur approximately 3 times per week. 24/7 aide coverage is provided throughout the facility.
• Medication Management: Provided. Medications are distributed daily by doctor’s assistants or trained aides, either in residents’ rooms or via a medication cart in common areas, according to individual schedules.
• Emergency Protocol: In case of emergency (fall, medical event), front desk staff are notified, an ambulance is called to transport the resident to their designated hospital, and the facility administration (“Boss” - Abe) and family are notified promptly.
• Coordination: The facility coordinates with external providers and uses Medicare for doctor visits and related services. They also facilitate transportation (covered by Medicaid if eligible) to off-site appointments.

Specialized Care:

• Memory Care: Features a dedicated, secured unit on the 2nd floor with its own dining area, activity space, and access to an outdoor patio (weather permitting). Staffing ratio reported at 4-5 staff members per 20 residents. Residents require escort to leave the floor.
• Other Needs Handled: The facility accommodates various dietary needs (e.g., pureed, shredded) when identified during intake. Specific conditions beyond dementia should be discussed directly with admissions to confirm handling capabilities. Research noted Hoyer Lifts as “No” on one directory; verify if needed.

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Staffing

• Staffing Ratio: Memory Care ratio reported as 4-5 staff per 20 residents per shift. General population ratio was not explicitly stated but 24/7 aide coverage is provided. Verification of specific ratios for general population, especially during evenings and weekends, is recommended.
• Staffing Model: Includes aides, medical assistants, nursing oversight (Wellness Center staff supervised by a nurse per research), administrative staff, dining staff, housekeeping, and activities personnel. An LHCSA is on-site.
• Staff Qualifications: Generally includes Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides (HHAs), medical assistants, potentially LPNs/RNs (especially supervising), and specialized therapists.
• Staff Tenure/Turnover: Admissions staff reported low turnover since new ownership took over approximately three years prior (as of March 2025). While positive if accurate, self-reported data should be viewed cautiously. Inquire further during a tour.

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Accommodations & Amenities

Resident Rooms:

• Furnishing: Rooms are furnished.
• Room Features: Each room typically includes a bed, dresser, closet, nightstand, and lamp. Rooms have windows and accessible bathrooms. Research indicates some rooms may have kitchenettes and are wired for cable, but this needs confirmation.
• Room Sizes: Specific square footage was not provided. Room types include Shared (2-person), Small Private, and Large Private for general admission, and Private rooms for Memory Care.

Building Amenities & Services:

• Housekeeping: Daily light cleaning with a mandatory weekly deep clean.
• Laundry: Weekly personal laundry service is included. Linen service is also provided.
• Common Areas: Residents have access to a main dining hall (basement level for general population), lobby areas, activity rooms, an outdoor space/patio (Memory Care has a dedicated patio), and likely other common spaces mentioned in research (Arts Room, Game Room, Library, Fitness Room, Wellness Center, Beauty/Barber Shop - verify availability). A Private Dining Room is available for parties.
• Transportation: Provided for medical appointments, typically covered by Medicaid for eligible residents. Other transportation services mentioned as “Free” in research - clarify scope.
• Security: The Memory Care unit is secured with coded access. General facility security features should be confirmed (e.g., front desk monitoring, door security).

Safety Features:

• Fall Prevention: Measures are implemented as needed based on resident assessment. This includes potentially adding bed rails (discussed with family) and strategically arranging room furniture (e.g., bed against the wall). Assigned seating in the dining hall acts as a passive wellness check.
• Emergency Call System: Research indicates a 24-hour call system exists. Verify the type (pull cords, pendants) and placement during a tour.

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Dining Experience

• Meals Served: Three meals are provided daily, plus two snacks. General population residents dine communally in the main dining hall (basement). Memory Care residents dine in a dedicated dining area on their floor. In-room dining is available if a resident is unable or prefers not to go to the dining hall. Assigned seating is used in the main dining hall for wellness monitoring.
• Dining Hours: Fixed meal times are observed:
  • Breakfast: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Dinner: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Snacks are provided between meals.
• Dietary Options: Accommodates special diets identified during intake (e.g., pureed, mechanical soft, potentially diabetic). Research mentioned vegan/vegetarian options. Kosher options were not explicitly confirmed; verify supervision level if required.
• Guest Meals: Policy on guest meals was not specified; inquire directly.

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Community Life & Activities

• Resident Community: The community is diverse, with staff speaking Spanish, Creole, and some residents speaking Mandarin. The minimum age is 65, with the average resident age reported in the mid-70s. The average length of stay was estimated by admissions staff at around 8 years, though noted the facility has been under current ownership for about 3 years.
• Activities: A daily activities program is offered. Examples provided include:
  • Bingo (daily after lunch)
  • Exercise classes (daily)
  • Pet Therapy (regularly scheduled)
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy sessions
  • Parties and Social Events (utilizing outdoor space when possible)
  • Music, Games, Arts & Crafts, Social Outings, Clubs (Book, Cooking, Gardening), Lectures (mentioned in research - verify current schedule)
  • On-site Religious Services (mentioned in research - verify) (Ask for a current activity calendar during a tour)
• Visiting: Visiting hours are generally flexible. For Memory Care, visits are preferred before 6:00 PM to avoid disruption during evening care routines, but accommodations can be discussed. Visitors sign in, and Memory Care visitors require an escort due to the secure floor.
• Pets: Not permitted for residents (explicitly stated in research data). Pet therapy visits occur.

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Insurance & Payment Options

• Accepted Payers: Private Pay, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare.
  • Important Note: Medicare covers physician visits, certain therapies, and hospital stays, but does not typically cover long-term assisted living room and board. Medicaid covers specific services like aides, transportation for appointments, and supplies (like diapers) for eligible residents. SSI income is used directly to pay for the resident’s room and board ($1,406 base rate or negotiated rate). Long Term Care Insurance policies may be accepted, but specific requirements apply – verify with the facility and your policy provider.
• Insurance Billing: The facility acts as the Representative Payee for residents using SSI, receiving payments directly from the Social Security Administration and managing the funds. They handle billing and follow-up with Social Security regarding room and board payments. They also bill Medicare and Medicaid for covered services.
• Medicaid Specifics: Medicaid primarily covers care services (aides), medical transportation, and certain supplies for financially and clinically eligible residents. It does not typically cover the full cost of room and board in this type of licensed facility (Adult Home/Enriched Housing) unless specific waiver programs apply – clarify eligibility and coverage details carefully.

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Location & Neighborhood

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Castle Senior Living is situated directly off the Horace Harding Expressway (Long Island Expressway/I-495, Exit 22) in Forest Hills, Queens, bordering the neighborhood of Corona. Its location offers convenient highway access. Nearby points of interest include Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Center Mall, and several hospitals like NY-Presbyterian/Queens and Elmhurst Hospital Center. Accessibility via public transport should be confirmed based on specific routes.

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Reputation & Reviews

• A Place For Mom: Score not provided in data, but generally positive reviews mentioned in research.
• Google Reviews: Score not provided in data, but generally positive reviews mentioned in research.
• Common Themes in Reviews: Research indicated reviews often praise staff attentiveness and the overall atmosphere. Some comments mentioned the building layout could be confusing, or noted specific environmental details (like room temperature during a visit).
• State Inspection Reports: The facility is licensed by the New York State Department of Health (Operating Certificate Numbers: 590-F-324, 590-F-307). Prospective residents and families are strongly encouraged to review the latest inspection reports available on the NYS DOH website for objective findings on compliance and any cited deficiencies. (Link to state licensing site or provide summary if possible - critical for objective assessment)

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Contour’s Take

Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills presents as a large, service-intensive community catering to a diverse population in Queens. Its clear pricing structure, particularly the defined roles of Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI, is a significant advantage for families navigating payment options. The dedicated, secure Memory Care floor with a higher staff ratio addresses a critical need. The reported long average length of stay (though needing context due to recent ownership change) could suggest resident satisfaction.

Pros:

• Dedicated, secure Memory Care unit with specific programming and staffing.
• Clear acceptance and management of complex payment sources like SSI and Medicaid for relevant costs.
• Comprehensive on-site services including daily medical assistant presence, regular physician visits, and therapies.
• Diverse staff accommodating multiple languages.
• Month-to-month contracts offer flexibility.
• Furnished rooms simplify the moving process.

Cons:

• Large size (up to 200 residents) may feel less intimate for some.
• Fixed dining hours and assigned seating might lack flexibility preferred by some residents.
• Reported potential challenges with layout navigation (mentioned in some reviews).
• Pet policy does not allow resident pets.
• Reliance on self-reported data for staff turnover necessitates verification.

Who Might Be a Good Fit Here?

• Individuals needing Assisted Living or Memory Care who qualify for or utilize SSI and/or Medicaid for care services.
• Families seeking a structured environment with robust medical oversight and on-site services.
• Seniors comfortable in a larger, diverse community setting.
• Residents needing specialized Memory Care in a secure environment.

Things to Ask About on a Tour:

• Request the current activity calendar for both general population and Memory Care.
• Inquire about the specific staff-to-resident ratios on the general assisted living floors, particularly during evening, overnight, and weekend shifts.
• Ask for clarification on staff turnover rates beyond the general statement provided.
• Verify the availability and condition of amenities mentioned in research (Fitness Room, Library, etc.).
• Discuss the process for assessing changes in care needs and potential associated cost adjustments.
• Clarify the exact scope of transportation services offered beyond Medicaid-covered medical trips.
• Ask to see the latest State Department of Health inspection report summary.
• Confirm details regarding Kosher dietary options if required.
• Inquire about resident council or family feedback mechanisms.

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Disclaimer: Information is gathered from facility calls (March 2025), websites, public sources (NYS DOH), and third-party sites. While we strive for accuracy, details like pricing, staffing, and availability change frequently. Please verify all information directly with Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills before making any decisions.

Data Sources:

• Admissions Call Transcript & Notes (March 26, 2025)
• Web Research Synthesis (Official Website, NYS DOH Profiles, Third-Party Directories like A Place for Mom, Caring.com)
• Contact Information Verification

Last Updated: April 3, 2024 (Placeholder - Adjust to actual date)

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