Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, is a retirement community that allows you access to a complete continuum of care and amenities all in one place. CCRCs offer Life Plans, which allows for seamless transition among Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Care and Memory Care facilities if the need arises. St. James Place is Baton Rouge’s only CCRC.

When was St. James Place founded?

St. James Place opened in 1983 as a full-service retirement community for the Gulf South region. It was the first retirement community in Louisiana, and became known as the first choice for active aging in Baton Rouge.

Is St. James Place affiliated with a religion?

St. James Place is sponsored by St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, however we are not affiliated with any particular religion. Individuals of all faiths are welcome to our community.

Who owns and operates St. James Place?

St. James Place is a not-for-profit corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. St. James Place is governed by a Board of Directors composed of business leaders, Episcopal clergy and community civic leaders. Under the leadership of the President and CEO, it is guided by a professional staff and Resident Council, which meets monthly to represent the ideas, opinions, compliments, and concerns of all residents.

How large is St. James Place?

Situated on what was once known as the Duplantier Plantation, St. James Place stretches across 52 acres. It consists of independent living apartments and homes, assisted living apartments and special care units. Over the years, we’ve experienced a multimillion dollar renovation to expand and upgrade living spaces for residents.

What types of residences does St. James Place offer?

Independent living options include one- or two- bedroom apartments with open and spacious floor plans ranging in size from 619 to 1,583 square feet, as well as garden and patio homes ranging from 1,080 to 1,670 square feet. Accommodations for assisted living residents as well as memory loss residents are available.

What kind of fees do residents pay?

Residents of St. James Place pay an entrance fee as well as a monthly service fee. These vary depending on the size and location of the residence chosen, type of contract chosen and the number of people living in the residence. Monthly service fees cover maintenance of all homes, grounds and facilities, as well as housekeeping, trash removal and access to our resort-style healthcare and fitness amenities.

What are Entrance Fees?

Your entrance fee guarantees a Life Plan with the peace of mind provided by long-term health care benefits. Should your health needs changes, your Life Plan covers the cost of priority access to our full continuum of care with minimal increase in monthly costs. Entrance fees are based on actuarial life span and required care cost projections.

Do you have to hand over all your assets to move into St. James Place?

No, St. James Place does not take all your assets before moving in. Originally, the concept of a continuing care community began with faith and charitable groups pooling their assets to provide lifetime care and residences for aging adults. As people began to live longer, the pooled asset model was not sustainable to provide needed care. Today, an entry fee approach is used and based on actuarial life span and required care cost projections.

Do you have to sell your property before moving into St. James Place?

Most residents use the equity in their home and property to cover the entrance fee, but we encourage you to contact a realtor or senior service planning organization to help find the right options for you.

Do you have to get rid of all your possessions before moving into a retirement community?

At St. James Place, our spacious homes range from one-bedroom apartments to 1,670 square feet homes, leaving more than enough room to bring your prized possessions along.

If my spouse needs to move into assisted living or nursing care, can I stay in my independent living unit? If so, are my fees impacted?

Your residence at St. James Place is considered your home. In the event that your spouse should transition to a different level of care, you are not required to move to another residence. As a CCRC, any changes in care are covered under your Life Plan.

Do St. James Place residents pay real estate taxes or need to carry personal property insurance?

No. Real estate taxes and necessary insurance costs are covered by St. James Place. However, residents are responsible for insuring their household effects and personal belongings.

Are my expenses at St. James Place tax deductible?

A portion of your Life Plan community entrance fee and monthly service fees are deductible as a prepaid medical expense.

What is the lifestyle like in a retirement community?

At St. James Place, you can live life to the fullest with your friends and family. With a full calendar of social events to keep you connected, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do. St. James Place has everything you need, including fitness classes, health care services and a beauty salon, conveniently located on one campus. From game day pep rallies to art lessons, you’ll never run out of activities to keep you busy.

What amenities are offered at St. James Place?

St. James Place offers a maintenance-free lifestyle. St. James Place features two on-site restaurants, cable and WiFi, a multimedia room, a convenience store, a state-of-the-art fitness center and pool, a beauty salon, a putting green and so much more.

What do you mean by maintenance-free lifestyle?

At St. James Place, yard work does not have to be hard work any more. Our grounds are beautifully and professionally maintained year-round. Offering protection during storm season, we have campus-wide generator power so that you can live comfortably and safely.

What activities are offered at St. James Place?

At St. James Place, you’ll enjoy on-campus activities like art, lessons, woodworking, fitness classes and happy hour, complete with shuffleboard courts and scenic walking trails. St. James Place also offers day trips for activities around Baton Rouge and provides monthly calendars of events for both Independent Living and Assisted Living residents. Ranging from off-campus activities and on-campus OLLI educational classes from LSU, residents will never be at a loss for something to do.

Does St. James Place offer transportation? Are personal vehicles allowed?

Yes, a shuttle runs on campus for residents, and transportation is also available for planned off-campus activities, and medical appointments. St. James Place residents who are licensed to drive are allowed to bring their own vehicle and travel off campus as they’d like.

What exercise or fitness opportunities are available at St. James Place?

St. James Place residents enjoy everything from heart healthy menus and health-related lectures to our state-of-the art 5,000 square feet fitness center which includes gym equipment for both able-bodied and disabled exercisers. Residents can enjoy scheduled exercise classes like Pilates and Tai Chi, as well as a heated, covered pool. A dedicated staff of full-time, certified fitness/personal trainers can also design a fitness program especially for you.

What meal plans and dining services are offered at St. James Place?

Within Independent Living you receive a “choice account” as part of your monthly service fee. Dining at St. James Place offers nutrition counseling services and healthy menu selections designed to support a healthy, active lifestyle. With two on-site restaurants, the variety is endless. Le Petit Carre is a casual buffet-style option with homestyle meals available for dine-in or to-go. At The Duplantier, you can enjoy a full-service dining experience in elegant and comfortable surroundings. St. James Place also features a coffee house complete with lunch options and pastries, as well as The Parlor for cocktails and socializing.

What is the food like at St. James Place?

Both of our on-site restaurants serve meals prepared by award-winning chefs. Our menus vary daily with many options to choose from. Residents are sure to be treated to something delicious that follows recommended health and nutritional guidelines.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, residents may bring their pets. It is the resident’s responsibility to comply with the pet policy, provide care and ensure that pets do not infringe on the privacy or safety of other residents.

Is there a chapel on campus?

Yes, the spiritual well-being and enrichment of each resident, while an individual choice, are vitally important at St. James Place. We also provide an on-site chaplain, plus services for a wide variety of denominations.

What are the guest policies? Is housing available for guests?

Your guests are welcome to visit you at St. James Place any time, including overnight. Guests are also welcome to dine with residents. A limited number of guest rooms are available for at a reasonable cost, and reservations are recommended. *Please note that due to COVID-19, guests are currently restricted from campus in order to minimize risk to our residents.

Will I be able to customize my home or apartment?

Yes, residents can furnish and decorate their own apartment or home to suit their personal tastes, including paint color and carpet options. Some remodeling of homes is allowed as well.

What type of security is available?

St. James Place is a gated community with security personnel on duty 24/7 at the gate as well as patrolling on campus. Doors into all apartment buildings are secured and require residents to have keys or scanners for access. Fire protection is provided throughout with smoke detector alarms and sprinkler systems. Fire, EMT and hospital services are just minutes away from the St. James Place campus.

What health care services are provided at St. James Place?

St. James Places offers a full range of health care options for residents, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Therapy and Memory Care. St. James Place has trained staff available on-site 24/7, as well as a Medical Director and nurse practitioner providing oversight of medical services and primary care services to residents.

What happens if my health needs change?

St. James Place is a CCRC offering a full continuum of care for residents. Your residency and Life Plan at St. James Place entitles you to all our levels of care with minimal increase of monthly cost. If your health needs change, facilities and caretakers appropriate to your needs are available.

Who decides when a resident must permanently move into Assisted Living?

The decision is made only after extensive consultation with you, your family, your personal physician, the St. James Place Medical Director and administration.

What are Caring Companions?

The Caring Companions program at St. James Place offers a wide range of companionship and home-based personal care assistance services for all our residents. Caring professionals are available to assist seniors with a variety of everyday needs, enabling them to live their lives with the greatest degree of independence possible in their own homes. Most importantly, we’re able to customize our health care services and provide them individually.

Does St. James Place offer services for residents with memory loss?

St. James Place offers specialized dementia, Alzheimer’s and Memory Care in two self-contained neighborhood settings. Accommodations emphasize safety and comfort. Daily routines based on preferences are customized to enhance individual abilities. With knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our staff provides appropriate and meaningful activities designed to meet the individual needs of the residents, as well as required nursing care and assistance with daily living.

What are the nursing standards at St. James Place?

Located in the Health and Wellness building, our Nursing Care Center provides the highest level of care any time of day or night. With personalized attention from a compassionate, trained staff of physicians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, dietitians and other professionals specially trained in geriatric care, the comfort and well-being of residents is our top priority. Our skilled nursing home in Baton Rouge provides a welcome relief and sense of security for residents and their families to know quality care is always available at St. James Place.

What about emergency medical care?

St. James Place’s nursing staff is available 24/7 and can be reached 24-hour security and emergency call systems in each nursing suite. Independent resident homes are equipped with motion detectors and emergency pull cords to alert our security if the need arises. St. James Place has also implemented a campus-wide generator power to minimize interruptions in caregiving needs in the event of a power outage.