Just the FAQs

There are some misconceptions about St. James Place that seem to float around Baton Rouge. Many of them aren’t new, but we thought we’d address a few of the more important ones here. So, sit back and relax while we set the record straight.

Let’s get the biggest one out of the way first:

This sounds expensive. What kind of costs and fees am I looking at?

We understand your concerns about money, especially with the inflation we’re experiencing right now. This hits retirees on fixed incomes particularly hard. But as we’ve said numerous times in the past (and resident Tip Tipton says quite eloquently in our latest TV commercial), you don’t have to be a millionaire to live at St. James Place.

With everything available to our residents, we understand why folks might think you do have to be rich to live here. The security gate at our entrance and the high bushes surrounding the campus may give St. James Place an air of mystery. But the simple fact is this: our community is made up of people from all walks of life — retired teachers, ministers, farmers, mechanics, and yes, some bankers, doctors and attorneys as well. Our residents are just as down-to-earth as they can be.

But don’t you have entrance and monthly fees? Those can really add up.

Like all Life Plan Communities, we do have these fees. But you have to look at what the fees cover and how much you can end up saving. St. James Place is a Life Plan Community that gives you the security of guaranteed access to medical care — and that’s just for starters. Here, you’ll have a wonderful home and great social life. We also have tons of amenities and services and fantastic dining. And your Life Plan guarantees you’ll receive whatever level of care you need without significant changes to your current fee.

After moving to St. James Place, should your healthcare needs change you can seamlessly transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Care or Nursing Care. And remember those entrance fees? They include access to the finest medical care you can get. And don’t forget, a portion of your entrance and monthly service fees may be tax deductible as prepaid medical expenses (you should probably consult your tax advisor to see how this can best help you). In this way, you can actually protect your assets from the continually rising costs of healthcare.

Is St. James Place a 55+ community or a regular retirement community?

Good question. The answer is, neither. St. James Place is a Life Plan Community. The first step in deciding which is best for you is understanding the differences between a 55+ Retirement Community and a Life Plan Community.

55+ Retirement Communities are often simply developments run by a homeowner’s association. They take care of maintaining outdoor and common areas. Many communities have a meeting room or clubhouse where residents can organize activities, similar to condominium living.  

On the other hand, a Life Plan Community like St. James Place offers a much broader range of services and amenities. Life here is truly maintenance-free. We take care of all maintenance and repairs inside and outside your home, including housekeeping and linen services. Got a problem with the fridge or air-conditioning? Our maintenance team will take care of it for you. Don’t feel like cooking? St. James Place has a wide variety of dining options, from light fare to fine dining. And if you prefer to cook, no worries there, either. All St. James Place homes and apartments feature beautifully appointed kitchens.

What type of residences are available & what’s included?

At St. James Place, you’ll find everything from one-bedroom apartments to Garden Homes with private garages. We have a variety of floor plans available to suit your needs, whatever they may be.

As to what’s included, this may take a while. When you’re a resident here, St. James Place covers all your interior and exterior maintenance, including our beautiful grounds. In our community, home maintenance is a thing of the past. As previously noted, there’s also an incredibly wide range of activities, classes and events, religious services and friends who will help keep your social calendar as full as you want.

Most importantly, there’s that full continuum of healthcare available. On campus we offer assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Not only does this mean you’ll never have to move from St. James Place, you’ll also be giving your family peace of mind, knowing you will be cared for no matter what.

What types of amenities & activities do you have?

Too many to count, really. But for starters there’s our 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes a full range of workout equipment, classes, a heated, covered swimming pool, plus our personal trainers who can design personal fitness programs customized to your level of fitness. Beyond that, we have a salon and spa on campus, as well as a wide range of clubs and activities including gardening, bridge, poker, trivia, Bible study, music, a writer’s workshop, library, art classes, woodshop and billiards.

Oh. Did we mention dining? There’s the elegance and taste of fine dining available in our Duplantier restaurant and the casual, buffet of our Le Petit Carré dining room. And, of course, every Wednesday through Sunday at 4 pm, residents gather in the bar for our incredibly popular, Happy Hour which features tasty libations, nonalcoholic beverages, and a lot of engaging conversation. But Happy Hour at St. James Place is about much more than beverages. It’s about coming together as a community. No matter your background or lifestyle preferences, Happy Hour is about meeting new friends and a social event very few residents want to miss.

What makes St. James Place different?

Two words — our people. Our residents are fun, friendly and incredibly welcoming. Misconceptions aside, our residents are a group of wonderful people waiting to help make you feel comfortable in your new surroundings. And so is our staff, many of whom have been here for years. Residents and staff at St. James Place are more like family. They truly care about each other, and it shows. There really is no place in Baton Rouge like St. James Place.

Is that it?

Not by a long shot. We’ve only skimmed the surface. See more questions and answers on our website. You’ve read about it. The next step is to pay us a visit and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

To dispel the myths and discover the reality of St. James Place for yourself, call (225) 215-4510, or visit our website to arrange your personal tour.