FAQs

What is the difference between independent retirement living and assisted living?

While both assisted living and independent retirement living provide a number of similar services—including meals, housekeeping, transportation, and a full calendar of social events—assisted living takes these a step further. Assisted living provides personal services such as medication management or assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming. The type and frequency of these services, along with personal preferences, are determined by an assessment conducted by our Health Services Coordinator. This assessment allows residents to receive services appropriate to their individual abilities and needs—all while maintaining their maximum independence.

Are there any up-front or buy-in fees to live at Park Central?

Not at all. Unlike many other retirement communities, your money will not be tied up in a long-term contract at Park Central. Our many services and amenities are provided for a single monthly fee. Upon move-in to our retirement centers and assisted living centers, you’ll be asked to pay a $500.00 deposit.

Can I bring my own furniture and decorate my apartment?

Of course! Our independent retirement residences and assisted living residences are yours to decorate as you wish. We'll provide standard kitchen appliances, but the rest of the apartment is yours. Look through our photo galleries for Retirement Living and Assisted Living for a few examples of the beautiful apartment homes at Park Central.

Are pets allowed?

Yes! Park Central recognizes the companionship, love, gratitude, and fun that pets provide. That’s why we welcome them as part of our family. Pets are welcome at The Continental on floors one through three, where a special pet run was constructed during our last renovation. In addition, Park Central’s Caring Canine Club, a group of certified dog/handler teams, volunteers in our facility at all levels of residency, making regular visits to our residents. In addition, pets are welcome on the first floor of Plemons Court. 

What is the smoking policy at Park Central?

Park Central is a smoke-free campus.

Why is Park Central described as a “continuing care retirement community” and what does that mean?

You might hear our staff use the phrase “continuum of care” or “continuing care retirement community” when discussing our campus. This refers to the flexibility of services and programs necessary to meet the changing health needs of  our residents. Because we offer such a wide range of residence options—from independent retirement living to assisted living to long-term care—our residents can receive most of the services and assistance they need without ever having to leave our campus.

For example, many married couples may move into one of our retirement centers, like Park Place Towers or The Continental. As they age, one spouse’s health may begin to deteriorate, to the point when 24-hour nursing and long-term care become a necessity. In other retirement centers, this resident would have to transfer to another community, away from his spouse, family, friends, and familiar surroundings. But because Park Central offers such a wide range of options, the spouse with complex needs can simply move to Ware Living Center, while the other remains in their apartment. They still live under the same roof, on the same campus, in the same community. This allows them a much easier transition and plenty of quality time together. That’s why being a “continuing care retirement community” is such an important characteristic of Park Central.

Who owns and operates Park Central?

Park Central is locally owned and operated by Baptist Community Services, a Texas non-profit corporation (formerly known as High Plains Baptist Health Systems), which has been in existence since 1987 and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law (The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988). Park Central welcomes people of all faiths.

Baptist Community Services’ leadership teams, from the Board of Trustees to our staff, recognize that our residents and those who use any of our services and facilities deserve the best.  Our goal, our reason for being, is to meet, and even exceed, those expectations of the residents and families, now and in the future.