Frequently Asked Questions

Bethlen Communities is a non-profit organization. Bethlen is recognized as a 501(c)3 and is tax-exempt.

To provide for the many children left without means of support following the Smithton, Pennsylvania, Darr Coal Mine explosion, the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) opened an orphanage. Necessary expansion of the orphanage caused the HRFA to purchase the then Park Hotel near Ligonier for use as a home setting for the orphans and their caregivers.  The orphanage was then named the Bethlen Home and the mountain where Bethlen is located became known as Moriah Mountain, meaning “Jehovah will see to it”.  Over the next 14 years, 185 adjacent acres were also purchased to provide food and revenue for the orphanage. You can read more about our history here.

Bethlen Communities is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC. A CCRC is a retirement community that offers a continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing to its residents and clients. Living at a CCRC affords ours residents and clients multiple levels of care as they age.

Yes, all those wishing to live in Bethlen’s Independent Living Cottages must be age 65.

 Yes. Bethlen Communities follows the leash law, and we require our residents to pick up after them.

No.  Bethlen Communities owns the unit. You will pay a monthly fee, and when you leave Bethlen will fill the vacancy from our waiting list.

Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UPMC, Freedom Blue, Security Blue and Medicaid.

Ligonier Gardens is private pay. Veterans may be able to receive some financial assistance through the VA.

If you are Private Pay the rate is higher, if you are covered by insurance there is no extra cost to you.

A private room is an additional cost at Ligonier Gardens.

Bethlen Home and Ligonier Gardens maintain a 24-hour visiting time.

Yes, as long as Bethlen Home and Ligonier Gardens have documentation from the vet that the pet’s shots are up to date. All pets must be on a leash.