he Payn Foundation is a private, adult, not-for-profit residence. The beautiful old brick home, situated on the former estate of Louis F. Payn in Chatham, New York, can accommodate up to twenty-four residents. The Foundation provides room and board at a reasonable cost in a lovely and comfortable setting.

All rooms at the Home are available for single occupancy, a few for double occupancy if sharing a room is preferred. On the ground floor, rooms have private bathrooms and range from $1,250 per month to a suite for $2,550. Rooms on the second floor, accessible by stairs and elevator, cost $725 - $750 per month; residents share bathrooms.

The Foundation offers three meals a day, dinner being served at midday. A snack table provides residents with a hot beverage, soup, fruit and/or baked goods at all times. Housekeeping services are also included in the monthly charge. Bathrooms are cleaned twice a week and rooms vacuumed once a week. A thorough housecleaning is done each spring and fall. The Foundation also supplies laundry service. Personal laundry, sheets, and towels are done weekly; blankets and curtains once a year. Residents of the Home enjoy many pleasant social activities including bingo, movies, sing-alongs, card and game nights, and an occasional dinner out. All are voluntary. A resident may keep a car if he/she chooses, as there is parking space available, but all transportation is the responsibility of the resident or his family.

The Payn Foundation is not, by law, permitted to provide any medical services to its residents. It will not supervise the taking of medications, hire or supervise medical personnel, arrange medical/dental appointments, provide medical equipment, or pick up prescriptions. A resident may, however, rely on assistance from family or friends or from medical aides hired by himself or his family. An aide may come to the Home at any time as long as it does not interfere with the running of the household. All residents must be able to negotiate the stairs in the event of an emergency. The use of a cane is permitted; walkers are allowed for short periods of recuperation only. The kitchen tries to serve food low in sodium and sugar, fresh vegetables in season, and baked goods often made from scratch, but cannot offer separate menus for each person. Unless they are away from the Home, residents are expected to take their meals in the dining room with the other residents. In the event of a short illness, meals will be brought to their room. The staff of the Home provide round-the-clock supervision. In the event of an emergency, procedures are in place, approved by the Board of Directors, to assist the residents to safety.

For admission to the Payn Foundation, an applicant must fill out an application form, come in for an interview with the Resident Supervisor, complete a medical examination, and be approved by the Board of Directors. The Supervisor will be happy to give a tour of the building and to answer any questions concerning life at the Home. It is expected that the residents will live in peace and reasonable harmony with each other during their stay. The Payn Foundation is, in every way possible, a warm and welcoming place, a place to call home.