Breathing Well at Homestead Village

• Inspired by rising statistics citing the ill effects of tobacco use, state regulations, and other health-care organizations like Lancaster General Hospital, and most continuing-care retirement communities in Lancaster County, the Homestead Village Board of Directors and management agreed to initiate a program to become tobacco-free.
  
  As of April, 2007, no new residents were admitted, who use tobacco products. Effective January 7, 2008, tobacco use is restricted to designated outside areas for residents living in the apartments, Westvue, or the Apostle Center for Care, as well as for employees and visitors. Those designated places are the following; the picnic bench area off the east hall exit of the Apostle Center for Care, and the patio on the west side of the Administrative corridor. (This latter area is for residents and visitors only–not for staff.) To be compliant with state regulations, both designated areas must be 14 feet from the doorway. Cigarette receptacles have been placed near the entrance of buildings for the deposit of tobacco products only.
  
  As of January 1, 2009, there will be no tobacco use permitted on the grounds of Village Center (the apartment building, administrative wing, including the dining areas, Westvue, or the Apostle Center for Care and surrounding grounds) as well as the barn facilities. After this date, grandfathered tobacco users in the cottages, villas and Mews will need to discontinue use of tobacco products before transferring to the apartments, Westvue or the Apostle Center for Care.
  
  To assist residents and staff who already use tobacco products to stop this risky habit, Homestead will be partnering with Lancaster General Hospital in helping with the cost of smoking-cessation courses, as well as the cost of medication and/or patches.