Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christian Science nursing?
A: Christian Science nursing affirmatively faces, challenges, and supports healing of disease, injury, or dysfunction. Christian Science nurses operate from a spiritual, metaphysical perspective, assisting and comforting each patient receiving Christian Science treatment, while providing excellent care.
Q: Where can I receive Christian Science nursing care?
A: Our Christian Science nurses will come to your home as needed, or you can come to the Cottage (your home-away-from-home) at no extra expense. Either way, you will receive the same proper, loving care.
Q: What if I live too far to have a Christian Science nurse from Canterbury Crest visit me?
A: After gathering some information from you over the phone, we will suggest options for appropriate care including the Cottage, or refer you to Christian Science nurses or home aides who travel.
Q: How long is Christian Science nursing care available?
A: Time is not a factor in qualifying for Christian Science nursing. Cases are reviewed weekly. Our main determination is based on radical reliance on Christian Science and the expectation of healing.
Q: Am I eligible to receive Christian Science nursing care at the Cottage?
A: Cottage accommodations are available to patients for whom their own home situation is not appropriate.
Q: What if I need assistance but a Christian Science nurse from Canterbury Crest isn't available?
A: We will help you to find solutions that are appropriate for your needs. We may even be able to refer you to another Christian Science nurse or aide who is able to travel to be with you.
Q: Do you travel beyond the Greater Portland Metro Area?
A: Canterbury nurses often make visits outside the Metro area, as time and opportunity allow.
Q: Do you loan equipment (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) to patients for whom you are not providing Christian Science nursing care?
A: Yes! As long as you are working with a practitioner, we will make an initial assessment of need and will recommend the most appropriate equipment. Just call us.
Q: I broke a bone and had it set surgically. Am I eligible for Christian Science nursing care?
A: Once you are released from medical care and are free of the effect of any drugs, and are working with a Journal-listed Christian Science practitioner, we may attend to your care needs.
Q: I am not a Christian Scientist but my dad is. He seems to think you could do something for him. What might that be?
A: Whenever he has a special need and you are concerned for his proper care, we can make an initial assessment where you are, advise you of proper care, and assist you with that care. We can help you respect his wishes in a way that is reassuring to you.
Q: I have been taking a little medication for a problem. Can a Christian Science nurse help me?
A: Christian Science nurses care for those who are radically relying on Christian Science and are receiving Christian Science treatment from a Journal-listed practitioner.
Q: I am a member of my church’s Care Committee. We have a member who may need some help. What can I offer?
A: We are available to talk with you about proper care; we can give your committee a mini-care-class; and we can visit your member free of charge to make an initial assessment. We value the opportunity to assist Care Committees in fulfilling their mission.
Q: I live on a fixed income. How can I afford Christian Science nursing services?
A: We will always provide appropriate Christian Science nursing regardless of your ability to pay. We have an active benevolence program sponsored by our Field to assist individual Christian Scientists and protect our Movement.
Q: How do I access financial assistance?
A: A simple application with a few easy to answer questions is all that’s required. Benevolence can be in the form of loans as well as grants. You don't need to liquidate all your assets to qualify for benevolence. We'll help you look at options.
Q: How do you get the funds to provide benevolence?
A: Benevolence funds are contributed by the Field. They are designated specifically for the purpose of making Christian Science nursing available to those who cannot afford it.
Q: Are you a Medicare provider?
A: No. Over ten years ago, Canterbury left the Medicare program. Because Medicare provision is only available to facilities, any future return to providing Medicare would require a return to facility care, as well as additional Board review.
Q: What Christian Science facilities are Medicare providers?
A: Both Sunrise Haven in Kent, WA and Arden Wood in San Francisco provide Medicare coverage.
Q: Are your services covered by insurance other than Medicare?
A: Because Canterbury is now a home-based Christian Science nursing service, it is recognized for different benefits than before by most insurance companies. That may mean that some of your out-of-pocket costs for Christian Science nursing care have increased. Did you know that much of our care was never covered by any type of insurance – including Medicare? And did you also know that our rates are now lower than in the past?
IF YOU HAVE SCS OR OTHER INSURANCE, DON’T CANCEL IT. Call us first. Much of the available Christian Science care is still covered. Because Canterbury is now an in-home service, different benefits outlined in many insurance policies may apply instead. However, the more we learn about the healthcare policies that are in use by Christian Scientists in the Field, the better we can be in providing services that accommodate the benefits available.
Call us and tell us about the policy you have. We are actively collecting and collating information about types of coverage and kinds of benefits. With a larger pool of policies to look at, we can be more prepared to answer your questions about insurance coverage. Thank you for your assistance.
Q: I'd like to visit the Cottage. Can I just drop by?
A: We’d love to have you visit, but if you just drop by, you might not find us there. Instead, give us a call – either at the Christian Science nursing number (503) 639-7661, or at our administrative number (503) 245-0808 – and we’ll be glad to schedule a tour.
Q: Can I stay at the Cottage when I'm visiting in the Portland area?
A: Since the Cottage is not open on a full time basis, non-hosted accommodations are offered to Christian Science practitioners and nurses as a spiritual renewal retreat. Think of it as your own private Reading Room!