What is a CCRC? Continuing Care Retirement Community Explained
What Is A CCRC? Continuing Care Retirement Community Explained
When researching retirement plans for you or a loved one, you may have encountered the acronym CCRC during your search. You may be wondering: “what is a CCRC?” and “what CCRC options are there in the Seattle retirement community market?”
If you are looking for independent living with a full complement of social, educational and recreational programs, access to higher levels of care and a comfortable place to retire and receive support as you age, a CCRC may be the right choice for you.
CCRC Meaning
CCRC stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community, which means a community offers independent living with access to higher levels of care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.
The hallmark of a CCRC, an entrance fee is a one-time fee for independent living residents based on the apartment size, location and the type of contract. While the entrance fee and monthly service fee do not signify ownership, they typically afford access to common areas, programs and amenities.
Entrance fees contribute to capital improvements, avoiding special assessments and ensuring a well-maintained community for years to come. Last but not least, the peace of mind afforded by an entrance fee cannot be understated as access to higher levels of care during a potential health crisis is invaluable.
What does a Continuing Care Retirement Community offer?
Entering a CCRC can add value to your life by keeping you engaged in hobbies and wellness activities with other residents in your new community.
Some popular benefits and amenities that are offered include:
- Social networking events and spaces
- Wellness programs
- Fitness centers and classes
- Restaurants
- Business centers
- Libraries
- Arts and crafts studios
- Gift shop
- Salon
- Outdoor recreation
- Chapels and faith-based groups
- Performing Arts
- Transportation
Since every CCRC is unique, it is best to weigh the pros and cons on whether or not a CCRC is right for you. When considering a CCRC, it’s important to understand what is included.
Continuing Care Retirement Community Levels of Care
In addition to independent living, CCRCs offer higher levels of care including:
The peace of mind afforded by the continuum of care offered by CCRCs is invaluable for individuals who want access to higher levels of care if the need arises.
At The Hearthstone at Green Lake, independent living residents in any of our buildings are afforded the opportunity to access levels of care across the continuum including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.
Independent Living
Independent living refers to housing options exclusively for persons who are seeking retirement and senior living. Minimum age thresholds vary across the industry, however, The Hearthstone’s minimum age is 62+.
Assisted Living
Assisted living refers to help with daily activities of living such as medication management, dressing, hygiene, toileting and mobility.
The goal of assisted living is to afford residents as much independence as possible while also offering them invaluable help with essential daily activities.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is essentially round-the-clock care, most typically for short-term rehab.
Skilled nursing includes a variety of specialized services including post-surgery rehab, post-injury rehab and a host of additional care services.
Memory Care
Memory Care is support offered to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Offered across senior living communities, memory care provides a safe and structured environment to aid in memory support.
Memory care services may include 24/7 care, personalized care plans, a range of skilled nursing services and assistance with a range of daily activities.
Types of Living Across Continuing Care Retirement Communities
There are a variety of community-oriented living options in the CCRC industry. Factors that depend on the type of housing chosen include location, levels of care offered and number of units across a given campus.
Types of housing options may include:
- Condominiums
- Duplexes
- One and Two Bedroom Apartments
- Studio apartments
The Hearthstone offers apartments starting at 336 square feet up to 1,400 square feet.
Entering A Continuing Care Retirement Community Process
At The Hearthstone at Green Lake, the process of becoming a resident typically follows these steps:
- Tour The Hearthstone community, common areas and independent living apartments
- Apply to join the Parkside Club waitlist
- Apply for residency when your desired apartment becomes available
- If approved, a reservation agreement is executed and a deposit is made to secure the apartment of your choice
- Select a move-in date and start downsizing
At The Hearthstone, in addition to a monthly service fee, residents pay a one-time entrance fee for independent living based on the apartment size, vertical location, view and remodel status. While the entrance fee and monthly service fee do not signify ownership, they do afford access to all The Hearthstone’s common areas, programs and amenities.
The entrance fee also affords priority access to healthcare services at a discounted market rate and up to sixty complimentary days in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
Entrance fees contribute to capital improvements to the building and grounds, ensuring a well-maintained community for years to come. If two people live in a residence, a second person entrance fee applies.
Independent Living Options At The Hearthstone
The Hearthstone campus offers three buildings from which to choose: The Lakeside, Cove East and Cove West.
Life in the Lakeside building puts you in the community’s epicenter. Living in the Coves, which are one block from the Lakeside building, affords a quieter environment. No matter where you live in the community, common area anywhere is common area everywhere.
Continuing Care Retirement Community Near Me
The Hearthstone at Green Lake is Puget Sound’s leading Continuing Care Retirement Community offering independent living and higher levels of care including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Located in Seattle’s beloved Green Lake neighborhood, the campus is surrounded by walking paths, stunning vistas, nearby retail, the renowned Woodland Park Zoo and best-in-class medical care.
Our mission is to provide a true sense of comfort and belonging to all who join The Hearthstone community. For more information on life at The Hearthstone, call us at (206) 517-2216 or complete this form.
