Washington Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Washington

In the state of Washington, there are over 160 senior living communities. These are found throughout the entire state, including in the following areas: Whatcom, Seattle Metro Area, Kitsap, Thurston, Yakima, Benton, Walla Walla, Spokane, and Chelan. More than 20 of these communities are licensed as CCRCs in the state of Washington. Some of the cities that have CCRCs are: Seattle, Des Moines, Lacey, Stanwood, Issaquah, Tacoma and Spokane. All of these retirement communities are regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

We live in a modern world, where we are lucky to reach senior age without too many issues. However, as the time goes by, we might not find it as easy to look after our homes as we once used to. In this case, it might be time to make a change, seeking an alternative solution. How about continuing care retirement communities?

These life plan communities accept people who have retired or about to retire, usually over the age of 62. Some CCRCs might welcome younger retirees, with a limit of 55. It is also worth mentioning that prospective residents must present an acceptable state of health, as well as a certain level of financial independence. Residents who suffer from chronic health conditions might not be accepted, and a low income might prevent one from being able to cover the required fees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Washington - financing and costs

Despite the expensive fees, continuing care retirement communities are in high demand, with long waiting lists. The recommendation is to apply early on, as it can take months or even years before you are accepted. You can use this time to calculate your finances and decide how are you going to cover the required fees. It can be a good idea to sell your property and use the respective funds, but you can also rely on your retirement pension, various assets and savings.

Looking at the required fees, it is safe to assume that Washington is no more expensive than its neighboring states. The entrance fee is $300,000 on average, but there are also luxury retirement communities where this fee reaches the unbelievable value of $1,000,000. As for the monthly fees, these begin at $2,100 and go as high as $4,000; by comparison, the national average is around $2,500. However, if you opt for a fee-for-service contract, with no upfront fees, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 each month.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Washington - care levels and services

All retirement communities of this kind promote independent living above all. Residents begin with this care level, with a lifestyle that offers them the opportunity to leave their golden years in peace. Basically, they are leaving behind all the chores associated with caring after a household, welcoming all on-site amenities and services that make their life more vibrant.

As their needs change and health demands become more complicated, senior residents can transition toward assisted living. Retirees receive care and support from specially trained personnel, remaining in the same familiar surroundings. Skilled nursing is another level, in which the staff – consisting of registered nurses and certified nursing assistants – offer inpatient care in a setting that is intimate and comfortable. Memory care is a special level for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with trained staff offering extra care and supervision.

How does one move from one care level to the other? Regular assessments are undertaken, with the purpose of identifying current and future needs, in terms of healthcare and personal assistance. Sometimes, residents suffer a major health event and the need for higher care is obvious. In other cases, the decision is influenced by age-related health changes; for instance, a resident might not be able to walk on his/her own, with a high risk of injury when left alone.

Continuing care retirement communities in WA offer a range of services to guarantee a comfortable lifestyle for all residents. General services include: housekeeping and linen service, interior and exterior maintenance, regular transportation to/from appointments, utilities, concierge service, emergency response system, on-site security, meal plans. Additional services might include guest accommodations, lounges, and garage parking.

CCRC in Washington - amenities and options

As a prospective resident of a continuing care retirement community, it is only normal to consider your options. One of the first things to think about is the type of housing unit you would live in. Most CCRCs offer one or two-bedroom apartments, equipped with everything necessary, including kitchen, walk-in closets, washer/dryer, heating and cooling system, etc. If you are looking for something larger, opt for a community that also has garden homes, such as townhouses or cottages.

You can live alone or in the same housing unit with your partner, covering the necessary fees for an additional resident. Should your care levels become different, you will remain in the same setting, which can be of great comfort. Also, if you are planning on taking your furry friend along, make sure that you check whether they accept pets or not.

What about amenities? You are in luck, as all CCRCs offer an impressive range of amenities, including chef-prepared meals, hair salon, library, auditorium, lounge area, cocktail lounge, fitness and wellness center, swimming pool, creative arts studio, gardening area, woodworking shop, billiard room, computer room, golf course, tennis court, etc. Residents with dementia might benefit from specific amenities, such as guided walks, memory gardens, or cognitive therapies.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Washington?

We don't think we will ever reach senior age, and yet it happens. This is the time to enjoy our life and everything that is beautiful. By choosing a Washington-based CCRC, you will begin a new chapter, one that can be just as amazing as you imagined. Still not convinced? Here are a few pros and cons to help you come closer to an answer.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in WA

Comfortable living standards with access to a wide array of services and amenities

Healthcare offered by trained staff without delay

Supervision and extra care in case of chronic conditions or major health events

Assistance with daily living activities

Specific care for residents suffering from dementia

Cons of moving to a CCRC in WA

It is not easy to transition to a higher level of care, despite remaining in the same setting

Expensive fees, which are hard to cover on a lower income

Residents who have chronic health conditions might not be accepted

Application process is long and complicated, and the admittance can take years

Might not feel comfortable making such a big move and leaving your old life behind