Senior Rental Living Versus Continuing Care Retirement Communities

 Are You Looking for Over 55+ Community? These are the 2 Popular Choices.

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) sometimes known as a life plan community, is a type of retirement community in the U.S. where a continuum of aging care needs—from independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care—can all be met within the community. These various levels of shelter and care may be housed on different floors or wings of a single high-rise building or in physically adjacent buildings, such as garden apartments, cottages, duplexes, mid- and low-rise buildings, or spread out in a campus setting. The emphasis of the CCRC model is to enable residents to avoid having to move, except to another level of care within the community, if their needs change.( From Wikipedia)

 

In my search for an independent living facility in the East Bay, California, I had received information on the Financial burdens if you want to reside in an CCRC facility. The First CCRC that I received information was the Paradise Valley Estate in Fairfield. The place is beautiful if you love playing golf but the initial fee/entrance was $650K. For details visit their website:

 https://pvestates.com/

The second CCRC facility that gave me financial information is the Viamonte in Walnut Creek, CA.  Here's a letter I received recently. 

 

"Thank you for your interest in Viamonte at Walnut Creek, a lifestyle community for folks like you who thoughtfully plan for the future.  Viamonte at Walnut Creek is the brand new dynamic retirement community which recently opened!  It offers comprehensive amenities and services through experienced staff in various areas including hospitality, dining, wellness, healthcare, technology and much more.  Viamonte Life incorporates multiple levels of living environments with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care-  including the option to receive assistance in the privacy of your very own home.   

Here is some preliminary information on our fee structure since you are inquiring.  Entrances Fees are currently starting in the mid $700,000 range paid in full upon move-in and receiving 75% Repayment when no longer living at the Community.  Monthly Fees for services are currently starting at $4,000.  We are not a rental community in case that is what you are looking for.  As a new and filling community many of our 15 floor plans are sold out -I would be happy to discuss further what the available floor plans are.

Currently, we are still taking fully refundable reservation deposits on residences and offering Limited Time Benefits -lucrative financial savings!   You are invited to schedule a visit to tour our Community and Model Homes!  However, please do not delay, as many floor plans are already sold out.   

Please call or email me so we can schedule your visit soon.  We have available appointment times Monday-Friday ".

 For details visit their website:https://viamonteliving.org/

 I got another E-mail from Via Monte Today

 

1. Resident-centered Culture: Our residents, coming from from all walks of life and equipped with diverse expertise and talents, serve on our Resident Council and a myriad of interesting Resident Committees, including a Programs and Activities Committee, a Wellness Committee, and a Dining Committee, to name just a few. These groups are the engine of Viamonte, facilitating much of the resident-initiated programming and contributing significantly to how the community functions.

2. Dedicated Team: The Viamonte Team is made up of dedicated team members who go above and beyond, have provided years of service to our residents in Sequoia Living communities, and consistently exemplify our core values of Serivice, Integrity, Stewardship, Teamwork, Excellence, and Respect. And we celebrate those team members!

3. Location & Natural Beauty: At the basis of every great story is an ideal setting. Ours is here at the foot of Mt. Diablo in beautiful Walnut Creek. Viamonte residents are amazed by the natural beauty of the campus, its proximity to the mountains, and the breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets. In terms of access, residents can stroll into The Orchards for convenient shopping, dining, and socializing; investigate the attractions of beautiful downtown Walnut Creek; or take a shuttle to the BART station to access the treasures and pleasures of the Bay Area.

4. Unparallelled Art Collection: From the outdoor sculptures that decorate Viamonte’s lawns to the original commissioned works that adorn the community’s corridors, Viamonte’s thoughtful contemporary art collection is integral to the design and furnishings of the community. And to help residents take in the full experience of that art collection, a Viamonte resident who is a former docent provides virtual guided “Curiosity Art Walks” of the campus exhibits, encouraging residents to study the carefully chosen works of art, consider the artists’ intentions, and pique their curiosity.

5. Creativity: Viamonte is an eclectic community of accomplished, inspired, and creative individuals—a community of artists, photographers, writers, gardeners, musicians, teachers, and travelers. From art classes, curiosity art walks, and resident art shows, to poetry sharing, photography contests, writing programs, dance classes, and the production of a quarterly anthology of resident-created works—Viamonte’s talented residents generate no shortage of creative, life-enriching opportunities for one another.

6. Pet-friendly Lifestyle: Viamonte’s pet-friendly culture is just one of the many warm and fuzzy aspects of life at Viamonte. Residents stay fit while walking their dogs along the scenic pathway located behind the community, complete with dog-walking stations. Their furry friends are kept fresh, thanks to Viamonte’s on-campus doggy spa, and are treated to a pet nibble each time they pass the concierge desk, where a jar full of treats is kept. And not least, residents (and their beloved four-legged friends) make new friends in Viamonte’s Happy Tails Club.

7. Resort-like Fitness Center: Viamonte residents are active and engaged, living a life centered around well-being. Our first-class Fitness Center is a place where residents can refuel, rejuvenate, and relax. The Center’s brand-new gym is furnished with high-tech fitness equipment; the indoor pool hosts aquatic classes; and the serene spa and salon provide a sancuary for selfcare. Quality fitness programming includes yoga, Pilates, stretching, and access to customized workouts with personal trainers.

8. State-of-the-art Wellness Center (Clinic): In addition to the full continuum of care provided on campus, Viamonte’s top-tier Wellness Center provides residents with onsite clinical services; access to outside providers, including podiatrists, hearing care specialists, and mobile dentists, who are brought in regularly based on resident need; and access to convenient, onsite rehabilitation and therapy services. Wellness programming includes classes and workshops on nutrition, balance, strength, and fall prevention, among other wellness topics.

9. Social Events & Activities: In addition to the many classes and programs offered through Viamonte’s fitness and wellness centers, the campus itself—with its lush gardens and courtyards, bocce ball court, and meandering pathways through the community—provides an oasis for outdoor activities and nature-inspired wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy a wide range of social and cultural events, from music concerts to discussion groups, game days, lectures, arts programs, book clubs, walking and hiking groups, music classes, jazz café, coffee hours, happy hours, support groups, dances, volunteer work—and the list goes on!

10. Dining: Viamonte residents choose from an eclectic selection of culinary venues offering more dishes than their palates can imagine, all under the supervision of our gourmet chef and skilled culinary team. They enjoy the flexibility of dining in the venue of their choice, and whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are welcome to invite their friends and family to dine with them at Viamonte. Dining highlights include the following:

• seasonal menus that feature daily specials and local fare
• a flexible dining plan providing each resident with monthly credits good for use at all dining venues
• healthy food choices that offer lower sodium, fat, and sugar content
• onsite catering for special events

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What is An Independent Living Facility? By Chris Harper

Independent living communities cater to independent-minded seniors who no longer wish to live alone in their own homes. These communities offer seniors all of the privacy of living at home, but within the context of a connected and welcoming community. Many independent living communities, including Arbor, also offer additional help for seniors who have chronic health issues or need assistance with daily tasks.

In independent living, seniors participate in community events and outings, can take classes or attend group meetups, and enjoy gourmet meals in lush settings. The focus is on community, although seniors live in private units and do not have to participate in any specific activity.

The benefits of independent living are myriad, including:

• More social connections.
• A beautiful home without any work.
• Help when you need it.
• Potentially lower costs, since seniors no longer have to fund home ownership
• Plenty of activities.
• A chance to keep learning.
• Caregiver support and family education about aging, dementia, and other concerns.

Many independent living communities enable seniors to age in place by offering assisted living and memory care within the same community.

The primary drawback of independent living is that seniors must move out of their homes.

What is a CCRC?

Continuing care retirement communities are communities or neighborhoods where seniors can age in place in a freestanding home, apartment, or condo. For seniors who crave their own space but who want the reassurance of help when they need it, they’re a great option. CCRCs often offer activities for seniors, but the focus is less on daily activities and more on supporting seniors’ desire to remain independent.

The benefits of a CCRC include:

• A chance to live in a beautiful neighborhood alongside other seniors
• Aging in place as your needs change
• Neighborhood amenities such as a pool and/or workout room
• Caregivers and support staff who come to you

The drawbacks of a CCRC include:

• Fewer social connections. CCRCs tend to offer fewer events and activities, so seniors don’t have as many opportunities to make friends.
• High costs. CCRCs are significantly more expensive than any other senior living options. They tend to charge hefty entrance fees—$100,000 to $1,000,000, and sometimes even more.
• Isolation. If the CCRC is not located near local attractions or amenities, or if it does not offer transportation, seniors may struggle to remain engaged with their communities.
• Less caregiver support. In CCRCs, the focus is on supporting senior health, not helping the entire family.

How to Make the Decision

For seniors who dislike the idea of community living and who can afford it, CCRCs can be an enticing option. These communities are out of reach for most seniors, however, and independent living often offers better benefits. So which one is right for you?

A CCRC could be a good choice if:

• Your primary concern is getting help to age in place.
• You want to live in a standalone home, not a unit that is part of a larger community.
• You need less support for daily activities and entertainment.
• You can afford to make a significant investment in senior living.
• You’re anxious about living alone at home, but don't necessarily want to move to senior living.

Independent living could be a great option if:

• A CCRC appeals to you, but you can’t afford it.
• Finances are a key concern, and home ownership is becoming too expensive.
• You want support to remain active in your community.
• You want your family to be involved, and to get lots of support.
• You relish the chance to make new friends and embrace new interests.
• You want a day full of activities, as well as a beautiful place to eat with friends.

Retirement can be anything you want it to be. The right senior living solution helps you make your retirement dreams a reality.

https://www.arborcompany.com/blog/know-the-difference-independent-living-vs.-a-ccrc 

Personal Note: My Future Home, The Heritage Downtown(THD) in Walnut Creek is not a CCRC, but primarily a rental independent living facility. The entrance fee is reasonable and affordable. However, the monthly rental fee is higher compared to the average monthly fee for a typical CCRC.