FAQs

Frequently asked questions about senior living communities in Redmond, WA

What is a Life Plan Community-Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

A Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) is a senior living community that offers a full continuum of care on one campus. This typically includes:

Independent living
Assisted living
Skilled nursing
Memory support

Residents generally enter the community while living independently and have priority access to higher levels of care if their health needs change over time.

The term Life Plan refers to the overall model, a community designed to support aging in place with coordinated housing, services, and healthcare.

What is the difference between a Life Plan and a Life Care community?

Life Plan Community = The campus and continuum of care model (CCRC)
Life Care = A specific contract type within that model. Only Type A Life Plan communities are considered Life Care communities

Not all Life Plan contracts are Life Care contracts. Some communities also offer modified (Type B) or fee-for-service (Type C) agreements, which structure future healthcare costs differently.

At Emerald Heights, we offer Type A Life Care contracts with three different types of refundability (Traditional, 50% and 90%). We are happy to review the specific contract options available and help you understand how each approach aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.

What is an entrance fee?

The one-time entrance fee is an upfront sum to help cover community operating and capital costs, including some of the costs that come with offering access to continuing care for life. Entrance Fees at Emerald Heights are considered partly pre-paid medical care and may be It also ensures priority access to several levels of health care, in case you ever need it, and with no increase in monthly service fee if additional care is needed. At Emerald Heights, your entrance fee is based on the size of residence that you choose and the number of occupants. You’ll have lifetime residency at Emerald Heights, as well as Redmond for health needs, either rehabilitative or long-term.

Why does Emerald Heights charge an entrance fee?

With your Emerald Heights entrance fee, you make a one-time investment in the Emerald Heights Life Care Program and gain priceless peace of mind. You secure lifetime residency at Emerald Heights with unlimited access to assisted living services, memory support/dementia care and skilled nursing care, for whatever time you need with no increase in your monthly fee. Other retirement communities may offer health services but will charge significant additional fees ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 per month per individual when those services are required. These additional fees can mount and, despite your good planning, put your financial resources at risk.

Rental communities that don’t require an entrance fee generally offer limited services on-site, and you may be required to move to another facility if your health declines. At Emerald Heights, your future costs are predictable. Plus, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a home and care for life.

How are the monthly service fees calculated? Do those fees change?

Monthly service fees are reviewed annually and are subject to cost-of-living increases. The Monthly Service Fee in the past few years has increased between 4.75% and 7% annually.

Who operates Emerald Heights?

Emerald Heights is affiliated with Emerald Communities, a Redmond, Washington-based, nonprofit organization who is also the parent company to our sister community, Heron’s Key in Gig Harbor.

Can I move from one residence to another at a later date?

Yes! Internal moves are possible, depending on availability.

Residents may request to transfer to a larger residence if one becomes available that meets their needs. Internal residents receive priority access to newly vacated apartments before they are offered to individuals on the waitlist.

To ensure fairness and operational efficiency, internal moves are limited to no more than one per year. A refurbishment fee for the vacated residence will apply, which helps prepare the apartment for the next resident.

We understand that lifestyle needs can change over time, and our team is happy to discuss current availability, timing considerations, and the financial details associated with an internal move.

What are some of the tax advantages of a Life Plan Community?

The IRS has ruled that for a life plan community such as Emerald Heights, a portion of the entrance fee is tax-deductible as a pre-paid medical expense in the year you pay the entrance fee. In addition, every year a calculation of how much of monthly service fees go toward operating Redmond is distributed to residents and can be used toward their annual medical deduction. All care provided to residents of Corwin Center & FirView can typically be deductible as well. Discuss all tax considerations with your own tax professional.

What happens if I run out of money while living at Emerald Heights?

At Emerald Heights, our commitment is to care for residents throughout their lives once they are accepted into the community.

If a resident experiences a significant change in their financial situation through no fault of their own, they may apply for our Benevolence Program, which provides financial assistance to help continue living in the community.

Over our 34 years as a Life Care Community, we have never asked a resident to leave due to finances. This guarantee offers residents and their families peace of mind, knowing that health needs and care continuity come first — not financial circumstance.

What Is the Range of Entrance Fees for CCRCs in Washington State?

Entrance fees for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) vary widely based on location, residence size, contract type, and services included. In Washington state, prospective residents commonly see:

Typical Entrance Fee Range:

Approximately $100,000 to $1.8 + million for most CCRCs.

Entrance fees tend to reflect:

The type of contract chosen (e.g., Life Care/Type A vs. Type B or C which are also known as modified or fee-for-service).
The size and quality of the residence.
Community amenities and services.

Some CCRCs may offer lower entry fees (especially for smaller units or certain contract types), and others, particularly larger or more amenity-rich communities, can exceed $1 million depending on market demand, size of apartment and type of refundable contracts that they offer.

It’s also important to understand:

Entrance fees are one-time, upfront payments that secure your place in the community and often help fund access to future care levels.
Refundability varies by contract and community — some offer partial refundable terms tied to re-occupancy or contract provisions.

Because fees vary significantly by contract type and residence choice, we encourage families to review specific entrance fee schedules during your tour and compare options with your financial advisor.

How does a CCRC show its financial stability?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) like Emerald Heights demonstrate financial stability through transparent practices, regulatory compliance, and responsible financial management. Families can evaluate stability by considering:

Audited financial statements – reviewed by independent accountants
Reserve levels and liquidity – funds set aside for future operations and care including Days of Cash On Hand
Occupancy trends – strong resident demand indicates sustainable operations
Contract structure – entrance fees and monthly fees are carefully managed to support long-term care obligations
Regulatory compliance – adherence to state oversight and reserve requirements

Emerald Heights also provides access to audited financial information for prospective residents who wish to review it, and our 34-year track record as a Life Care Community demonstrates consistent financial stewardship.

By combining these measures, CCRCs provide families with confidence that residents will receive high-quality care throughout their lifetime, regardless of changes in health or personal circumstances.

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent living community?

Independent Living communities are designed for older adults who want the conveniences of community life without the burdens of home maintenance. Some communities, like Emerald Heights, offer an enriched lifestyle with recreational, social and educational opportunities, while others provide housing and only a minimal number of services and amenities.

What services and amenities are available at Emerald Heights?

Emerald Heights offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including restaurant-style casual dining, a grab and go coffee shop, full-service salon and spa, fitness center and more. Plus, our transportation will take you shopping and to scheduled medical appointments in the area.

Will I have a voice in the community?

We encourage residents to participate in our community resident committees – special committees focused on different aspects of community life. Residents are able to actively participate in decisions that decide social programming, activities, outings and more.

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is assisted living?

Assisted Living provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise. Residents are assured ongoing wellness evaluations and levels of living that address their specific needs. Licensed, compassionate team members assist with daily tasks as needed, and the many amenities and life-enriching activities are geared toward helping residents more easily enjoy what matters most to them.

How do I know when someone needs assisted living?

Depending on the circumstances of your situation, or that of your loved one, you can match needs to the right level of assistance. When help with activities of daily living is needed (taking medications, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping), Assisted Living can be the answer. Trained professionals provide support while helping preserve an individual’s independence.

What if my loved one needs more than what’s provided in assisted living?

At Emerald Heights, we offer a continuum of care. In addition to Assisted Living, we provide Memory Care, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing care. These levels of living provide round-the-clock care for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing more long-term care or support. However, at this time, we only accept new residents who are completely independent with their care. The higher levels of care are exclusive to those residents who moved in with us at an independent living stage.

Can I use my Long Term Care Insurance Policy at Emerald Heights?

Many of our residents maintain a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy, which can provide flexibility and additional support while living at Emerald Heights.

In Independent Living: Your policy may cover certain light activities of daily living or other eligible expenses that you choose to purchase out of pocket, depending on your policy’s requirements.
In Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing: Once you transition to higher levels of care, you may be able to submit claims for reimbursement of monthly service fees, potentially extending the value of your benefits.

Because Emerald Heights does not bill LTC insurance directly, you or a designated representative will need to submit claims to your insurance company. Many residents find that, due to our lower monthly service fees compared with typical senior care communities, their LTC benefits can stretch further than anticipated.

We encourage prospective residents to review their policy details with a financial advisor or insurance representative to understand how it may apply at Emerald Heights.

Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions

What is memory care?

Memory Care provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Residents live in a secure environment focused on their comfort and safety. Licensed, compassionate team members specially trained in Memory Care assist residents with daily tasks as needed. Residents take part in a full range of activities that are customized to meet individual interests and capabilities.

What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?

Memory Care offers all the services of Assisted Living, plus:

A secure indoor environment and a secure outdoor courtyard
Activities specifically designed for those with memory loss
Staff trained in dealing with symptoms of dementia, including stress, confusion and agitation
24-hour supervision

How do I know when someone would benefit from residential memory care?

The following behaviors or circumstances might indicate that someone requires Memory Care:

Behavior changes
Wandering or confusion/disorientation that impacts personal safety
Overall decline in physical health
Caregiver stress
Incontinence

Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

What is skilled nursing?

Skilled Nursing is for those who need longer-term care delivered around the clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LPNs, Certified Nurse Aides and Certified Medication Aides. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.

When is skilled nursing necessary?

These are some conditions that often require skilled care for seniors:

Congestive heart failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Stroke
Cardiac failure
Parkinson’s disease
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease
Other major illness
Hip or bone fracture
Fall-related injury
Orthopedic surgery
Severe osteoarthritis

When would someone need long-term skilled nursing care?

Potential candidates for Long-Term Nursing Care include those who are dealing with an ongoing health condition or disability, chronic or severe pain, a chronic medical condition, permanent disability or dementia.

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Frequently asked questions about senior living communities in Redmond, WA

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions

Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

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