As many older adults begin planning for the future, the idea of rightsizing has become increasingly important. Rightsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller space, it’s about finding a home and lifestyle that better align with your needs, priorities, and goals for the years ahead. Whether you hope to simplify daily responsibilities, create a safer environment, or free up time for the things you enjoy most, rightsizing can be a meaningful step toward a more comfortable and intentional future.
What Rightsizing Really Means
Rightsizing is the process of adjusting your living situation to fit your current stage of life. For many seniors, this includes:
Choosing a home that’s easier to manage
Reducing clutter and belongings
Increasing safety and accessibility
Prioritizing comfort, community, and independence
It’s a chance to thoughtfully shape the lifestyle you want moving forward.
Written by Sandra Cook, VP of Marketing at Emerald Communities
At Emerald Heights, community is more than just proximity — it’s about meaningful connection across generations. Our campus has long welcomed outstanding high school and college students through part-time jobs, volunteer roles, and cultural partnerships. What emerges is far more than employment or experience — it’s a powerful, human exchange that enriches both our residents and the next generation.
Just recently, my own high schooler joined the culinary team at Emerald Heights. As an introvert, she has always preferred being quietly in the background. But working alongside our residents has changed her in the most unexpected and meaningful ways. The wisdom and warmth of the older adults she serves have become the gentle push she needed — helping her grow her confidence, expand her aspirations, and come out of her shell. She now looks forward to hearing their stories, asking thoughtful questions, and building real connections that go far beyond a job.
For students like her, Emerald Heights becomes a classroom of life. They learn conversation beyond a screen. They hear real stories of resilience, career adventures, world travel, civic engagement, and family legacy. Many say their confidence, empathy, and communication skills improve dramatically within just a few months of working here.
For our residents, the energy is contagious. They light up when they hear about college acceptances, robotics competitions, orchestra performances, and entrepreneurship projects. Residents often become mentors, cheerleaders — even unofficial grandparents. And in return, they feel a renewed sense of purpose — sharing knowledge, encouraging big dreams, and staying active not just physically, but socially and intellectually.
At Emerald Heights, we believe the best communities don’t separate generations — they bring them together. And every day on our campus, we see proof that when wisdom meets curiosity, everyone thrives.
Many people in their 50s and 60s—what we often call young older adults—find themselves part of the Sandwich Generation. They’re balancing work, caring for aging parents, and still supporting adult children, all while trying to plan for their own retirement.
Close up of a grandfather helping out his granddaughter with schoolwork
At Emerald Heights in Redmond, WA, we meet families every day who are navigating these challenges. Understanding the pressures of this stage of life can help you take steps now to prepare for the future.
What It Means to Be in the Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation faces unique responsibilities:
Raising children while supporting parents – Some still have teenagers at home, while also helping their parents transition into senior living or providing day-to-day care.
Supporting adult children in transition – Even when children are grown, parents may still be called upon to help after job losses, divorce, or other life changes.
Living in multigenerational households – Rising housing costs and caregiving needs mean more families are building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or choosing to live under one roof.
Planning for long-term care – Parents may be healthy now, but people are living longer, and not always healthier. Proactive planning for future care ensures peace of mind.
Why Preparation Matters
Without planning, these overlapping responsibilities can become overwhelming. Many baby boomers are re-evaluating their retirement plans, financial strategies, and housing choices—not just for themselves, but for their extended families.
Choosing a Life Plan Community like Emerald Heights gives families predictability, with access to multiple levels of care on one campus and financial stability through our Type A Life Care contract. That foresight protects not only your own future but also provides reassurance to your children.
Tips for the Sandwich Generation: How to Prepare Now
Here are a few practical steps to lighten the load and prepare for the years ahead:
Start the Conversation Early Talk with your parents and adult children about expectations, finances, and care preferences. Clear communication prevents stressful surprises.
Explore Housing Options Consider whether your family may benefit from an ADU, multigenerational living, or a senior living community like Emerald Heights. Touring communities before a health crisis makes decision-making easier.
Understand Your Benefits and Resources Review healthcare coverage, long-term care insurance, and retirement benefits. Meet with a financial advisor who specializes in senior living planning.
Build a Support Network You don’t have to do it all yourself. Lean on siblings, trusted friends, or professionals to share caregiving and decision-making responsibilities.
Plan for Your Own Future While supporting others, don’t neglect your own needs. Take time to prioritize your retirement goals and explore communities that offer financial predictability and long-term care solutions.
Why Emerald Heights is a Trusted Choice
Since 1992, Emerald Heights has helped families in Redmond and across the Pacific Northwest plan for a confident future. Our predictable Life Care model, vibrant lifestyle, and supportive resident community make us a sanctuary for those looking to age well—without burdening the next generation.
As the landscape of aging in America evolves, a significant demographic shift is emerging: the rise of solo agers. These are individuals navigating their later years without the traditional support of immediate family, such as a spouse or children. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities, prompting innovative housing solutions and community models that cater to their unique needs.
Solo agers are becoming an increasingly prominent segment of the aging population. Approximately 22 million older adults in the U.S. live alone, with nearly 30% of them lacking children or familial support as they age. Among baby boomers, over 30% are solo agers, often due to factors like childlessness, divorce, or estrangement. 12
This shift is influenced by several factors:
Changing Family Structures: The rate of childlessness among baby boomers is close to 20%, doubling that of previous generations. 3
Increased Longevity: With people living longer, the likelihood of outliving spouses or siblings increases, leading to more individuals aging alone.
Geographical Mobility: Modern families often live spread out geographically, making it challenging for older adults to rely on nearby family support. 4
Housing Solutions for Solo Agers:
The rise of solo agers has spurred interest in alternative housing arrangements that promote independence while providing necessary support:
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Many in the “sandwich generation” are turning to ADUs—secondary housing units on a single-family property—to accommodate aging parents or adult children. This setup allows for proximity while maintaining privacy, offering a practical solution for multigenerational living.
Intergenerational Living
Communities that blend different age groups can provide mutual benefits: older adults gain companionship and assistance, while younger residents benefit from mentorship and shared experiences. Such arrangements can alleviate feelings of isolation among solo agers.
Life Plan Communities
Also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), these offer a continuum of care—from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing—within one campus. Facilities like Emerald Heights provide solo agers with a supportive environment that adapts to their changing needs, ensuring peace of mind and community engagement.
The Role of Emerald Heights
Emerald Heights stands out as a premier Life Plan Community catering to the needs of solo agers. By offering independent living options alongside on-site healthcare services, residents can age in place without the stress of relocating as their needs evolve. The community fosters social connections through various activities and programs, ensuring that residents remain engaged and active. 2
Planning for a Secure Future
For solo agers, proactive planning is crucial:
Legal Preparations: Establishing advance directives and powers of attorney ensures that their healthcare and financial wishes are respected. 4
Building Support Networks: Engaging with community groups, neighbors, and professional services can create a reliable support system. 4
Financial Planning: Working with financial advisors can help solo agers manage their resources effectively, ensuring long-term security.
As the number of solo agers continues to grow, embracing innovative housing solutions and proactive planning becomes essential. Communities like Emerald Heights offer a blueprint for supportive, engaging environments where solo agers can thrive with dignity and independence.
As you or your loved ones begin exploring retirement living options, one important concept to understand is the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)—also known as a Life Plan Community. These communities are designed to support older adults as they age, offering peace of mind, lifelong care, and vibrant living on a single campus.
But not all CCRCs are created equal.
There are three primary types of contracts offered by CCRCs: Type A (Life Care), Type B (Modified), and Type C (Fee-for-Service). At Emerald Heights in Redmond and Heron’s Key in Gig Harbor, we offer Type A Life Care contracts, the most comprehensive and predictable option.
Let’s explore the differences between each contract type so you can make an informed choice for your future.
Type A: Life Care (Offered at Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key)
What is it? Type A is the most all-inclusive CCRC contract. Residents pay a one-time entrance fee and a consistent monthly service fee that covers most future health care needs—no matter how those needs change.
Key Benefits of Type A:
Predictable Costs: Your monthly service fee remains stable even if you transition to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.
Onsite Care: Seamless access to all levels of care without leaving your community.
Tax Advantages: A portion (about 30–36%) of your entrance fee may be deductible as a prepaid medical expense.*
Low Second Occupant Fees: Great for couples—even if each requires a different level of care.
Lifelong Security: You’ll never be asked to leave due to rising healthcare costs.
Type A Life Plan Communities like Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key are ideal for those seeking long-term financial protection and a plan for the future.
What is it? Type B contracts offer some of the benefits of Type A but with limits. You may receive a discounted rate for a defined period if you need care—but once that period ends, you’ll pay market rates.
Considerations:
Lower entrance fees than Type A.
Limited or discounted healthcare included.
Couples may incur separate full fees if they need different levels of care.
Health services may be offsite.
Refundable entrance fees may be available—but are often contingent on resale of the residence.
This model may appeal to individuals seeking lower up-front costs but still want a degree of protection.
Type C: Fee-for-Service
What is it? Type C is the most flexible—and potentially riskiest—option. You’ll pay a lower entrance fee and monthly service fee while living independently, but when care is needed, you’ll pay full market rates for assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.
Best For:
Individuals confident in covering future healthcare expenses out-of-pocket.
Those with robust long-term care insurance.
While the initial costs are lower, future care could become significantly more expensive.
Choosing the Right Life Plan Community in Washington State
In Washington, roughly:
1/3 of CCRCs offer Type A Life Care contracts.
1/4 offer Type B.
The rest are Type C Fee-for-Service models.
If peace of mind, cost predictability, and onsite access to multiple levels of care matter most to you, a Type A community like Emerald Heights or Heron’s Key may be your best fit.
Why Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key Stand Out
Both Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key are Type A Life Plan Communities in Washington State offering:
A vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.
Access to onsite healthcare, including memory care and skilled nursing.
Strong resident communities and lifelong friendships.
Financial confidence and long-term security.
Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of Redmond or the scenic waterfront in Gig Harbor, our communities help you plan confidently for the future—without sacrificing the joy of today.
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of aging is evolving. No longer is retirement solely about relaxation; it’s about thriving—physically, mentally, and socially. At Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key, we embrace a holistic approach to aging, ensuring that longevity is not just about adding years to life, but life to years.
Many senior living communities are only now beginning to adopt wellness-based cultures, but at Emerald Heights, wellness has always been at the core of our philosophy. Our residents frequently outlive the national average for those in retirement communities, and we believe this is no coincidence. A combination of purposeful living, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to health-focused initiatives contribute to their vibrant and extended lifespans.
Take, for example, Marge—one of our cherished residents—who, at 103 years old, continues to live independently. Her story is inspiring, but she is far from the only example of the vitality found within our community. Every resident has the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that fosters growth and well-being in seven critical dimensions of wellness: emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical, and vocational.
At Emerald Heights, wellness is an action, not just a concept. This commitment is evident in our vast array of programs and activities, designed to engage every facet of well-being. With over 40 resident-led committees and more than 400 activities offered each month, residents have the opportunity to pursue lifelong interests while also exploring new passions. Whether it’s through social gatherings, lifelong learning initiatives, fitness programs, or volunteer work, our residents find fulfillment and purpose in their daily lives.
A key component of our approach is the emphasis on nutritious, sustainably sourced meals. Diet plays a crucial role in longevity and quality of life, and our dining services ensure that residents have access to meals that nourish both body and mind.
Ultimately, longevity is only meaningful when it is paired with purpose and vitality. At Emerald Heights, we provide an environment where individuals can continue to grow, contribute, and lead fulfilling lives—at every age and every stage. Wellness is not just a goal; it is our way of life.
