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From 16 Acres to a Life Plan Community: Why Moving to Emerald Heights Was the Right Choice

Sandra Cook on October 21, 2026

By Dr. Hans Dankers, Emerald Heights Resident

Finding the right time to move to a life plan community

The right time to move to a Life Plan Community is often while you’re still healthy, independent and able to enjoy everything it offers, rather than waiting until a health crisis makes moving necessary.

For one couple who spent more than 40 years on a 16-acre farm near Monroe, Washington, moving to Emerald Heights in Redmond meant exchanging the responsibilities of home maintenance for new friendships, fitness opportunities, volunteer activities and peace of mind about future care needs.

Their experience demonstrates that choosing independent living isn’t necessarily about giving something up. It can be about creating more opportunities for the next chapter of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to a Life Plan Community

What is the best age to move to a Life Plan Community?

There is no single best age. Many people choose to move while they are active and independent so they can build friendships, participate in community life and establish a plan for future care. The ideal timing depends on personal preferences, health, finances and the lifestyle someone wants to enjoy.

What is the difference between aging in place and moving to a Life Plan Community?

Aging in place means remaining in your current home as you grow older, potentially arranging home maintenance, modifications and additional care services as needed. A Life Plan Community combines residential living, amenities, social opportunities and access to additional levels of care, depending on the community’s contract and services.

Will I regret leaving my longtime home?

Leaving a longtime home can be an emotional decision, especially when it holds decades of family memories. However, some residents find that freedom from property maintenance, opportunities to make friends and access to activities create a rewarding new lifestyle. At Emerald Heights, one couple who left their 16-acre farm after more than four decades found that their new apartment quickly felt like home.

What are the benefits of moving to independent living before needing care?

Moving while independent can provide more time to establish friendships, explore activities, become involved in community life and enjoy maintenance-free living. At a Life Plan Community such as Emerald Heights, residents also have access to additional care options on campus, subject to the community’s services and residency agreements.

Are there Life Plan Communities near Monroe, Washington?

Emerald Heights is a nonprofit Life Plan Community located in Redmond, Washington, serving older adults from communities throughout the Puget Sound region, including Monroe, Woodinville, Bellevue and Kirkland. It offers independent living with access to assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing services on campus.

2026 Waitlist Updates: Introducing the Emerald Circle and Ready to Move In List

Sandra Cook on October 16, 2026

We are excited to share some upcoming changes to our Future Resident Program, designed to strengthen your connection to our community and create more opportunities for those who are ready to make their move.

Introducing the Emerald Circle

Our Future Resident Program is getting a new name: The Emerald Circle!

The Emerald Circle represents more than a place on a waitlist. It reflects the sense of community and belonging that begins long before you move in.

We love seeing our future residents become increasingly involved in community life, whether by participating in resident committees, visiting our thrift shop, supporting the Benevolence Café or attending special events.

Later this winter, you will receive a welcome packet with more information about the Emerald Circle and opportunities to stay connected.

Introducing the Ready to Move In List

Over the past several years, demand for senior living has continued to grow, resulting in longer waitlists. Some communities have responded by offering higher-priority placement in exchange for additional deposits or fees.

At Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key, we believe readiness to move, rather than the ability to pay more, should help guide this process.

Earlier this year, we tested a Ready to Move In List at Emerald Heights. We surveyed approximately 305 waitlisted households about their preferred moving timeline. Only about 20 indicated they were ready to move within the next year.

This helped us recognize an opportunity to better match available residential homes with future residents who are actively preparing to move.

Beginning in January 2027, both communities will introduce a formal Ready to Move In List, with the following guidelines:

  • Annual Readiness Survey: In December, we will send a survey asking about your anticipated moving timeline. Households indicating they hope to move within the next 12–24 months may join the Ready to Move In List.
  • Three Opportunities to Respond: If you are notified of three available residential homes that meet your preferences and do not express an intention to move forward by the third opportunity, you will be removed from the Ready to Move In List. You will retain your original position on the regular waitlist.
  • Your Deposit Date Still Matters: Placement within the Ready to Move In List will continue to be determined by your original waitlist deposit date. Joining this list does not guarantee an immediate offer or a specific residential home.
  • No Additional Deposit Required: There is no additional fee to participate in the Ready to Move In List.

Updated Waitlist Priority

Effective January 1, 2027, available residential homes will be offered according to the following priority order:

  1. Current Residents and Offsite Residents (OSRs): Individuals who have held resident status for a minimum of 12 months. Prioritized by the date when they paid un full their Entrance fee.
  2. Ready to Move In List: Eligible households, prioritized by their original waitlist deposit date.
  3. Home-Specific Waitlist Depositors: Households waiting for a particular residential home type.
  4. General Waitlist Depositors: Households who have indicated flexibility in their residential home preferences.
  5. Prospective Residents: Individuals who have not yet joined the waitlist.

What Does This Mean for You?

We recognize that planning a move is a personal decision and that everyone’s timeline is different. You do not need to be ready to move today to remain a valued member of the Emerald Circle.

Our goal is to create a more responsive and transparent process that respects your original deposit date while recognizing those who are actively preparing for their next chapter.

With approximately 40–50 residential homes becoming available each year, this approach will help us better connect available homes with households who are ready to make Emerald Heights or Heron’s Key their home.

Most importantly, we hope the Emerald Circle will encourage you to continue building relationships, participating in community life and enjoying the benefits of belonging, even before your move.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon!

A Proactive Approach to Cognitive Health: Building a Support Ecosystem at Emerald Heights

Sandra Cook on October 14, 2026

How innovative cognitive health programs, memory support and meaningful engagement are helping older adults maintain independence, purpose and connection in Redmond, Washington.

Cognitive changes can be part of aging, but experiencing memory loss or cognitive impairment does not mean giving up independence, creativity, purpose or meaningful relationships.

At Emerald Heights, a Life Plan Community in Redmond, Washington, we believe cognitive health deserves the same proactive attention as physical wellness. That means providing residents with opportunities to remain engaged, access supportive therapies and maintain meaningful connections, even as their cognitive needs change.

Over the past year, Emerald Heights has been developing a Cognitive Support Ecosystem, bringing together cognitive rehabilitation, memory support programs, evidence-based cognitive stimulation, social engagement and respite opportunities for spouses and care partners. Check out our program flyer here.

Rather than relying on a single program or waiting until cognitive needs become more advanced, our approach recognizes that every person’s experience is different.

Our goal is simple: provide residents and their families with more choices, more resources and more opportunities to continue living meaningful, connected lives.

What Is a Cognitive Support Ecosystem?

A Cognitive Support Ecosystem is a coordinated collection of programs and resources designed to support older adults experiencing memory loss, mild cognitive impairment or dementia, while also addressing the needs of spouses and care partners.

At Emerald Heights, this approach recognizes that cognitive wellness extends beyond clinical treatment. It also includes creativity, companionship, emotional well-being, purposeful activities and a sense of belonging.

Some residents may benefit from personalized cognitive rehabilitation. Others may find joy and stimulation through art, music and structured group activities. A spouse caring for a partner experiencing memory changes may benefit from several hours of respite, knowing their loved one is engaged in a supportive environment.

There is no single solution for every person, which is why Emerald Heights is creating multiple pathways for cognitive support.

Our evolving ecosystem includes four complementary programs.

NewDays: Personalized Cognitive Rehabilitation From Our Residents Home

One of the resources available to Emerald Heights residents is NewDays, a virtual cognitive rehabilitation program designed to support individuals experiencing cognitive challenges.

Cognitive rehabilitation can be understood in much the same way as physical rehabilitation.

Following an injury, physical therapy helps individuals work toward maintaining or rebuilding physical function. Cognitive rehabilitation similarly uses targeted strategies and exercises to help individuals manage cognitive challenges and support everyday functioning.

Through NewDays, participating residents can connect virtually with a cognitive specialist and complete guided cognitive exercises from the comfort and privacy of their own residential home.

The program combines:

  • Twice-monthly virtual sessions with a cognitive specialist
  • Daily cognitive exercises
  • Individualized strategies designed to support everyday functioning
  • Convenient access without traveling to an off-campus appointment

In research presented by NewDays in 2026 involving 24 participants experiencing dementia, mild cognitive impairment or other cognitive symptoms, the company reported encouraging results. While these preliminary findings are promising, the small study size means additional independent research is needed to establish the program’s effectiveness.

For Emerald Heights residents, NewDays provides another option for accessing personalized cognitive support while remaining in a familiar environment.

DayHaven: Memory Support Through Creativity, Connection and Compassion

Emerald Heights has partnered with Seattle-based nonprofit Elderwise to bring DayHaven, a weekly, on-campus memory support program, directly to our community.

Elderwise’s philosophy recognizes the wholeness of every individual and the continued capacity for creativity, joy and meaningful relationships, regardless of cognitive changes.

DayHaven brings that philosophy to life through a welcoming, small-group experience.

Participants gather for four hours of meaningful activities, including conversation, music, lunch, companionship and creative expression. Resident volunteers also contribute to the program, reinforcing the importance of community involvement and connection.

One of the program’s signature activities is Elderwise’s wet-on-wet watercolor painting, an intuitive artistic experience that encourages creativity without focusing on right or wrong answers.

The emphasis is on what each person can do, rather than what cognitive changes may have made more difficult.

Supporting Spouses and Care Partners Through Respite

DayHaven also addresses an important part of cognitive wellness that is sometimes overlooked: the well-being of spouses and care partners.

Supporting someone experiencing memory loss can be emotionally and physically demanding, even when that support is provided with tremendous love and dedication.

By offering DayHaven directly on the Emerald Heights campus, spouses can enjoy a four-hour period of respite while their partners participate in meaningful activities in a familiar, supportive environment.

That time may allow a spouse to attend an appointment, enjoy a favorite activity, connect with friends or simply recharge.

Providing support for the care partner is an important part of supporting the entire family.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Keeping Minds and Relationships Engaged

Another important component of the Emerald Heights Cognitive Support Ecosystem is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST).

Introduced at Wild Flower Point in February 2026, CST is an evidence-based group intervention designed for individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate dementia.

Unlike approaches focused primarily on testing memory or recalling facts, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy encourages participants to engage through conversation, creative thinking, opinions, shared experiences and social interaction.

Small groups typically participate in structured 60-minute sessions twice a week.

Activities may include:

  • Discussing current events and familiar topics
  • Exploring music and shared memories
  • Word association and language activities
  • Categorizing familiar objects or concepts
  • Creative discussions and problem-solving
  • Gentle physical activities and interactive games

There are no tests to pass and no expectation that everyone must arrive at the same answer.

The goal is to encourage participation, thinking and meaningful interaction in an enjoyable, supportive environment.

What Does Research Say About Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is supported by research examining its potential benefits for people living with dementia.

The United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people living with mild-to-moderate dementia.

Research has also identified potential benefits for cognitive functioning and quality of life.

At Emerald Heights, the social dimension is especially meaningful.

Cognitive wellness is not only about stimulating the brain. It is also about continuing to participate, contribute, laugh, share opinions and build relationships.

CST creates opportunities for residents to experience those connections while participating in structured cognitive activities.

Coming in 2027: The Emerald Heights Memory Café

The Cognitive Support Ecosystem is expected to continue expanding in 2027 with the introduction of a monthly Memory Café.

A Memory Café is a welcoming social gathering designed for people experiencing memory changes and the spouses, friends and family members who support them.

Unlike a respite program such as DayHaven, where a care partner may leave while their loved one participates, a Memory Café encourages people to attend and enjoy the experience together.

The planned Emerald Heights Memory Café will provide opportunities for conversation, creative activities, friendship and shared experiences in a comfortable, supportive setting.

Creating a Community Where Cognitive Changes Are Understood

One of the most important goals of the Memory Café is to help normalize conversations about memory loss and cognitive changes.

People experiencing cognitive impairment may sometimes withdraw from social activities because they feel uncertain, embarrassed or worried about how others will respond.

Friends and neighbors may also feel unsure about what to say or how to maintain a relationship when someone begins experiencing memory changes.

A Memory Café helps create opportunities to overcome those barriers.

By bringing residents, spouses and friends together in a welcoming environment, we hope to encourage greater understanding, reduce stigma and strengthen community connections.

Most importantly, the experience is designed around something everyone deserves: the opportunity to enjoy friendship, companionship and a sense of belonging.

Supporting the Person, Not Just the Diagnosis

Every person’s experience with cognitive change is different.

One resident may benefit from personalized cognitive rehabilitation at home. Another may discover renewed enjoyment through painting and music. Someone else may thrive in a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group where conversation and laughter are just as important as the activities themselves.

A spouse may simply need a few uninterrupted hours to rest and recharge.

Together, NewDays, DayHaven, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and our planned Memory Café provide different types of support for different needs and stages of the journey.

These programs reflect a larger philosophy at Emerald Heights:

People experiencing cognitive changes remain valued, contributing members of our community.

They still have opinions to share, art to create, friendships to build, stories to tell and new experiences to enjoy.

As a Life Plan Community, Emerald Heights is committed to supporting residents through different stages of aging. Our Cognitive Support Ecosystem is another example of how we continue evolving our programs and resources to meet the changing needs of the people who call Emerald Heights home.

Because supporting cognitive health is about more than memory.

It’s about helping people continue to live with independence, dignity, purpose and connection.

Learn More About Life at Emerald Heights

Located in Redmond, Washington, Emerald Heights is a Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services, along with a variety of wellness, social and lifelong learning opportunities.

Our approach to cognitive health reflects our commitment to supporting the whole person through meaningful engagement, personalized resources and a strong sense of community.

Discover how Emerald Heights is helping residents continue to live well at every stage of aging.

Explore Emerald Heights

Frequently Asked Questions About Cognitive Health and Memory Support at Emerald Heights

What cognitive health and memory support programs are available at Emerald Heights?

Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington, offers a developing Cognitive Support Ecosystem that includes NewDays virtual cognitive rehabilitation, DayHaven memory support in partnership with Elderwise, and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. A monthly Memory Café is also planned for 2027.

What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for dementia?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention for people living with mild-to-moderate dementia. It uses structured conversations, music, creative activities and social interaction to encourage cognitive engagement and support quality of life.

What is the DayHaven memory support program?

DayHaven is a weekly, four-hour, on-campus memory support program at Emerald Heights, developed in partnership with Elderwise. Participants enjoy music, conversation, creative activities, lunch and companionship. The program also offers respite opportunities for spouses and care partners.

Do residents need a dementia diagnosis to participate in DayHaven?

A formal clinical diagnosis or assessment is not required to participate in DayHaven. The program focuses on meaningful engagement, companionship and creative experiences for residents experiencing memory changes. Participation is based on individual needs and program suitability.

How does Emerald Heights support spouses caring for someone with dementia?

Emerald Heights supports spouses and care partners through programs such as DayHaven, which provides meaningful engagement for residents while allowing spouses time for respite. The planned Memory Café will offer additional opportunities for couples and families to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

What is a Memory Café for people experiencing memory loss?

A Memory Café is a welcoming social gathering for individuals experiencing memory changes and the people who support them. It emphasizes friendship, conversation, activities and community connection rather than diagnosis or clinical treatment.

Does Emerald Heights offer memory care in Redmond, Washington?

Yes. Emerald Heights is a Life Plan Community in Redmond, Washington, offering memory care as part of its continuum of care. The Cognitive Support Ecosystem complements these services by providing additional opportunities for cognitive engagement, social connection and support for residents and care partners.

What Is a CCRC? A Guide to Life Plan Communities and Life Care

Sandra Cook on September 28, 2026

If you are researching senior living for yourself or someone you love, you may have encountered the terms CCRC, Life Plan Community and Life Care Community. They sound similar, but they do not always mean the same thing.

Understanding the difference is important because the type of community and contract you choose can affect where you live, how you receive future care and what you may pay if your health needs change.

At Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington, we believe informed planning starts with asking the right questions. This guide explains what a CCRC is, how it differs from a typical senior living community and how to compare the different types of CCRC contracts.

Our expansion welcomed residents in early 2024.

What does CCRC stand for?

CCRC stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community.

A CCRC, also commonly called a Life Plan Community, is a senior living community designed to provide multiple levels of living and health care within one community.

Depending on the community, that continuum may include:

  • Independent living
  • Assisted living
  • Memory support
  • Skilled nursing
  • Rehabilitation services

The idea is simple: you can move to the community while you are independent and have access to additional care if your health needs change over time.

Instead of making separate housing and care decisions at different stages of aging, a CCRC allows you to plan for those possibilities in advance.

Is a CCRC the same as a Life Plan Community?

Generally, yes.

Life Plan Community is the newer consumer-facing term for a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC.

Both terms describe a community offering a continuum of living and care.

However, there is an important distinction:

Life Plan Community or CCRC describes the community model. Life Care describes a particular type of CCRC contract.

That means a community can be a CCRC or Life Plan Community without offering a Life Care contract.

What is the difference between a CCRC and a typical senior living community?

One of the biggest differences is planning for future care.

A traditional independent living community may provide housing, dining, amenities, activities and maintenance-free living but may not contractually provide access to long-term care.

An assisted living or memory care community, meanwhile, is generally designed for someone who already needs that particular level of support.

A CCRC is different because residents typically enter while living independently and have access to a continuum of care if their needs change.

This can be particularly important for couples. If one person eventually needs a higher level of care while the other remains independent, a CCRC may allow both partners to remain within the same community.

Are all CCRCs the same?

No. This is one of the most important things to understand when comparing retirement communities.

Two communities may both describe themselves as CCRCs or Life Plan Communities while offering very different financial arrangements for future health care.

The contract is what tells you how your future care is paid for.

The three CCRC contract types consumers most commonly encounter are Type A, Type B and Type C.

What is a Type A CCRC?

A Type A CCRC, commonly called a Life Care Community, generally offers the most comprehensive approach to future health care costs.

Residents typically pay an entrance fee and an ongoing monthly service fee. In return, the Life Care contract provides access to higher levels of care with little or no increase in the monthly fee because of the level of care required.

This can make future long-term care expenses more predictable.

At Emerald Heights

Emerald Heights is a Type A Life Care Community.

Residents enter Emerald Heights through independent living. If they later need assisted living, memory support or skilled nursing, that care is available through the community under the terms of the Life Care contract.

At Emerald Heights, moving to a higher level of care does not result in an increase to the monthly service fee based on the level of care received, other than applicable meal charges.

The monthly service fee itself can still change over time due to normal annual adjustments, so Life Care should not be confused with a permanently fixed monthly fee.

What is a Type B CCRC?

A Type B CCRC is often called a Modified Contract community.

Residents generally pay an entrance fee and monthly service fee, but future health care is only partially included.

For example, a Type B contract might provide a certain number of days of assisted living or skilled nursing at no additional charge, or it might provide care at a discounted rate.

After the included benefit is exhausted, the resident may begin paying additional charges for care.

Because Type B contracts vary significantly, ask exactly how much care is included, for how long and what happens financially when that benefit ends.

What is a Type C CCRC?

A Type C CCRC is generally referred to as a Fee-for-Service community.

Residents may still pay an entrance fee and monthly service fee for independent living, but if assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing becomes necessary, the resident generally pays the applicable cost of that care.

The initial cost may sometimes appear lower than a Life Care contract because less future health care is prepaid.

However, the resident assumes more of the financial risk associated with future long-term care needs.

Type A vs. Type B vs. Type C CCRC: What is the difference?

Contract TypeCommon NameFuture Care StructureFinancial Predictability
Type ALife CareExtensive future care is included under the contract, generally with little or no increase based on level of careDesigned for greater predictability
Type BModifiedA limited amount or discounted level of future care is includedSome future care costs remain
Type CFee-for-ServiceResidents generally pay the applicable cost of care when neededFuture care expenses depend more heavily on care needs

The entrance fee alone does not tell you which community costs more over your lifetime.

When comparing CCRCs, it is important to understand what you receive in exchange for the entrance fee and monthly fee and what happens financially if you eventually require care.

Does every CCRC charge an entrance fee?

Many CCRCs charge an entrance fee, but contract structures vary.

You may also encounter rental communities, equity or cooperative models and other arrangements.

This is why it is important not to compare senior living communities solely by looking at the initial entrance fee or monthly payment.

Ask what the contract provides over the long term.

What is a CCRC entrance fee?

An entrance fee is a one-time payment made when entering many Life Plan Communities.

Depending on the community and contract, the entrance fee can help support your residence, community amenities, services and access to future care.

Entrance fees may also have different refund structures.

At Emerald Heights, residents can choose among several entrance fee options, including Traditional, 50% Refundable and 90% Refundable plans.

The right structure depends on your financial goals, estate-planning priorities and personal circumstances.

Does a refundable entrance fee mean the CCRC is Type A?

No.

Refundability and health care coverage are two different parts of a CCRC contract.

For example, a community might offer a refundable entrance fee while still operating under a Type C fee-for-service health care contract.

When comparing communities, ask two separate questions:

What happens to my entrance fee?

and

What will I pay if I need assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing?

Those answers can tell you much more than the entrance fee alone.

How is a Life Care Community different from aging at home?

Remaining in your current home may initially seem like the simplest option. But aging at home can require families to coordinate housing maintenance, transportation, social opportunities, home care and eventually more complex health care services.

A Life Care Community takes a different approach.

You make many of those decisions before a health crisis occurs.

You can enjoy independent living today while knowing where future care will be provided, who will provide it and how your contract addresses its cost.

For many people, the value is not simply access to care. It is having a plan.

What should I ask when comparing CCRCs?

Do not stop at asking, “Are you a CCRC?”

Ask:

  1. What type of CCRC contract do you offer: Type A, Type B or Type C?
  2. What happens to my monthly fee if I need assisted living?
  3. What happens if I need memory care?
  4. What happens if I need skilled nursing care for several years?
  5. Is there a limit on the number of days of care included in my contract?
  6. Do residents receive priority access to higher levels of care?
  7. Are all levels of care located on the same campus?
  8. What additional charges apply when I receive care?
  9. What happens if my spouse needs care but I remain in independent living?
  10. Is the entrance fee refundable, and under what circumstances?
  11. How financially stable is the organization?
  12. What happens if I outlive my financial resources?

The answers can reveal substantial differences between communities that may look very similar at first.

What type of CCRC is Emerald Heights?

Emerald Heights is a nonprofit Type A Life Care Community in Redmond, Washington.

Residents begin with an active, independent lifestyle on our 38-acre campus while having lifetime access to a continuum of care that includes assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.

Our Type A Life Care contract is designed to provide greater predictability if health needs change. Residents do not experience an increase in their monthly service fee simply because they move to a higher level of care, other than applicable meal charges.

For couples, this model can be especially valuable. If one partner needs additional care, both can remain part of the Emerald Heights community while receiving the level of support appropriate for each person.

Why do people choose a Life Care Community before they need care?

One of the misconceptions about CCRCs is that people move because they need care.In reality, people typically enter a Life Care Community while they are living independently.

The goal is not simply to prepare for what might happen later. It is also to enjoy life now.

At Emerald Heights, independent living includes a maintenance-free residential home, dining, fitness and wellness opportunities, social and educational programs, resident-led committees, outdoor spaces and a community of neighbors.

Life Care is there for the future.

Independent living is about how you want to live today.

Is a CCRC right for me?

There is no single senior living option that is right for everyone.

A CCRC may be worth exploring if you value an active independent lifestyle today while also wanting a defined plan for future health care.

The most important step is to compare communities carefully.

Look beyond the residence, amenities and entrance fee. Ask about the organization’s contract, health care coverage, financial stability, access to care and what would happen if your needs changed five, ten or twenty years from now.

Because when you choose a Life Plan Community, you aren’t only choosing where you want to live.

You’re also choosing how you want to plan for what comes next.

Learn More About Life Care at Emerald Heights

If you’re researching CCRCs, Life Plan Communities or retirement communities in Redmond and the greater Eastside, our team can help you understand your options.

We welcome your questions, even if you are just beginning your research.

Explore Life Care at Emerald Heights, compare our contract options or schedule a visit to learn how planning for tomorrow can give you greater freedom to enjoy today.

Healthy Aging Month: How One Emerald Heights Resident Is Redefining Retirement

Sandra Cook on August 24, 2026

Healthy aging is about more than staying physically active. It can also mean maintaining meaningful relationships, discovering new interests, continuing to learn and finding ways to contribute to your community.

During Healthy Aging Month this September, Emerald Heights is celebrating the many ways older adults can stay active, connected and engaged throughout retirement.

At Emerald Heights, a Life Plan Community in Redmond, Washington, healthy aging looks different for every resident. For some, it means fitness and outdoor activities. For others, it means lifelong learning, volunteering, leadership, friendships or discovering something completely new.

For Emerald Heights resident Jeffrey “Jeff” Jones, it has included all of those things, plus trading the courtroom for the pickleball court.

What Does Healthy Aging Look Like in Retirement?

There isn’t one definition of a healthy retirement. Physical wellness matters, but so do social connection, intellectual engagement, purpose and having opportunities to continue growing.

Jeff’s experience at Emerald Heights is a wonderful example.

Jeff retired in 2017 following a law career that spanned more than four decades. He rose from associate to managing partner of a Boston-based law firm of approximately 160 attorneys, helped negotiate the firm’s merger with an even larger practice and later spent 10 years serving as part-time in-house counsel for his alma mater, Williams College.

His career also fostered a strong commitment to nonprofit service and community leadership.

Jeff served as director and board chair for both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the West Suburban YMCA in Newton, Massachusetts. His extensive volunteer board experience also included service with Radcliffe College, the ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts, uAspire and Willow Hill School.

After graduating with honors from Williams College, Jeff served four years in the U.S. Navy before earning his law degree, also with honors, from Harvard Law School.

Retirement, however, didn’t mean Jeff was finished contributing, learning or trying new things.

Finding Purpose and Community at Emerald Heights

Jeff and his wife, Susan, moved from Boston to Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington, in August 2018 to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Once here, Jeff found opportunities to put his decades of leadership experience to work in a completely new environment.

He served on the Emerald Heights By-Laws Committee and Residents’ Council Advisory Group before joining the Emerald Communities Board of Directors. When his Board term concludes, Jeff plans to continue serving his community as a resident representative on the Finance Committee.

His experience illustrates an important part of healthy aging: retirement doesn’t have to mean stepping away from purpose. It can create new opportunities to use a lifetime of knowledge and experience in meaningful ways.

And sometimes, healthy aging means trying something you never expected.

From the Courtroom to the Pickleball Court

After moving to Emerald Heights, Jeff met fellow residents who played pickleball and decided to give it a try.

It became more than a new form of exercise. Pickleball provided another opportunity to make friends, stay active and enjoy time with people in his community.

Today, Jeff and a group of Emerald Heights residents play every Monday at a local indoor pickleball court.

For someone who spent more than four decades making his case in court, Jeff has simply found a different kind of court for this chapter of life.

Why Are Purpose and Social Connection Important to Healthy Aging?

Healthy aging can include many dimensions of well-being, including physical activity, social connection, intellectual engagement and a continued sense of purpose.

Living in a senior living community can provide opportunities for all four.

At Emerald Heights, residents can participate in fitness and wellness programs, educational opportunities, resident-led groups, volunteer activities, creative pursuits and social experiences. Just as importantly, residents are surrounded by people who may introduce them to interests and experiences they might never have discovered on their own.

Jeff’s pickleball story is a perfect example.

He didn’t move to Emerald Heights because he was looking for a place to play pickleball. He discovered pickleball because he became part of a community where other people invited him to try something new.

What Does Healthy Aging Mean at Emerald Heights?

At Emerald Heights, we believe healthy aging is about having opportunities to continue becoming who you want to be.

It might mean staying physically active. It might mean continuing to use decades of professional experience to serve others. It could mean living closer to family while creating an entirely new circle of friends.

And sometimes, it means picking up a pickleball paddle for the first time.

During Healthy Aging Month, Jeff’s story reminds us that retirement isn’t necessarily about slowing down.

It’s about deciding what you want to do next.

Because healthy aging isn’t simply about aging well. It’s about continuing to live well.

Emerald Heights Celebrates Continued Financial Strength and a Milestone Fitch Rating Achievement

Sandra Cook on May 16, 2026

At Emerald Heights, we believe peace of mind comes from knowing your future is supported by a strong foundation. That is why we are proud to celebrate an important milestone for Emerald Communities, our parent organization.

Emerald Communities recently received an A- rating with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings, reaffirming long-term financial strength and organizational stability. This year’s recognition is especially meaningful as Heron’s Key joined the obligated group for its first Fitch rating, further strengthening the Emerald Communities family.

For current and future residents, this achievement represents much more than a financial rating. It reflects a continued commitment to thoughtful stewardship, long-term planning, and delivering on the promise of care for life.

Why Financial Strength Matters in a Life Plan Community

Choosing a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) is one of the most important decisions individuals and families make. While lifestyle, amenities, and culture play important roles, the long-term financial health of an organization matters too.

Strong financial performance helps support:

• Stability and confidence for residents and families
• Investment in future enhancements and services
• Long-term sustainability of care and operations
• Continued innovation and community growth

Emerald Communities continues to stand among the highest-rated Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Life Plan Communities in Washington State, reinforcing a strong future for residents today and for generations to come.

A Legacy of Strength at Emerald Heights

Emerald Heights has continued to experience remarkable momentum. Recently achieving its highest occupancy levels in more than a decade, the community maintains strong demand with a growing waitlist of more than 270 households.

Yet the story of Emerald Heights has always been about more than numbers.

Across our campus, residents lead dozens of committees, volunteer in meaningful ways, participate in lifelong learning opportunities, stay active through fitness and wellness programs, and create a vibrant culture of connection and purpose.

This is a community where residents are not slowing down. They are discovering new passions, strengthening relationships, and continuing to redefine what retirement can be.

Looking Toward the Future

Financial strength creates opportunity. It allows us to continue investing in the experiences, services, and support systems that make Emerald Heights a place residents are proud to call home.

We are grateful to our residents, team members, and supporters who make achievements like this possible.

Because at Emerald Heights, the future is not simply about planning ahead.

The best years are still in motion.

Learn more about Emerald Heights and discover what makes our Life Plan Community in Redmond unique.