retirement Archives - Emerald Heights

Understanding The Rise of Solo Agers

Sandra Cook on May 30, 2025

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. 1 2

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.

Understanding the Differences Between Types of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Sandra Cook on May 15, 2025

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.

🏡 Explore Emerald Heights – Life Plan Community in Redmond, WA
🌊 Discover Heron’s Key – Senior Living in Gig Harbor, WA

Type B: Modified Plan

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.

Introducing: The Emerald Heights Fitness Team

angelleditor on January 10, 2023

One of the best parts of living at Emerald Heights is the state-of-the-art fitness center and programs offered in the community. The fitness department recently was revamped by promoting a new team lead and adding three amazing fitness specialists to the fitness department. The team is excited to offer all they can to residents including new classes and more fitness options. To learn more about the people behind Emerald Heights’ fitness, read about the new team below:

Meet Alexandra “Alex” Clark:

Alex is a certified Zumba instructor and earned her degree in theater from California State University, Northridge. She’s been teaching Zumba classes at Emerald Heights for over five years and is enthusiastic about fitness. Alex is excited to offer new programs for all areas of Emerald Heights.

If you have been living at Emerald Heights for several years, you may recognize Alex Clark who supervises the trips/events department and the life enrichment activities department for independent living and the Corwin Center. In her new role as Wellness Programs Manager, Alex will still be overseeing these two areas of service, but she will also be managing the fitness program as well.

Fitness has been an important part of Alex’s life for as long as she can remember. She played sports as a child, danced and even tried gymnastics for a little while. Before starting her career in senior living, Alex also worked at several gyms.

Alex says, “I am so blessed to be continuing my career at Emerald Heights and I am excited to now oversee the fitness department. With the new team, I know we will be able to offer more classes, develop new programs and offer the best fitness plans we can. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon!”

Meet Tanner Bostian:

Tanner was hired by Emerald Heights in August 2022 as a fitness specialist. Although this is his first job working in senior living, Tanner brings unmatched enthusiasm and excitement to share fitness with residents.

He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from St. John University and has the goal of earning his masters in kinesiology in the near future. Bostian has a personal training certification though the National Strength and Conditioning Association and earned an aging specialist certification though the American Council on Exercise.

He is hoping to add a few new classes to the fitness program that highlight some of the areas he enjoys most such as basketball, boxing, golf, stretching and strength training.

When he is not working at Emerald Heights, you can find Tanner as the head coach for Junior-Varsity boys’ basketball.

“Ever since I started working at Emerald Heights, I have been so lucky to get to know and learn from the residents of the community. I love hearing their stories and getting to build a relationship with them,” says Tanner. “Another thing I love about working at Emerald Heights is my co-workers! They make coming to work fun and I am glad we have such a collaborative relationship which ultimately benefits the residents.”

Meet Katharine Manter:

Katharine also joined as a fitness specialist in August 2022 and has loved working with the residents at Emerald Heights ever since.

She has been working with ageing adults for several years. Katharine comes from a medical background so she has a vast knowledge of medications, proper breathing techniques, diabetes management and exercises to improve one’s quality of life.

Manter earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education with a kinesiology concentration followed by a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology. She is also a certified clinical exercise physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Katharine teaches several group fitness classes and is happy to take on new personal training clients. She also works with the physical therapy team when needed. She is most excited to grow the posture and balance classes and is hoping to provide seminars to educate residents on fall risk, exercises, proper form/technique and overall health.

“I find it so rewarding to help a resident learn to walk better or perform their daily activities through fitness. A lot of the classes offered help residents regain mobility, strengthen balance and allows them to have a better quality of life,” shares Katharine.

If you are interested in getting to know any of these amazing staff members, now is the perfect time to join the fitness program. There are typically eight to ten group fitness classes offered every day such as aqua-aerobics, total body fitness, weightlifting, tai-chi, yoga, Zumba and even line dancing. If you want to train on our own or have individualized attention, the fitness center is open for use daily and Emerald Heights offers personal training packages.

To learn more, chat with one of the fitness specialists today!