Learn how an Aging Life Care Manager can support you as you age independently, helping you plan ahead, navigate decisions, and build the right support for your future. Join this informative webinar presented in partnership with Aging Wisdom and Emerald Communities.
One of the most common questions we receive at Emerald Heights is what happens when a residence you are interested in becomes available. We want to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and confident when that opportunity arises.
When an apartment or cottage matching your preferences becomes available, our team will reach out to households who have expressed interest. We maintain an interest list and establish priority based on the date deposits were received.
If you are selected, here is what to expect next.
Within the first week, you will be asked to complete several important steps:
Once these steps are completed and approved, you will receive a formal approval letter.
At that time, you may also be invited to make selections for your new residence. In some cases, standard finishes may already be in place, depending on the timing and readiness of the home.
Your financial possession date will typically be scheduled for approximately 60 days following approval, whether you choose standard finishes or decide to personalize your residence. This timing may be adjusted if our contractor experiences delays for a standard refurbishment. We suggest you do not sell your home until a completion date has been provided to you by our team, unless you plan on a lease-back option from the buyers of your home.
Before a residence is offered, our team conducts a walkthrough to identify items that should be refreshed or replaced based on age, condition, or functionality. That list will be shared with you if you are the awarded future resident of the apartment or cottage.
Standard selections are typically made within 7 to 10 days after a home becomes vacant.
In some situations, if we believe a residence may be reserved quickly, we may delay the final finish selections to allow future residents to choose items such as carpet or paint colors. After you have submitted your deposit and completed the required steps outlined above, you may be invited to make selections for your new residence if the refurbishment process has not yet started.
Because this will be your home for many years, you may wish to personalize it beyond our standard selections. Any requested changes beyond our standard refurbishment are considered upgrades, and the costs would be the responsibility of the incoming resident.
Examples of upgrades may include:
All customization requests must be approved by our Facilities Director, and contractors must also be approved by our team.
While customization timelines can vary, the 60-day financial possession timeline generally remains in place, as standard refurbishments are typically completed within that timeframe.
We know this is an exciting milestone, and our team will guide you through every step to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
For 34 years, Emerald Heights has provided peace of mind to aging adults looking for a vibrant lifestyle with a continuum of care.
Wondering how long the Emerald Heights waitlist takes? Learn typical wait times by residence type, how priority works, and strategies to move in sooner.
Join Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key for a special webinar presented in partnership with Childfree Trust, exploring how childfree and permanently childless adults can plan for the future with confidence. Learn practical strategies for protecting your wishes, finances, and decision-making support system.
On a recent afternoon at Emerald Heights, a small group of residents gathered to try something many had never experienced before. Within moments of putting on a virtual reality headset, they found themselves transported into the middle of one of Seattle’s most memorable celebrations: the Seahawks Super Bowl parade.
As the excitement of the parade unfolded around them, residents waved at onlookers, spotted cheerleaders and players, and joined fellow fans in cheering along with the sea of “12s.”
The immersive experience recreates the energy of the historic parade and places viewers right in the middle of the cheering crowd. You can see a glimpse of the experience in this recent feature from KING5.
What began as a fun introduction to new technology quickly sparked a bigger conversation about possibility, connection, and how innovation can expand the way residents experience the world.
“This technology would be my escape into nature, into real life that I physically can’t access anymore. I got excited about that prospect, knowing experiences like this are possible.”
– Emerald Heights Resident
The experience was made possible through Emerald Heights’ partnership with Rendever, which delivers immersive technology designed to support longer, healthier, and more connected lives.
With Rendever, residents simply put on a headset and are transported into shared experiences they can explore together. They can travel to destinations around the world, revisit meaningful places from their past, or experience moments like the Seahawks parade as if they were standing right in the crowd.
The platform was designed specifically for older adults and those who support them. Its shared format encourages conversation, connection, and engagement, helping address one of the most important challenges facing older adults today: social isolation.
Research-backed immersive experiences have also shown promise for individuals experiencing mobility limitations, vision challenges, or cognitive decline.
For the team at Emerald Heights, virtual reality is not simply about introducing new technology. It is about thoughtfully expanding the ways residents can stay engaged with the world around them.
Nicole McCarthy, Director of Resident Services, says the community is energized by the possibilities immersive technology is creating.
“We are incredibly excited about our partnership with Rendever and what it makes possible for residents,” McCarthy shared. “It’s one of several innovative approaches we are exploring as an intervention for mild cognitive impairment and early dementia diagnosis. Our goal is always to meet people where they are and create meaningful experiences that support connection, curiosity, and engagement.”
Virtual reality is just one part of Emerald Heights’ broader approach to cognitive wellness. The community continues to explore evidence-based strategies to support residents living with dementia and cognitive changes, including cognitive stimulation therapy and new partnerships focused on therapeutic nature and wellness programming.
McCarthy recalls one particularly powerful moment during a virtual experience when a resident asked to revisit the neighborhood where she grew up.
“She was able to show us the street where she lived and began recalling the names of nearby streets and sharing stories from her childhood,” McCarthy said. “The experience unlocked something for her. Afterward, she became more open with staff and neighbors, and we could see a new level of comfort in her interactions.”
At Emerald Heights, innovation is always guided by a simple goal: helping residents continue living vibrant, meaningful lives.
As new technologies continue to emerge, senior living communities are finding thoughtful ways to use them to support connection, curiosity, and well-being. At Emerald Heights, that means continually exploring innovative tools and partnerships that help residents stay engaged with the world around them.
Because living well at every age should include the freedom to keep discovering, learning, and experiencing life in new ways.
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