Local seniors learn the ABCs of a CCRC

For older adults considering retirement living options, the terms “active lifestyle community” and “continuing care retirement community” may sound more like marketing buzz terms than living options. Yet the premise for this 100-year-old senior living model, also referred to as a CCRC, is just what adults need as their lifestyle and health needs change over time.

John Spooner, chief executive officer at Greystone Communities, Inc., recently spoke to a roomful of older adults during an education workshop hosted by Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC), a CCRC with plans to build a new independent living neighborhood at its Medina campus.

“CCRCs are appealing to people who are forward thinkers, planners, and people who tend to avoid risky behavior,” explained Spooner, who used the analogy of a car’s airbag. “We know the airbag is there, and it will be there for protection when we need it. The airbag is our peace of mind.”

WRMC offers an added layer of security that leads to a similar peace of mind. Community members can access onsite quality healthcare services like assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation so as their healthcare needs change so do the services provided.

As an active lifestyle community, WRMC is designed to make it easy for resident members to live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives with access to amenities, lifelong learning programs, wellness and exercise classes and fine dining.

Researchers who study the world’s longest-living people found they share three common lifestyles: strong, positive social networks, regular routines to help reduce stress, and environments that encourage activity (Blue Zones), all of which are offered at CCRCs like WRMC.

The pricing fee for a CCRC is also appealing to forward thinkers and planners, said Spooner. There’s an entrance fee, paid upon moving to a community and based on size/style of the apartment selected, and a monthly fee, which is also based on the size/style of the apartment selected. Rolled into the entrance fee and monthly fee are the following services:

• An apartment home, access to activities, programs, wellness/health resources, exercise classes, volunteer and social opportunities, and access to onsite assisted living, memory care, and long-term care centers.
• Priority access to quality long-term care services, such as assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. This benefit is difficult to appreciate until long-term care or rehab is needed and the preferred facility doesn’t have availability. During these emotionally charged times, finding a quality facility near family can be difficult.
• Estate preservation. The entrance fee paid upon move-in is up to 85 percent refundable to your estate when one leaves by choice.
• Predictable monthly service fees.

Spooner suggests people research senior living options well before they’re ready to make a move. Community tours are important, but so is participating in events or activities to get a feel for what life is like in the community. Finally, he says, senior living professionals are a valuable resource for families, so be open with questions.

An open house for seniors and their families interested in learning what an active lifestyle community offers adults 55-years-old and better is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 13, 3-5 p.m. Bring your questions and enjoy a complimentary hot & cold hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by the community’s chef. For more information, call Mary Vasko at 330-721-3275.

Learn more about The Palmary at Western Reserve Masonic Community, visit https://thepalmary.org/upcoming-events/ or call (330) 538-8473. Western Reserve Masonic Community is located at 4931 Nettleton Road, Medina.