The Emerald Heights lifestyle is all about convenience and choice. Whether you want to get out and go or stay in and take it easy, you’ll find an abundance of options right here at home. The possibilities are yours to explore, each and every day. Before making any good choice, there is often a list of questions to be answered. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Emerald Heights.
What is a Life Plan Community-Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), are senior living communities that provide several lifestyle options, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and the way you want to live. This includes a range of services, amenities, wellness programs and activities, all designed to help you stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. Most important, Life Plan Communities provide residents with access to high-quality health care at fees significantly lower than market rates. As your health needs change, you have the appropriate level of support. At Emerald Heights, we offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Short- and Long-Term Rehab.
What is an entrance fee?
The one-time entrance fee is an upfront sum to help cover community operating and capital costs, including some of the costs that come with offering access to continuing care for life. It also ensures priority access to several levels of health care, in case you ever need it, and with no increase in monthly service fee if additional care is needed. At Emerald Heights, your entrance fee is based on the size of residence that you choose and the number of occupants. You’ll have lifetime residency at Emerald Heights, as well as Penrose Harbor for health needs, either rehabilitative or long-term.
I’m doing fine in my current home. Why should I consider a move to Emerald Heights now?
Life is bigger here than you ever imagined! Although no move is easy, postponing the decision about a move may mean you have less control over when that move eventually happens — and to where.
Residents here will tell you to make the move while you can take full advantage of everything Emerald Heights has to offer — not when you’re pressured by failing health or overwhelmed by trying to keep up with home maintenance.Come join us! What are you waiting for?
What are the standard features that will be provided in my apartment or cottage?
Each of the apartments and cottages at Emerald Heights comes equipped with a full kitchen, which includes a range/oven, dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal and refrigerator with an automatic ice maker.When the fresh air and mild climate of the Pacific Northwest beckons you outdoors, you can step out to your own private patio or balcony.
Is there high-speed internet access available?
Yes. High-speed connection to the internet is available for a reasonable fee through Emerald Heights’ cable TV provider.
Isn’t there a long waiting list at Emerald Heights?
Emerald Heights does maintain a priority list for future residents. In our experience, waiting times for members of our Future Residents list can vary from a few short months to several years, depending primarily upon their readiness to move!
I’ve been in my house for so many years that I’m not sure how to manage a move. Is there someone who can help with all the details?
Absolutely! A number of very reputable companies that specialize in helping seniors move are located in our area. We’ll be happy to provide you with contact information for these specialists so that you can find exactly the help you need — from advice on holding a garage sale to hands-on help packing and unpacking your belongings.
Doesn’t a move to a retirement community mean my current lifestyle will change?
Yes. Our current residents will tell you that their lives have changed — for the better! As an Emerald Heights resident, you’ll have all the choices and freedoms you currently enjoy — but without the restrictions, burdens and chores of maintaining a house and yard. Residents also find that their lives are enhanced by the variety of social, recreational, physical, educational, spiritual and volunteer opportunities offered here. Discover for yourself all that Emerald Heights has to offer!
Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is assisted living?
Assisted Living provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise. Residents are assured ongoing wellness evaluations and levels of living that address their specific needs. Licensed, compassionate team members assist with daily tasks as needed, and the many amenities and life-enriching activities are geared toward helping residents more easily enjoy what matters most to them.
How do I know when someone need assisted living?
It’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, or that of your loved one, you can match needs to the right level of assistance. When help with daily tasks is needed — taking medications, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping — Assisted Living can be the answer. Trained professionals provide support while helping preserve an individual’s independence.
What if my loved one needs more than what’s provided in assisted living?
At Emerald Heights, we offer a continuum of care. In addition to Assisted Living, we provide Memory Care, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing care. These levels of living provide round-the-clock care for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing more long-term care or support.
Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions
What is memory care?
Memory Care provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Residents live in a secure environment focused on their comfort and safety. Licensed, compassionate team members specially trained in Memory Care assist residents with daily tasks as needed. Residents take part in a full range of activities that are customized to meet individual interests and capabilities.
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Memory Care offers all the services of Assisted Living, plus:
- A secure indoor environment and a secure outdoor courtyard
- Activities specifically designed for those with memory loss
- Staff trained in dealing with symptoms of dementia, including stress, confusion and agitation
- 24-hour supervision
How do I know when someone would benefit from residential memory care?
The following behaviors or circumstances might indicate that someone requires Memory Care:
- Behavior changes
- Wandering or confusion/disorientation that impacts personal safety
- Overall decline in physical health
- Caregiver stress
- Incontinence
Short-Term Rehabilitation Frequently Asked Questions
What does physical therapy and rehabilitation include?
At Emerald Heights, we provide Short-Term Rehab through physical, speech and occupational therapies. Resident and nonresident seniors can receive expert care from our skilled pathologists and therapists using the most advanced treatments and technologies.
Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?
It’s similar in that it helps restore strength and mobility. Occupational Therapy helps people adapt to their social and physical environment through education in things like dressing, memory training and coordination exercises.
What can I expect from speech therapy?
Our skilled speech and language pathologists address communication issues and swallowing dysfunction. They’ll design treatment plans to help with language ability, provide alternate communication strategies and give appropriate diet recommendations.
Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled Nursing is for those who need longer-term care delivered around the clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LPNs, Certified Nurse Aides and Certified Medication Aides. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.
When is skilled nursing necessary?
These are some conditions that often require skilled care for seniors:
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Stroke
- Cardiac failure
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Other major illness
- Hip or bone fracture
- Fall-related injury
- Orthopedic surgery
- Severe osteoarthritis
When would someone need long-term skilled nursing care?
Potential candidates for Long-Term Nursing Care include those who are dealing with an ongoing health condition or disability, chronic or severe pain, a chronic medical condition, permanent disability or dementia.