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Frequently Asked Questions

What do the terms “Life Plan Community” and “Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)” mean? Are they different?

These terms are synonyms for a specific type of residential community for older adults (typically those 62 years old and older) that offers independent living residences with contractual access to one or more higher levels of care and services should they ever be needed in the future. Most offer at least three levels of service (independent living, assisted living and nursing care) on one campus. The comprehensive residency agreement covers lifestyle choices (dining venues, interior and exterior maintenance, utilities, social activities, fitness) in an independent home or apartment. Peace of mind and a secure plan for the future are the biggest benefits – as health circumstances change, assisted living, assisted living memory support, nursing and rehabilitation are just steps away, allowing residents to age in place in familiar surroundings.

 

How do independent living, assisted living, assisted living memory support and nursing care differ?

Often referred to as levels of service, these senior living residential classifications refer to the type of care services included with the home or apartment.

Independent living does not include the cost of or arrangements for health care in the base package. Independent living is considered primarily a social, lifestyle choice. Residents manage their own daily lives and wellness, and they have access to amenities (such as a fitness center) and conveniences (such as housekeeping).

Assisted living is a healthcare level. Facilities are licensed by each state, with licensure types varying from state to state. Some facilities split assisted living into two levels of service (personal care and assisted living). Residences range in size, and most are furnished with a kitchenette (refrigerator, sink, microwave). Fees are based on apartment size and the included amount of assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs) such as ambulation, dressing, bathing, transferring, continence care, and eating.

Assisted living memory support is a program for the treatment, management and oversight of individuals with memory impairment. (Alzheimer’s disease is just one example of a type of memory-impairing illness.) Assisted living memory support programs may be delivered in licensed personal care, assisted living or nursing care settings. Residents usually need help with cueing and behavioral problems, which may or may not be accompanied by assistance with physical ADLs. Assisted living memory support programs are often registered or certified while the setting within which it is delivered is licensed.

Nursing care is the highest level of healthcare service delivery short of sub-acute and hospital care. Like personal care and assisted living, nursing care requires state licensure. Nursing care centers are staffed by a medical director, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and geriatric nursing assistants (GNAs). Twenty-four-hour care and oversight are provided. Most residents have a chronic condition, ongoing illness or extreme frailty that require a two-person transfer.

 

Is nursing care the same as skilled nursing care or rehabilitation?

Skilled rehabilitative care offers special therapies – delivered by licensed individuals – such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy. These therapies assist residents in maintaining or improving their strength, balance and mobility. Rehabilitation is typically a temporary situation and Medicare may pay for some portion of this improvement care. Comprehensive or custodial nursing care is provided for ongoing conditions not expected to improve through rehabilitation and/or that do not required skilled, technical care. Medicare does not pay for comprehensive or custodial nursing care.

 

What kinds of fees do independent living residents pay?

Two types of fees are associated with a CCRC: Entrance Fees and Monthly Service Fees. The Entrance Fee (or Entry Fee, as it is sometimes called), is a one-time, up-front investment paid at the time of moving into a Life Plan community for lifetime use of the residence and the Residency Agreement that guarantees residents lifetime access to the continuum of care. Entrance fees may be determined by numerous factors including, size of the residence, number of occupants and the refund plan selected. Entrance fees are not typically mortgageable or financeable.

Monthly service fees are based on the healthcare benefit plan, size of the residence and number of occupants. Monthly service fees provide each resident with services and amenities such as a flexible dining program, weekly housekeeping, linen service, utilities, interior and exterior maintenance, regularly scheduled transportation, and more.

 

What is Lifecare?

Lifecare is a specific contractual arrangement offered by some Lifeplan communities. It bundles a portion of the cost of future healthcare into the independent living rate, so that the monthly fee paid is significantly less than current market daily rates should the resident move into the more expensive healthcare residences in the community.

 

If I move to Vantage Point under a Lifecare Plan, should I continue my long term care insurance?

The significant benefit of the Lifecare agreement is that you would pay significantly less than published market daily rates should you move to any area of the health center, whether for the short or long term. Yet, this type of insurance may be beneficial to you. We recommend you consult with your insurance provider and/or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your individual policy.

 

Are any fees tax deductible?

Some portion of the entrance fee and/or monthly fee may qualify for a medical tax deduction, depending upon your individual circumstances. This amount is calculated yearly by Residences at Vantage Point so that residents may share this information with their individual tax advisor.

 

Can I bring my own furniture?

Your residence in independent living, assisted living and assisted living memory support is yours to furnish and decorate as you wish! Nursing care residences are fully furnished, as provided by state statute.

 

Is my pet welcome?

Residences at Vantage Point is a pet-friendly community. Your dog, cat, bird or fish are important members of the family. Please contact your lifestyle advisor for a copy of the community rules and regulations for pets that keep everyone healthy and happy.

 

Is smoking allowed?

Residences at Vantage Point is a smoke-free campus.

 

Do you have a waiting list, and, if so, is there a fee to join?

Residences at Vantage Point maintains a list of individuals interested in moving to specific apartment styles, so there might be a bit of a wait, depending upon which floor plan is of interest to you. Please contact your lifestyle advisor to learn how to join.

 

How do I become a resident?

Becoming a part of the Vantage Point community is easy:

  1. Get to know us. Schedule your personalized planning meeting with one of our knowledgeable lifestyle advisors. Enjoy a meal in the Pub or Bistro.
  2. Select the apartment home that best suits your lifestyle.
  3. Determine which Residency Agreement option is your best financial choice.
  4. Place a refundable 10% deposit to hold the residence of your choice.
  5. Complete and submit your confidential application forms.
  6. Within 90 days of reservation, move in and begin to enjoy the benefits of living at Residences at Vantage Point. The balance of the entrance fee and monthly fee payments begin.
 

Who owns and operates Residences at Vantage Point?

Residences at Vantage Point is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation. A volunteer board of directors determines the policies and articulates the mission and vision of Vantage Point. This dedicated group of individuals represents local business leaders, entrepreneurs and community servants, including residents. Day-to-day management is provided by Life Care Services, a national owner/operator of highly successful senior living communities across the nation. Founded in 1971 Life Care Services serves more than 140 communities.

 

Is there parking for my cars?

Yes, assigned parking in an uncovered lot convenient to an entrance is included for each residence. Underground parking may be reserved for an additional monthly cost.

 

Is there extra storage?

Yes, each residence is assigned a lockable indoor storage space, at no extra charge for your seldom-used possessions and/or seasonal items within the building.

 

What happens if I become ill?

Residences at Vantage Point has an on-site wellness clinic staffed by registered nurses, physician’s assistants and doctors for primary care, as well as specialists whom residents may choose to see. If you have a minor illness, such as the flu, you can remain in your apartment. Meal delivery is available to enable you to dine in your home. If a temporary stay or permanent transfer is needed to the health center for a more serious illness or recovery from surgery, you are guaranteed priority access to our on-site nursing and rehabilitation center.

 

I am interested in moving to Residences at Vantage Point, but not ready to give up my home. When is the right time to move?

You love where you live today, and we recognize it is difficult to make a big move into a new community. However, your good health is your best assurance for residency. Residences at Vantage Point offers a range of options that allow you to maximize the lifestyle you want, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have put a plan in place for your future, quality health care at a predictable cost and asset protection.

If you wait until you need assistance, it may be too late to qualify for residency in an independent living residence. Making the decision to move well before you think you may need to move is strongly recommended. Our Signature Club Waiting List is for those who are planning for the future and would like to have a priority for their choice of residence.

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