FAQs

Lifestyle

• What is the best age to enter a Life Plan Community?

  The ideal time to move into a Life Plan Community is while you are active, healthy, and entirely capable of enjoying our resort-style amenities — for most seniors, this is somewhere between the ages of 70 and 75. Doing so allows you to build lasting friendships, enjoy all that independent living has to offer, and maximize the value of our robust wellness programs.

• What are the benefits of independent senior living?

  The benefits of independent senior living are far expanding, but at their core they come from the freedom, deep social connection, and peace of mind that you get as a resident. Our staff handles all the heavy-lifting household chores, giving you unlimited time to enjoy fitness classes, exceptional food, and all the cultural events right outside your front door. You also join a welcoming, dynamic group of active adults who share your passion for lifelong learning and exciting new experiences.

• How do Life Plan Communities (CCRC’s) work?

  Life Plan Communities provide the perfect blend of complete independence today with guaranteed access to future health support tomorrow. You typically pay an up-front entrance fee and a monthly fee to cover services and amenities. A Life Plan Community secures your active lifestyle and a network for care, when necessary. If your health needs ever change, you seamlessly transition to high-quality on-site support while staying in the close-knit community you already know and love.

• What is Independent Living?

  Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle where you can fully immerse yourself in the activities you love most. You enjoy a beautifully designed homey residence without the tedious burdens of home upkeep, property taxes, or yardwork. This type of freedom is meant to help empower you to spend your days exploring new passions, traveling the world, and connecting with family and other fascinating friends in the neighborhood and beyond.

Life Care

• What is Skilled Nursing?

  Skilled nursing provides 24/7 personalized care and professional medical support in a well-designed, comfortable setting. Our experienced and compassionate team works closely with residents and their family to deliver tailored assistance –– from medication management to advanced nursing –– while always promoting your everyday independence and vitality.

• What is Memory Care?

  Memory care provides a highly specialized, secure environment meticulously designed for adults navigating Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our dedicated team delivers compassionate, dignified support using enriching programs that gently engage the mind and lift the spirit. We focus on celebrating your loved one’s unique life story while ensuring they experience joy, comfort, and safety every single day.

• What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living?

  Independent living is designed for active seniors seeking maintenance-free, resort-style living without the tedious burdens of home upkeep.

  Assisted living offers the same vibrant, engaging community experience, but adds discreet, personalized help with daily tasks and health routines. Both options provide access to community events, high-quality meals, and more, ensuring you absolutely love where you live regardless of the care you need.

• Who qualifies for Assisted Living?

  Assisted living is ideal for older adults who want to maintain an active lifestyle but require a little extra daily support to truly thrive. If you or a loved one needs gentle assistance with personal care, mobility, or managing medications, this level of support offers the perfect solution.

• What is Assisted Living?

  Assisted living is the perfect balance of independence and personalized support. You enjoy an exceptional private residence while our compassionate professionals provide discreet help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, or medication management. This tailored support allows you to spend your days exploring new passions and connecting with friends and family without the need to worry about your health.

• What is a CCRC?

  A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is another name for a Life Plan Community, an elegant senior living option that provides a full continuum of care right on one beautiful campus. You can seamlessly transition from Active Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Skilled Nursing if your health needs ever change. This comprehensive approach grants you and your family ultimate peace of mind, knowing your future is secure, though it’s important to note the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C contracts (see question above for more details).

• What is the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C Life Care contracts?

  A Type A Life Care contract is an ideal investment in peace of mind for retirement. It provides unlimited access to a full continuum of high-quality care (including everything from Assisted Living, to Skilled Nursing, to Memory Care) with highly predictable monthly fees, no matter how your health needs change over time.

  In contrast, a Type B (Modified) contract generally offers lower up-front entrance fee costs but only provides future health services for a limited number of days or at a discounted
  rate. After you’ve used your allotted days or services, you transition to a higher rate for additional care. Essentially, Type B acts as a middle-ground contract between Type A (fully covered) and Type C (pay-as-you-go) options.

  Type C contracts, sometimes called “fee-for-service” contracts, require lower entrance fees, but unlike Types A and B, you pay full market rates for any care services you may need in the future. This arrangement shifts more of the financial risk to the resident, as costs can rise significantly if care becomes necessary.

  Choosing a comprehensive Type A plan (like the one we have here at Searstone) perfectly shields your hard-earned assets from the rising costs of advanced support, allowing you to fully enjoy a resort-style lifestyle today without a single worry about tomorrow.

• What is a Life Plan Community?

  A Life Plan Community (also known as a CCRC) is a modern approach to retirement that combines independent living with guaranteed access to future health services, all on the same campus. Typically, you pay an up-front entrance fee along with a monthly fee, securing yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your care needs will be met as you age.

  Here at Searstone, that forward-thinking model comes with an amenity-rich and maintenance-free lifestyle – one that helps free up more time for you to pursue your passions with the freedom you deserve during retirement.

Pricing

• How does a Life Care contract protect my financial future?

  Planning for tomorrow should not be stressful. Our comprehensive care agreement stabilizes your future healthcare costs. You pay a predictable monthly rate, shielding your estate from the rising costs of advanced health services. This smart financial choice empowers you to spend your retirement traveling, exploring new passions, and enjoying your stunning residence without worrying about unpredictable medical expenses.

• What is the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C Life Care contracts?

  A Type A Life Care contract is an ideal investment in peace of mind for retirement. It provides unlimited access to a full continuum of high-quality care including everything from Assisted Living, to Skilled Nursing, to Memory Care) with highly predictable monthly fees, no matter how your health needs change over time.

  In contrast, a Type B (Modified) contract generally offers lower up-front entrance fee costs but only provides future health services for a limited number of days or at a discounted
  rate. After you’ve used your allotted days or services, you transition to a higher rate for additional care. Essentially, Type B acts as a middle-ground contract between Type A (fully covered) and Type C (pay-as-you-go) options.

  Type C contracts, sometimes called “fee-for-service” contracts, require lower entrance fees, but unlike Types A and B, you pay full market rates for any care services you may need in the future. This arrangement shifts more of the financial risk to the resident, as costs can rise significantly if care becomes necessary.

  Choosing a comprehensive Type A plan (like the one we have here at Searstone) perfectly shields your hard-earned assets from the rising costs of advanced support, allowing you to fully enjoy a resort-style lifestyle today without a single worry about tomorrow.

• Are Assisted Living expenses tax deductible?

  When you choose a Life Plan Community, ongoing monthly fees may qualify as tax-deductible prepaid medical expenses. While tax laws frequently evolve, these potential deductions can offer significant financial advantages for your estate. We always recommend consulting with your personal tax advisor to understand exactly how these benefits apply to your unique financial situation.

• What is the average monthly cost for Assisted Living and/or Memory Care?

  The monthly cost for Assisted Living and Memory Care stays the same as the other levels of care. However, there may be an additional cost for extra meals provided in the healthcare center. In a Life Care contract (or, Type A contract), your monthly fee is predictable, and stays virtually the same in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care.

• What are the tax advantages of a Life Care contract?

  There are several components of the costs of a Life Care (or, Type A) contract that can be considered tax advantages. The Life Care fee may be considered a pre-paid medical expense, deducted the year a resident pays the fee. Each year, a portion of the monthly service fee may be considered a pre-paid medical expense.

  Here at Searstone, our team provides an annual letter outlining the IRS code and the percentage the actuaries provide for the deduction. Because residents don’t own the property at Searstone, they are no longer responsible for property taxes.

• Why is it a good investment to make a deposit at Searstone?

  Making a deposit at Searstone is a smart investment for your future—and a low-risk one too. Our Wait List Fee is $5,300, and $5,000 of that is refundable. Searstone’s Wait List is virtually rules-free, allowing Wait List Members to turn down offerings with no penalty if they’re not ready.

  Searstone operates as a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, ensuring that all financial decisions prioritize the best interests of our residents. Our successful budget management since opening has enabled us to provide high-quality services while keeping overall cost increases in check. Investing in Searstone means investing in your future.

Residences

• Can my spouse and I stay together if our health needs differ?

  We structure our care to keep couples close. If one of you requires more advanced support, you can easily access our on-site health neighborhoods while the other remains in your independent living residence. You stay on the same campus, allowing you to spend quality time together every single day. In some cases, couples will hire care to come into the apartment to stay together longer. We prioritize your bond and make it simple to share meals, walks, and quiet moments.

• Is home maintenance included with my residence?

  Yes, saying goodbye to tedious home upkeep is one of the absolute greatest joys of living here. Your predictable monthly fee fully covers all interior and exterior maintenance, landscaping, and appliance repairs. That sort of carefree lifestyle is designed to give you the freedom to lock and leave for your next travel adventure without a single worry about your property.

• How accessible are wellness services from my Independent Living home?

  Proactive wellness is woven right into the fabric of our close-knit community, making it incredibly easy to prioritize your health. Fitness classes, customized workout plans, and comprehensive health support are just steps away from your front door. You can effortlessly transition from relaxing in your beautiful home to enjoying our state-of-the-art wellness centers in a matter of minutes.

• Can residents decorate their apartments?

  Absolutely! Your expertly designed apartment is a beautiful canvas waiting for your unique personal touch. We encourage you to bring your favorite furniture, treasured keepsakes, and signature style to make your new Independent Living residence feel completely like home. You have the ultimate freedom to create a comfortable space that perfectly reflects your rewarding life.

• Are the apartments here pet-friendly?

  Yes, we warmly welcome your furry friends here at Searstone Retirement Community! We know that pets are beloved family members, so our residences and beautifully landscaped grounds are completely pet-friendly.