10 Things to Consider When Choosing a CCRC
If you’re in the market for the right senior living community, it’s important to do your homework before picking one. Choosing the best CCRC for you can mean a long life of happiness and great health, whereas getting it wrong can lead to unhappiness, frustration or worse. Be sure to thoroughly research and visit multiple communities to find the one that best aligns with your preferences, needs and budget, among other things. Here are 10 things to consider when making your big decision about your ideal independent living community.
1. Amenities & Services You Really Want
Senior living communities offer a plethora of beautiful amenities and services for residents, but they should also be the ones that you actually find important for your life. A community should make your life more convenient, enjoyable and increase your overall wellness. When you tour a campus, be sure to ask for a calendar of upcoming social events to give you a better feel for the community’s overall culture, so you can see if it’s a good match for your interests.
2. High-Quality Health Care
For many people, access to comprehensive health care options is a major reason for choosing a CCRC, as it gives residents the peace of mind that comes with knowing their health care needs will be met if additional care is needed. Look into whether or not a community has an on-site health care center and if they offer a full continuum of care — assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care and rehabilitation services.
3. A Right-Sized Community
The size of our community is just right to make meaningful connections. We pair an intimate atmosphere with countless opportunities, setting a stage for vibrant, independent lifestyles in a safe and welcoming place. This allows residents to experience a true feeling of family, where all belong, making long-lasting and deep connections.
4. Ownership Opportunities
Will you be joining a community of renters or is it a resident-owned community? While this might not be the first thing that comes to mind, senior living communities with a cooperative model can offer many of the advantages of home ownership — like tax advantages — without any of the worries of maintenance or chores.
5. Excellent Dining Options
If you enjoy a good meal or a nice night out, you’ll want to look for a senior living community that has a variety of dining options. From formal dining rooms with sit-down meals to casual cafes and small, grab-and-go markets, various communities will have all sorts of options. When you’re visiting campuses, go ahead and try the food so you can taste it firsthand.
6. Location, Location, Location
Here’s the big question: Where do you want to live in retirement? Maybe it’s in close proximity to family, or maybe you’re looking for warmer weather or a walkable downtown area. Before you decide, you’ll definitely want to visit the area and potential communities. Also consider things like cost of living, pet-friendliness and population density as you explore your options.
7. Costs That Match Your Budget
There are many factors that determine the price of the right senior living community, including the type of residences, health care options, and amenities and services offered. Many communities will include meal plans, housekeeping services, property maintenance, utilities and fitness activities in their monthly fee, but that’s not a given. Take note of what’s included and what costs extra.
8. A Wellness-Driven Lifestyle
While you may be in great health right now, it’s important to plan for the care and services you may need to live comfortably in the future. Independent living could be perfect for you at the moment, but you should look at the continuing care options offered — assisted living, skilled nursing care and memory care — if you should need a higher level of care in the future.
9. Resident-Driven Programs & Activities
Many of the best communities support resident-led activities, empowering residents to contribute to the culture. While the staff may still organize some events, look for opportunities that residents have to run activities and the community. Volunteering and community engagement tend to offer personal fulfillment and overall well-being.
10. A Great Reputation
Since you’re making a big investment in a CCRC, it’s important to select one that not only has a great reputation in the area but is also financially sound. Ask about resident testimonials or, better yet, speak to current residents directly when you’re visiting the campus.
Why Should You Choose Maplewood Park Place?
Today’s retirees have more options than ever when it comes to communities and levels of care, which can be a little overwhelming if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for.
Resident-owned communities like Maplewood Park Place are the most attractive type of retirement living for many people. In fact, the concept of a cooperative senior housing community has been a growing trend in the United States since the 1960s, and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re thinking about choosing a continuing care retirement community, here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider Maplewood Park Place.
Good Neighbors Live Here
We pride ourselves on the friendliness of our community. As you walk our halls, you’re sure to be greeted with smiling faces and welcoming neighbors who want to get to know you better. We’ll even help by assigning you an “ambassador,” who can show you the ropes and introduce you around.
We believe the presence of like-minded peers contributes to a higher quality of life and various activities, clubs, committees, guest performances, and group outings offer plenty of ways to be engaged and make new friends. Our way of life fosters a strong sense of togetherness. We even have “The Messenger,” a resident-run monthly newsletter that shares owner residents’ stories so that neighbors can get to know each other even better.
Resort-Style Living
We may not have palm trees in Bethesda, but Maplewood offers all the beautiful amenities you’d find at a five-star resort. Our fitness center includes a pool, free weights and machines, and fun group classes for all levels of fitness. Our renowned executive chef oversees our three dining concepts, which offer everything from haute cuisine and light fare to just about anything in between. And talk about convenience — you can visit the library, the salon, the post office, banking services and many other conveniences without leaving the building. And, of course, transportation services, concierge services, housekeeping, security and maintenance are also all included in your monthly fee. These readily available amenities and services are just more reasons that life at Maplewood Park Place can enhance your happiness and well-being.
Bethesda is also a cultural destination of its own. Close access to art galleries, walking trails and live performances means there’s always something to explore. And we’re just a short distance from Washington, D.C., and its many cultural and entertainment options.
You Own Your Home
With a resident-owned community like Maplewood, you get all the tax advantages of home ownership and on-site health care included in your monthly fee. And if you decide to relocate, you can sell your home and reap the benefits of any appreciation. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about upkeep and all the chores that accompany home ownership.
Being an owner resident at Maplewood means your voice is heard, and you can truly make your home your home. You also won’t have to move should your health care needs change because our financial structure provides predictability and protection against rising health care costs. That helps you plan and budget for your retirement years more effectively.
Our community is structured a bit like a homeowners association, meaning you’ll pay a one-time entry fee and a nominal monthly fee to enjoy an exceptional apartment home and everything Maplewood offers. And for those with an eye for interior design, you can work with our in-house team to create a home you love.
Your Health Care Is Included
Statistically speaking, if you’re older than 70, you’ll likely require long-term health care at some point. At Maplewood, we offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all under one roof. We even have our own on-site physician, and we have many specialists who make regular visits. Our continuum of top-quality care ensures you’ll be able to age in place and receive the appropriate level of assistance and health care should your needs ever change.
Knowing that all necessary services are available within the community provides peace of mind. And because health care is included in your monthly fee, you’re insulated from the ever-rising costs of long-term care. Independent living communities like Maplewood that offer a full continuum of care give you and your family peace of mind for you and your family by knowing you’ll be cared for should your health care needs change. Additionally, our unique Lifecare Plan is available for qualified residents, offering high-quality, long-term health care and/or assisted living at a manageable cost.
Delicious, Nutritious Culinary Options
We believe every meal should deliver a fresh experience. That’s why we offer a variety of delicious, nutritious five-star dining choices, artfully created to appeal to the most discriminating of tastes. Selections are prepared daily by our chefs, who use only the freshest ingredients and can customize meals to your nutritional needs and preferences.
Feast on a delicious five-course meal in our elegant, newly renovated restaurant, The Urban Table. Or enjoy more casual fare at The 9707 Café or Market on the Square Bistro. From hearth oven-fired pizza to grilled seafood dishes, you’ll be sure to savor every tasty bite.
A Quiet Neighborhood Near the City
We’re a quaint, suburban neighborhood located just inside the Capital Beltway in Bethesda, Maryland. We pair an intimate atmosphere with countless opportunities to create the perfect setting for a vibrant, independent lifestyle in a safe and welcoming place that includes 24/7 security and concierge services.
When city life calls, Maplewood is conveniently located near two Metro stops. We’re also minutes away from restaurants, shopping at Wildwood or Westfield Montgomery, cultural attractions such as the Strathmore Center for the Arts, places of worship and top-ranked medical centers like Suburban Hospital.
Community & Amenities Within Budget
At Maplewood Park Place, your monthly fee covers your home and our long list of amenities. As a Maplewood owner resident, you’ll have all the tax advantages of home ownership, including deductibility of interest and real estate taxes. As a member of the co-op, you may also receive a significant medical deduction. If you decide to relocate, your home can be sold, and you’ll reap the benefits of any appreciation. You can include it as an asset in your trust or estate.
There are many ways to pay for the transition between two homes, and we offer a summary of popular options for financing them, based on your financial portfolio and your financial objectives.
Better Living Starts Here
Our supportive environment helps allay feelings of isolation commonly reported among seniors who choose to age in place. And maintenance-free living guarantees you get to spend your time doing what you want instead of annoying chores like mowing the grass or cleaning gutters.
Retirees who choose independent living tend to stay active longer because of the abundance of wellness classes and vibrant array of activities. Our holistic approach to health supports the seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial. Here, we care for the mind, body and spirit. Our focus on the whole person ensures you’ll be able to continue spending quality time with the people who matter.
Resident-Driven in Every Way
Owner residents help govern Maplewood operations. Two boards ensure that residents have the ultimate decision-making power, one board made up of residents and the other of residents and a group of professionals who have expertise in retirement living.
As an owner resident, you’ll have the opportunity to be elected to the board. Or, find your niche by participating in one or more of our 20 clubs and committees devoted to all aspects of life at Maplewood, from dining and activities to health services and budget and finance.
Award-Winning Resident Satisfaction
We have been honored for 16 consecutive years with the readers’ pick award from Bethesda Magazine as Best Senior Living Community. Our skilled nursing care has consistently earned Maplewood top honors from Medicare — five stars. We also received a Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living in recognition of our high-quality care. Holleran, the nation’s leading research firm specializing in retirement living and community engagement, awarded Maplewood its Highest Honors and Choice Community Awards.
Our management company, Sunrise Senior Living, is the first retirement living provider to be recognized in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power, the most trusted name in market research, as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Senior Living Communities.” They also received the highest numerical score in the J.D. Power 2018 Senior Living Satisfaction Study, measuring experiences and perceptions of residents, their family members and friends.
Whether you’re just beginning your retirement living journey or haven’t found what you’re looking for quite yet, come see what makes Maplewood Park Place one of the best independent living communities in the D.C. Metro area. Hopefully, these 10 reasons give you a place to start thinking about Maplewood and maybe the encouragement to pick up the phone and book your tour today by calling 301-571-7441.
Schedule a Home Tour Today
What’s the best way to experience Maplewood? Come for a visit! We’re happy to host you any time of the year. Feel free to take our virtual tours right now, and then contact us to arrange an in-person visit.
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