Smiling senior woman with cane

Continuing Care Retirement Communities Are a Solution!

Recent events like the spring and early summer’s hot housing market combined with changing social connections during COVID-19 have many area seniors asking questions about their futures. Is a retirement community a good idea? If so, is now the time to move? What option would work best for me? 

If you’re considering retirement communities in Newport News, VA, you’ve probably quickly realized there’s such a dizzying number of choices — Independent Living, Assisted Living, Life Plan Communities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and more — that it’s hard to even know where to start.  

This article will look at the current housing market and discuss an option that gives you the freedom to do what you want today while providing peace of mind for tomorrow.

What are the real estate trends in Newport News, VA?

While the price of houses was strong in the spring, current trends released by Virginia REALTORS® seem to indicate the cooling of the market. Sales numbers are strong and it’s still a seller’s market, but the frenzy of earlier in the year appears to be over with prices expected to return to normal.

If you’re curious about current real estate trends and whether it’s still a good time to sell, The Chesapeake is hosting a “State of the Local Real Estate Market” event with expert Greg Garrett on Tuesday, October 19. You can learn more and even RSVP to the event here.

An independent today with a more secure tomorrow.

Of all the Independent Living community options in Newport News, VA, only one choice offers a smart plan for the future: Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs). What is a CCRC? A CCRC offers an engaging lifestyle and also features higher levels of care. CCRCs typically charge an entrance fee and have an ongoing monthly fee.

At a Life Plan Community/CCRC like The Chesapeake, you can start living independently in a maintenance-free apartment or cottage enjoying all our services and amenities, including lifelong learning and wellness programs. Set your personal best in our fitness center and indoor, heated saltwater pool. Even join one of our numerous clubs and committees. 

If you or your spouse has an unexpected health emergency, The Chesapeake gives you access to higher levels of on-site continuum of care — Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing —  in our 5-Star-rated health center. Plus, as a Life Care community, our Life Care contract means any needed care will be available at the same predictable monthly rate.

How the last 18 months have changed everyone’s lifestyle.

As people have isolated or at least socially distanced themselves as a precaution against COVID-19, the way we live and interact has changed. That’s why many seniors are considering CCRCs. How is a CCRC a solution to current and future public health emergencies?

  • Preparation: Communities deal with seasonal flu and stomach viruses and are well prepared for contagious diseases. While COVID-19 was unlike anything they’d dealt with before, many CCRCs quickly adopted new protocols to keep residents safe. 
  • Socialization: A 2019 University of Michigan survey taken before the pandemic found that more than one-third of adults ages 50 to 80 said they felt lonely. Of the nearly 40% of senior Americans living by themselves, 60% said they felt a lack of companionship, and 41% said they felt isolated. Communities feature activity calendars full of engaging events, and during a health emergency, they can create ways to keep residents safely connected.
  • Nutrition: Communities provide chef-prepared meals, often overseen by a nutritionist, for takeout and/or delivery. 
  • Care: According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of seniors ages 65 and over will need assistance with at least a couple of activities of daily living like eating, dressing or bathing, and possibly even a higher level of care.

Experience the freedom of having it all.

The Chesapeake is a nonprofit, faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community where you can live an independent, self-directed life while enjoying time to pursue your interests. Located on 35 acres in the heart of Newport News, Virginia, we feature comfortable one- and two-bedroom apartments, cottages, an active and social lifestyle, and peace of mind for the future. To learn more about our Independent Living community in Newport News, VA, contact us here. One of our retirement counselors will be in touch with you soon.