East Ridge at Cutler Bay recently announced it was adopting the new designation of a “LifePlan Community,” in support of a national movement of similar communities to change from being known as a “continuing care retirement community”, “CCRC” or “life care community”.
“This is an exciting change for communities like East Ridge,” said Jeffrey Merritt, executive director. “For years the term, “continuing care retirement community”, has given people a misleading impression about what communities offer. As the name implied, people thought our communities were only about care; whereas people who choose to move to East Ridge know we are about getting the most out of life.”
Coined nearly 35 years ago, the term “continuing care retirement community” was used to describe the growing number of communities that provide a continuum of living and care options for older adults, starting with residences and homes where residents could live independently, then providing assisted living and skilling nursing residences should their health care needs change. Today’s community has evolved.
“We are extremely proud of the healthcare services that are offered in our new Three Palms Health Center serving both residents of East Ridge and the Cutler Bay area, but we offer so much more. Our independent living residences have full-size appliances, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances—all of the amenities found in new homes and condominiums,” he added. “Most importantly, we offer a lifestyle of choices. There are fitness and wellness programs, fine dining, creative enrichment programs, socializing and volunteerism opportunities, spiritual outlets and much more.”
Residents at East Ridge also have the benefits of maintenance-free living and not worrying about housekeeping, yard care, or home repairs.
The new name, “LifePlan Community” is the result of nationwide research project coordinated by LeadingAge, the national association of not-for-profit aging services organizations.
Designating East Ridge as a “LifePlan Community” draws attention to the fact that East Ridge is about life. People move to life plan communities tend to be planners; people who like to know they’ve made the decision they need to make to ensure they have planned for their future.
“We consistently hear from new residents how ideal they find living at East Ridge. They often say they wish they had made their decision two years earlier,” said Merritt. “It is the desire that by adopting this new industry description we can better describe the lifestyle and help prospective residents decide to move earlier.”
For more information about East Ridge, please visit www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com or call 305-256-3564 for a tour.