Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about senior living communities in Gig Harbor, WA.

What is a Life Plan Community-Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), are senior living communities that provide several lifestyle options, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and the way you want to live. This includes a range of services, amenities, wellness programs and activities, all designed to help you stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. Most important, Life Plan Communities provide residents with access to high-quality health care at fees significantly lower than market rates. As your health needs change, you have the appropriate level of support. At Heron’s Key, we offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Short- and Long-Term Rehab. Within the Life Plan Communities, there are Life Care Communities, these are different in the sense that they are usually a Type A community which guarantees unlimited access to the different levels of care, at a flat rate. There are currently, only 4 communities in Western Washington that offer this type of community and Heron’s Key and its sister community Emerald Heights account for half of them.

What is an entrance fee?

The one-time entrance fee of a Type A Life Care community is an upfront sum to help cover community operating and capital costs, including some of the costs that come with offering access to continuing care for life. It also ensures priority access to several levels of health care, for when you need it, and with no increase in monthly service fee if additional care is needed. At Heron’s Key, your entrance fee is based on the size of residence that you choose and the number of occupants. You’ll have lifetime residency at Heron’s Key, as well as Penrose Harbor for health needs, either rehabilitative or long-term. Entrance Fees in 2026 at Heron’s Key, start at $230,800 for the first occupant and $37,500 for the second occupant, but they will vary based on the type of contract you select (Traditional which is refundable on an amortized basis within the first 5 years, 50%, 75% or 90% refundable).

Who operates Heron’s Key?

Heron’s Key is affiliated with Emerald Communities, a Redmond, Washington-based, nonprofit organization which is also parent to our sister community, Emerald Heights.

Can I move from one residence to another at a later date?

Yes, depending upon availability. Any moving and renovating expenses will be incurred at your own expense. A difference in the current entrance fee (if moving to a larger unit) must be paid by you. With long wait lists, our future residents are encouraged to move in to an available apartment and transfer later. Internal residents get first priority for newly released apartment homes and cottages.

What are some of the tax advantages of a Life Plan Community?

The IRS has ruled that for a life plan community such as Heron’s Key, a portion of the entrance fee is tax-deductible as a pre-paid medical expense in the year you pay the full entrance fee. In addition, every year a calculation of how much of monthly service fees go toward operating Penrose Harbor is distributed to residents and can be used toward their annual medical deduction. All care provided to residents of Penrose Harbor, our health center, can typically be deductible as well. Discuss all tax considerations with your own tax professional.

How do I know this is a financially stable organization?

Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an important financial decision, and it is reasonable to ask about long-term stability.

Heron’s Key operates as part of a well-established not-for-profit organization with a long-term commitment to serving older adults. As a Life Plan Community, we are required to maintain financial reserves and meet state regulatory standards designed to protect residents and ensure ongoing operations.

Families can evaluate financial stability by reviewing:

Years in operation and leadership continuity
Occupancy levels and demand trends
Audited financial statements including days of cash on hand
Debt structure and capital investment strategy
State regulatory filings and reserve requirements

Heron’s Key provides transparency around our financial performance and encourages prospective residents to review audited financial information as part of their due diligence process.

Importantly, Life Plan Communities are designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Entrance fees contribute to capital reserves, future improvements, and healthcare infrastructure, helping ensure the community can serve residents today and in the decades ahead.

We welcome thoughtful financial questions and encourage families to consult their financial advisors when evaluating any CCRC.

How Does Heron’s Key Protect Residents During an Emergency or Natural Disaster?

The safety and well-being of our residents is our highest priority. Heron’s Key maintains a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan designed to protect residents during events such as severe weather, power outages, earthquakes, or other unexpected disruptions.

Our preparedness approach includes:

A detailed, regularly updated emergency operations plan
Trained staff on-site 24 hours a day
Routine emergency drills and preparedness exercises
Backup power systems to support critical operations
Established communication protocols for residents and families
Coordination with local emergency agencies

As a Life Plan Community, we are designed to support residents across all levels of care, which means we have clinical staff and operational leadership in place to respond quickly and effectively if circumstances change.

In addition, our team proactively reviews safety procedures, building systems, and supply readiness to ensure we can continue providing meals, care, and essential services during temporary disruptions.

We understand that families want reassurance, and we are always happy to discuss our preparedness plans in more detail during your visit.

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent living community?

Independent living at Heron’s Key is designed for active older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle without the responsibilities of homeownership, while having access to future healthcare if needed.

Residents live in private apartments or cottages and enjoy:

A full kitchen and spacious living areas
Housekeeping and maintenance services
Chef-prepared dining options
Fitness, wellness, and cultural programming
Social events and community life
Security and 24-hour staff presence

Unlike assisted living, independent living does not include daily personal care. Residents manage their own daily activities while benefiting from a supportive, engaging environment.

As a Life Plan Community (also known as a CCRC), Heron’s Key also offers access to higher levels of care including assisted living and skilled nursing — should health needs change in the future. This allows residents to age in place with greater peace of mind and financial predictability.

What services and amenities are available at Heron’s Key?

Heron’s Key offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including a pay as you go, restaurant-style casual dining, full-service salon and spa, fitness center and more. Plus, our complimentary transportation will take you shopping and to scheduled medical appointments in the area.

Will I have a voice in the community?

We encourage residents to participate in our community resident committees – special committees focused on different aspects of community life. Residents are able to actively participate in decisions that decide social programming, activities, outings and more. Our residents are very engaged and active, and our administration ensures they have many opportunities to voice any grievances through our resident association meetings and floor meetings with the Executive Director.

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is assisted living?

Assisted Living provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise. Residents are assured ongoing wellness evaluations and levels of living that address their specific needs. Licensed, compassionate team members assist with daily tasks as needed, and the many amenities and life-enriching activities are geared toward helping residents more easily enjoy what matters most to them.

How do I know when someone needs assisted living?

It’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, or that of your loved one, you can match needs to the right level of assistance. When help with daily tasks is needed — taking medications, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping — Assisted Living can be the answer. Trained professionals provide support while helping preserve an individual’s independence.

What if my loved one needs more than what’s provided in assisted living?

At Heron’s Key, we offer a continuum of care. In addition to Assisted Living, we provide Memory Care, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing care. These levels of living provide round-the-clock care for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing more long-term care or support.

Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions

What is memory care?

Memory Care provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional expertise specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Residents live in a secure environment focused on their comfort and safety. Licensed, compassionate team members specially trained in Memory Care assist residents with daily tasks as needed. Residents take part in a full range of activities that are customized to meet individual interests and capabilities.

What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?

Memory Care offers all the services of Assisted Living, plus:

A secure indoor environment and a secure outdoor courtyard
Activities specifically designed for those with memory loss
Staff trained in dealing with symptoms of dementia, including stress, confusion and agitation
24-hour supervision

How do I know when someone would benefit from residential memory care?

The following behaviors or circumstances might indicate that someone requires Memory Care:

Behavior changes
Wandering or confusion/disorientation that impacts personal safety
Overall decline in physical health
Caregiver stress
Incontinence

Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

What is skilled nursing?

Skilled Nursing is for those who need longer-term care delivered around the clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LPNs, Certified Nurse Aides and Certified Medication Aides. We also offer custom programs that encourage maximum social interaction and preserve dignity.

When is skilled nursing necessary?

These are some conditions that often require skilled care for seniors:

Congestive heart failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Stroke
Cardiac failure
Parkinson’s disease
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease
Other major illness
Hip or bone fracture
Fall-related injury
Orthopedic surgery
Severe osteoarthritis

When would someone need long-term skilled nursing care?

Potential candidates for Long-Term Nursing Care include those who are dealing with an ongoing health condition or disability, chronic or severe pain, a chronic medical condition, permanent disability or dementia.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions about senior living communities in Gig Harbor, WA.

Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions

Memory Care Frequently Asked Questions

Skilled Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

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