etirees and their families often have a number of questions as they sort through their retirement options. As you choose which retirement community is right for you, we hope you will consider the following questions and explore the gracious retirement lifestyle offered by Grace Ridge Retirement Community. Who is the sponsor/operator of Grace Ridge?    A Lifecare retirement community offers a full array of residences and common areas, and a complete continuum of health care. Residents, prospective residents and industry experts agree that a Lifecare retirement community provides the greatest financial security, value, flexibility and peace of mind for residents and their families.   The benefits of the Life Care concept are best illustrated when a resident requires assistance. Should your needs change, you'll be secure in the knowledge that high-quality supportive services and care are available in an attractive, professionally staffed environment for essentially the same cost as living in your residence. In this way, you may protect your assets from the potentially catastrophic costs associated with assisted living, nursing care and dementia care. Furthermore, you'll be better able to predict your monthly living expenses due to the Life Care benefit with virtually no increase in the Monthly Service Fees, even when extraordinary health care costs are required.   Grace Ridge is owned and operated by Grace Life Care, Inc. an affiliate of Blue Ridge HealthCare. Is Grace Ridge associated with any national or state professional associations?   Yes, Grace Ridge is a member of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) as well as a member of that organization's state association, North Carolina Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging (NCANPHA). How is Grace Ridge expanding to meet future residential needs?   Again and again, those who come here find that life becomes more expansive. Thus, it only makes sense that our community continues to change, too, by renovating and expanding our campus. Our recent expansion program included new apartment residences and a state-of- the-art nursing center including specialized dementia care. Thirty new residences feature spacious floorplans with modern decor and amenities, ranging in size from an 830-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment residence to a 1,577-square-foot, two-bedroom plan with a den. Grace Ridge now offers a total of 165 apartments and 26 cottages. What are the prominent features of the residences?   The new apartment building features large, airy residences designed to complement today's active, independent retirement lifestyle. The building provide four different one- and two-bedroom residences, all with 1 or 2 baths. Each apartment residence has 9-foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchens and bright, spacious bathroom(s). Some residences include a den, depending on the floorplan selected.   The residences have been designed for comfort and distinctive living, and careful consideration has been given to specifications that provide maximum security, safety and accessibility. These features are not always noticeable in day-to-day living, but they will give you additional peace of mind. The apartment residences include the following features: Wall-to-wall carpeting Vinyl floor covering in kitchens and baths Spacious walk-in closets Fully equipped kitchens with a frost-free refrigerator/freezer with ice-maker, disposal, dishwasher, and range/oven, and generous storage and cabinet space Bathroom(s) with shower, tub, or a combination, and vanities Emergency call system in bathrooms and bedrooms connected to the central system for 24-hour security and nursing assistance, fire and smoke detectors, and sprinkler system throughout the Health Care Center and expansion Individualized heating and air conditioning system control for each residence Pre-wired central cable television and telephone and data-port outlets May I furnish and decorate my apartment?   Yes, residents furnish and decorate their apartments and cottages to reflect their own personal tastes. Grace Ridge also offers a comprehensive options program by which you may customize your residence. Any structural changes or additions beyond standard features must be approved by the management and are the financial responsibility of the resident. We are also delighted to work with you in making certain decor selections. What kinds of amenities and common areas are available for residents?   The ground floor is the "Main Street" of the community and as such is the home of many common area amenities, including: Handsome entry hall Spacious formal dining room Fitness area with exercise equipment Beauty/barber shop Arts and crafts room Meeting and activity spaces for resident use The following amenities can be found in other locations within the main building: Library, mezzanine, and card rooms Sewing room, TV lounge, billiards room Table Rock Lounge and Solarium 200-Seat Auditorium Questions continued on next page