Who is the sponsor/operator of Grace Ridge?
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 provides 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
What are the benefits I receive as a result of paying an Entrance Fee?
Apart from the LifeCare benefits already described above, the Entrance Fee assures residency, use of the common facilities, and the services and programs of the community. The Life Care benefit assures residents lifetime care in the Assisted Living Center and Health Care Center at a significant financial discount. Also, a portion of both the Entrance Fee and the Monthly Service Fee is recognized as a prepaid health care benefit and may be deductible for tax purposes.
What is included in the Monthly Service Fee?
- Flexible meal programs (One meal per day is included in the fee.)
- All utilities, except telephone and cable TV
- 24-hour security staff, emergency call and response systems, and smoke detectors
- Weekly housekeeping services for apartment residents to include dusting, vacuuming and cleaning of kitchen and baths (twice-monthly for cottage residents)
- Weekly laundering and changing of apartment residents' bed and bath linens (twice-monthly for cottage residents)
- Laundry facilities in the main building for washing and drying personal laundry (New apartments have washers and dryers.)
- Maintenance of lawns, trees, landscaped areas, facilities, buildings and parking areas
- Scheduled transportation
- Activities including social, recreational, spiritual, educational and cultural opportunities, arts and crafts, bridge and other special-interest programs
- On-campus Health Care Center offering home care, emergency care, assisted living, nursing care and specialized care for dementia-related disorders at a minimal increase in the Monthly Service Fee through the Life Care benefit
- Use of the campus amenities, such as a welcoming entrance foyer, a spacious formal dining room, a private dining room, the Table Rock Lounge and rooftop terrace, a fitness area with exercise equipment, a beauty and barber shop, the arts and crafts room, meeting and activity spaces, including the library, card rooms, TV lounge, billiardÕs room and mezzanine lounge.
Is the Monthly Service Fee fixed, or is it subject to change?
Monthly Service Fees are subject to change. They are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and management and may be adjusted based on actual operating costs. Grace Ridge will maintain its costs at the lowest level consistent with sound financial practices. Historically, annual increases approximate the annual cost of living and medical expenses, which affect the population of the area. A 60-day written notice is provided to all residents in advance of any Monthly Service Fee increase.
Are any additional services available at additional cost?
Yes, additional services and programs are available to residents. Services available at additional cost include, but are not limited to, additional meals, guest meals, special transportation, home care services, barber and beauty shop services, catering for special resident parties, and other concierge-type services as are deemed appropriate by the management of the community.
May I transfer from independent living to a health care level appropriate to my needs?
Yes, the ability to transfer to health care is an invaluable benefit for residents of a life care community such as Grace Ridge.
How are transfer decisions to health care made, and by whom?
Grace Ridge agrees to transfer a resident to health care or another residence within the community after consultations with the resident, personal physician and a member of the family or designated representative (to the extent practical) have taken place. Such a determination is based on the physical and mental health, and the safety of the resident. The decision to transfer a resident is made through consultation with the Medical Director, the Director of Nursing, the Administrator, and the family and resident's physician unless an immediate transfer is ordered or required for the safety of the resident.
In the event of such a transfer, would a resident be asked to give up his/her residence?
Many of the stays in the Grace Ridge Health Care Center are temporary. Policies regarding moves and transfers at Grace Ridge are designed to enable residents to remain in their apartments and cottages as long as it is in the best interest of the safety and the well-being of the resident and the community. In the event of a need for hospitalization, most residents utilize nearby Grace Hospital for these services.
Is there a Residents' Association?
Yes, the Grace Ridge Retirement Community Residents' Association is an active, integral part of the community. Our Association is instrumental in planning and interacting with management on many facets of campus life. Resident committees include decorating, planning and events, religious life, scholarship, library, and welcoming committees. The Association meets monthly and officers are elected annually.
How do I become a resident?
Becoming a resident is an easy four-step process as shown below:
- Choose your preferred residence, make a refundable $1,000 Reservation Deposit and complete the application for residency;
- Within approximately 30 days, your application for residency will be reviewed;
- Following the review and approval of your application, the Residence and Services Agreement and a 10% deposit less a credit for the $1,000 Deposit will be due;
- When construction is complete, you can schedule your move to the community and pay the 90% balance of the Entrance Fee.
What is my next step?
Today, more than ever before, people are recognizing the importance of planning ahead for retirement. Your next step is to schedule an appointment with our Marketing Director who will assist you in learning more about Grace Ridge so you can be the judge of our ability to meet your retirement needs. You may request an appointment or additional information by clicking on the email address for Grace Ridge and completing the coupon |
