How Do Life Plan Communities Work?

Dec 7, 2022 | Senior Living

Sunset is a Life Plan Community, but what exactly does that mean? A Life Plan Community is a place where residents are able to comfortably age in place, with a full continuum of care all on the same campus. Unlike a condo, residents don’t need to move when their needs change, because everything they need is right here. Read on to learn more about the Sunset Life Plan Community.

A Plan as Unique as You Are

When you decide to make the move to a Sunset Community, we work with you right from the start to create a customized Life Plan. Rather than following a strict course, this plan will be flexible, adapting to your changing needs or circumstances. Instead of worrying about the future, you can focus on the things that bring you joy in the present, knowing that the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of your future self will be well taken care of.

What You Can Expect During Your Journey

While no two journeys are quite the same, we find that most residents move into Independent Living when they first come to Sunset. Independent Living allows seniors the opportunity to enjoy their retirement the way they want to, providing a whole host of amenities and activities that are sure to appeal to almost any interest, including Bible studies, concerts, educational classes, aquatic center, wood shop, and computer lab. Home maintenance is also included in the cost, freeing up even more time for fellowship and leisure.

As residents age, they may start to need a little extra help, and Sunset offers services such as Independent Living Plus that can help people continue to live safely in their homes. If more assistance is needed, Sunset’s residents have priority access to other services like Assisted Living, allowing them to get the care they need without the added stress of finding another place to live. Additional care can also be a temporary need, such as recovering from an illness or injury. Our Life Plans adapt to these situations, ensuring residents have the resources and care they need to recover.

Peace of Mind

One of the most valuable benefits of a Life Plan Community is the peace of mind it offers—beginning earlier in retirement puts you in the driver’s seat, helping you to better prepare. Our residents (and their families) have a built-in support system because they know there is always help available, as well as access to additional healthcare. Surrounded by a vibrant and supportive community, Sunset residents are able to spend their retirement years in whatever manner suits them, free from worry and uncertainty.

Associated Costs

As discussed earlier, seniors usually move into a Life Plan Community as Independent Living residents. While there are some options based on a monthly rental fee, most units are offered through something called a life lease: a secure, yet flexible day-to-day lease with no long-term commitment or homeownership responsibilities. Life leases have two financial components, an entrance fee and a bundled monthly rate.

Due at the beginning of the lease, the entrance fee is typically funded by the sale of a home. The entrance fee is partially refundable if you move out for any reason, as well as being refundable to your estate upon death, and there are multiple entry fee options with varying refunds, letting you choose the option that best suits your finances.

The second component of the life lease is a bundled monthly rate which covers all of the expenses you would normally encounter in a private home. These expenses include, but are not limited to, utilities, home maintenance, cable service, internet service, and local phone service. Having a bundled monthly rate means residents only have to contend with one bill per month—a consistent monthly expense they can plan for, while enjoying freedom from the responsibilities of homeownership.

Planning With Sunset

For many seniors, retirement is a time of adventure and excitement—a time to focus on the things that really matter in your life. As you begin preparing for the journey ahead, you are likely to encounter several questions along the way, and Sunset is here to help. Our guide “Navigating the Financial Aspects of Senior Living” has even more information on payment options, care accessibility, and the unique benefits of a Life Plan Community. You can also call us at 616.457.2770 or send us a message online. Our caring and knowledgeable staff is here to assist you as you plan for your future.