Emerald Heights

Emerald Heights, a Life Plan retirement community in Redmond, Washington

Emerald Heights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community located in Redmond, Washington, and affiliated with Emerald Communities. It opened its doors in 1992 and presents itself as the first Life Care Community in Western Washington State. It serves active adults aged 55 and better and combines a maintenance-free lifestyle with lifetime access to long-term health care services.

The entity defines itself as a Type A Life Care Community, also known as a Life Plan Community or CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). Its model includes a one-time entrance fee with three options—traditional, 50% refundable, and 90% refundable—and a monthly fee that covers housing, daily expenses, and a set of services and amenities. That monthly fee experiences a small annual cost-of-living increase. If health needs change, care in the areas of assisted living, memory support, or skilled nursing is included without an increase in the monthly fee for the level of care received. Part of the entrance fee and the monthly fee may qualify as prepaid medical expenses, with potential tax benefits.

Housing and campus

The campus occupies 38 acres and offers more than 40 floor plans. Options include modern apartments in the Courtyard residences, spaces in Trailside and in the main building, and cottage-style duplexes. The setting combines wooded areas, gardens, and walking trails, with scenic views from various points on the grounds. The community publishes floor plans, a campus map, a virtual tour, and a photo gallery.

Continuum of care

Life Plan residents have lifetime access to assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory support services within the campus itself, in a familiar environment close to family and friends. The company notes that this continuity is especially useful for couples in which one spouse needs a higher level of care.

Lifestyle, wellness, and activities

The community's approach is built around holistic wellness and includes amenities such as a full-size fitness center, indoor pool, jacuzzi, and yoga studio. The activity offering includes water aerobics classes, strength training, walks along the wooded nature trail, and participation in one of the 60 committees of the resident association. The community is pet-friendly and organizes daily activities, committees, and resident groups.

Dining

The Your Choice Dining program allows residents to choose when and where to eat, paying only for the meals they select. Residents can enjoy full-service lunch or dinner at Copper & Hook and Madrona, as well as the new Cascades grab-and-go service.

Financial planning and resources

The community offers financial planning resources that include pricing, advantages of the Life Plan Community (CCRC) model, tax benefits, and a financial assessment. It also provides a personalized financial calculator to explore floor plans and lifestyle options tailored to your budget.

Events and outreach

Emerald Heights organizes open events and webinars. Among them is the session "Who Will Speak for Me? Planning for the Future Without Children," scheduled for April 8 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., presented together with Heron's Key and in collaboration with Childfree Trust, focused on planning strategies for adults without children. The community also maintains a blog, an FAQ section, and resident testimonials.

Location and contact

Phone: (425) 386-7700