Is this the right senior living community for me?

Prospective residents and family members have many questions about retirement living, as well as about Classic Residence by Hyatt and our senior living communities. The questions below are some that we hear frequently, and we hope they will begin to paint a picture of your options and of senior living at Classic Residence by Hyatt.

We know that you have many more questions, so we encourage you to contact the community of your choice. The team there will be happy to provide answers and additional insights.

Senior living options.

• What is the difference between a rental retirement community and a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?

  A rental retirement community provides a resident with a combination of housing, food and other services in return for a monthly fee. Rental retirement communities offer financial flexibility to older adults. No entrance fee is required, and residents are free to invest their savings as they choose. Residents typically sign a lease for one or more years, depending on the community and circumstances.

  Most Classic Residence by Hyatt rental retirement communities offer a continuum of care for residents whose needs may change, such as wellness centers and services, on-site assisted living and home health care services.

  A continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, provides a resident with a combination of housing, food and health care services in return for a monthly fee and, in many cases, an entrance fee. Many CCRCs have on-site care centers that feature assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and skilled nursing care for residents whose health care needs may change. Because care is provided at an on-site care center, a resident who requires care is not required to leave the community, but can stay close to his/her spouse and friends. Residents are usually required to meet the community’s health requirements.

  At a life care community, should the need for assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, or skilled nursing care arise, residents who are approved for life care can move to the on-site care center and continue to pay the same monthly fee charged for their independent living residence (often referred to as Type A life care), plus charges for extra meals and ancillary items. The monthly fee paid by an individual who is approved for life care is typically lower than the rates an individual who is not approved for life care would pay for such services in the care center or a comparable facility. Care at these rates is available for an unlimited period for approved individuals.

Classic Residence by Hyatt.

• Is Classic Residence by Hyatt related to Hyatt?
  Classic Residence by Hyatt Chairman Penny Pritzker founded the company in 1987. She is the daughter of the co-founder of Hyatt hotels. Classic Residence by Hyatt is a completely separate company from the Hyatt hotel chain.
  
  
• Why should I choose Classic Residence by Hyatt?
  A leader and innovator in senior living since 1987, Classic Residence by Hyatt brings to our communities style, service and attention to detail. Residents benefit from Classic Residence by Hyatt’s experience, innovations such as Classically Caring Cuisine™, and the exceptional training programs and opportunities our employees enjoy. Most importantly, each employee is committed to our mission and to our core values of integrity, compassion and excellence.

Classic Residence by Hyatt communities.

• What is the minimum age to move to a Classic Residence by Hyatt community?
  This varies from community to community and can range from age 62 to age 65.
  
  
• What kinds of homes are available?
  Each Classic Residence by Hyatt community has a unique array of spacious floor plans. Some communities, such as Classic Residence by Hyatt and The Plaza Companies (Scottsdale, Arizona); Bentley Village, A Classic Residence by Hyatt (Naples, Florida); Classic Residence by Hyatt at Lakeside Village (Palm Beach County, Florida); Classic Residence by Hyatt at The Glen (Glenview, Illinois); and TidePointe, A Classic Residence by Hyatt (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina); and Classic Residence by Hyatt in Highlands Ranch (outside Denver, Colorado) also offer attached and/or detached/semi-detached homes.
  
  
• How will I ever fit my furniture into my new apartment? Do you have someone to help me plan my move?
  Most Classic Residence by Hyatt communities offer the complimentary services of a move-in coordinator, who can come to your current home to measure your furniture and help you select the furnishings that will be just right for your new home. The move-in coordinator offers a variety of resources that you will find very helpful when planning your move. See Plan a smart move.
  
  
• Do you allow pets?
  Many of our Classic Residence by Hyatt communities allow cats, small dogs, birds or fish, at the discretion of management. Contact the community of your choice to learn more.
  
  
• How are the monthly fees determined?
  Monthly fees vary by each home’s size, location and availability as well as by such things as the meal plan the resident chooses.
  
  
• Can I expect increases in the monthly fee?
  To accommodate increases in operating costs and so Classic Residence by Hyatt can maintain the highest standards in the quality of services and amenities provided, increases in the monthly fee are implemented periodically.
  
  
• How will I meet new people when I move in?
  Our residents are friendly, outgoing people and remember what it was like when they first moved in, so many will probably approach you when they notice a new face. Communities often have social events to welcome newcomers, and your community’s move-in coordinator should be able to help you settle right in, too.
  
  
• Is there assigned seating in the dining room?
  Although some people choose to sit at the same table or with the same friends at dinner, we do not assign seats in our dining rooms.
  
  
• Can I entertain guests?
  You are welcome to invite your friends and family to dine with you at the community. An additional charge will apply, and advance reservations are requested. You can also reserve the community's private dining room for special celebrations. You can work with our classically trained executive chefs to create the perfect menu—including favorite family recipes—or you may wish to order from the regular menu. We will bring in a server to attend to you and your guests—and you do not even have to worry about washing the dishes.
  
  
• Do you have a guest apartment for my family to stay in when they visit me from out of town?
  Most Classic Residence by Hyatt communities feature furnished guest accommodations. You will be proud to have your friends and family visit you.
  
  
• What kinds of activities do you have?
  Classic Residence by Hyatt communities offer a wide range of lifestyle opportunities that residents enjoy because they fulfill the desire to remain intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually involved. Whether it is excursions to local cultural attractions, tai chi and aqua aerobics classes, walking groups, book or card clubs, concerts, current events discussions, mixers, or dances, you will be able to pursue your interests and discover new ones at Classic Residence by Hyatt. Lifestyle opportunities vary by community, so please call the community in which you are interested and ask for the current lifestyle calendar.
  
  
• Do residents have a voice in the communities?
  Yes. Most of our communities feature a Resident Advisory Council that provides the community with valuable input about services, programs, activities and other items that concern residents. The council also may sponsor resident committees, for example, welcoming, programs, volunteer, housekeeping and others.
  
  
• Do you offer assisted living?
  Most of our communities feature on-site assisted living (personal care in New York), along with an array of wellness services and convenient access to home health care services. In addition, some communities offer a special program for Alzheimer’s and dementia care as well as skilled nursing care.