Plymouth Harbor Discovery Guide – Adult Child’s Perspective
Helping aging parents or loved ones make the appropriate choice for their future can be an overwhelming task. This Information Guide is designed to help you consider all of the factors–continued healthcare, financial planning, and overall well-being and security. The objective is to arrive at a decision that allows your parents or loved ones to feel comfortable with their new home–and for you to have peace of mind.
They say they’re not “ready,” but I see signs that they are.
Often, you’re in the best position to know when your parents are ready to make the move to an active retirement community. You see the signs. Daily chores are becoming overwhelming. Maybe Mom is feeling insecure about personal safety, or Dad’s vision makes driving around town more complicated.
The signs can pop up unexpectedly…but usually they creep up gradually and simply become more pronounced over time. It’s not easy to see at first, but it is a natural progression and one that most families will address.
What is the best solution?
A candid, caring conversation is a good place to start. Delaying too long–to the point where your parents are in declining health–can have the detrimental effect of taking your parents’ own wishes out of the equation. Holding an open and honest discussion early gives everyone an opportunity to voice their own opinions. As with everything else you do, this is a conversation grounded in love, sensitivity, respect, and a genuine concern for your parents’ well-being.
You should know that this is a common situation, one that almost every child and parent will face at one time or another. You’re not alone, and the caring staff at Plymouth Harbor will be happy to help you work through the considerations that inevitably come with the signs of aging.
How can I be sure Plymouth Harbor is right for my parents?
Plymouth Harbor is not your typical retirement community. Founded in 1966, Plymouth Harbor is a faith-based, not-for-profit community of distinction for active adults aged 62 and older. Since its inception, the community was envisioned as an inclusive, progressive community where compatible people could share similar values and personal integrity.
Our property has a long and proud tradition of residents who look beyond themselves and remain active and vital contributors to their community. Our residents engage with local not-for-profit organizations and institutions, such as youth scouting groups, local high schools and elementary schools, and local colleges and universities. Many of our residents work with organizations that are committed to a wide-range of altruistic endeavors. Whether our residents’ passions include providing health care and human services to low-income adults, preserving historic landmarks, or working to preserve the environment, their contributions and volunteerism are valuable and appreciated. If your parents come to their retirement years with a history of civic engagement, they will find a place of their own at Plymouth Harbor.
Considering that most retirement goals involve making time to relax and enjoy life, there are plenty of recreational and social opportunities, both on campus and in the community. Here on campus we offer classes, concerts, lectures, activities, and workshops on a range of interests, including music, art, literature, history, current events, woodworking, horticulture, and more. Social clubs are also available, from book clubs and bocce ball challenges to weekly bridge games.
Additionally, the bustling culture of the local Sarasota community provides an abundance of off-campus activities to keep mind and body enthused. Sarasota’s location along the Florida coast features the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan attractions.
Best of all, talk to our residents. Ask them how they like life at an active retirement community such as Plymouth Harbor. When it comes to our residents, we want to provide them with the most positive aging experience possible.
What can I expect in the way of healthcare?
Plymouth Harbor is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, home care, and short term rehabilitation, if needed. As the healthcare needs of your parents change, they can move into more care-intensive residences on campus. They are even able to relocate back to their original apartments, as their health dictates. Our dedicated and skilled staff is there to provide expertise and comfort every step of the way.
The Smith Care Center has a long tradition of offering comprehensive health care services to Sarasota families. Located on the Plymouth Harbor campus, the Smith Care Center personalizes health plans to the needs of each individual patient or resident. The continuing care environment encourages independent living for as long as possible with the understanding that needs do evolve. As health matters are addressed, maintaining contact with friends and loved ones throughout the campus has immeasurable benefits.
Our staff works with our residents, their families and physicians to determine the appropriate level of care needed. Your loved one’s healthcare will be regularly evaluated to ensure their needs are being met and their preferences are addressed at every level–from meal times and venues to social activities and exercise.
Should I be concerned about my parent’s security and well-being?
Being able to rest easy, knowing your parents are safe and secure, is one of the major benefits provided by Plymouth Harbor. The safety and security of every resident is priority number one. Each resident has access to a 24-hour emergency call system to summon help when needed. In addition, Plymouth Harbor is a community with controlled access by visitors, with security officers on patrol 24/7/365.
When my parent becomes a resident of Plymouth Harbor, what will I still need to do?
When your parent becomes a resident of Plymouth Harbor, they are giving themselves and their families the gift of quality time. Everyone gains peace of mind because their future is secure. In addition, Plymouth Harbor is a full-service, Continuing Care Retirement Community with a staff that is trained and prepared to meet almost every need. Our approach is to provide what our residents need and give them the freedom to enjoy life the way they want it. From meals to medical assistance–all activities are guided by professionals whose first priority is the safety, comfort, and well-being of our residents.
What are the costs of continuing care?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior-living community where ma-
ture adults can enjoy private, maintenance-free residences on an amenity-filled campus
and gain the assurance that if needed, exceptional healthcare will be available to them
through every stage of life.
Our philosophy embraces a continuum of care, providing supportive services to overcome
the challenges of life as they arise. In addition to many outstanding services and amenities,
living at Plymouth Harbor also assures you priority access to assisted living, rehabilitation
and skilled nursing services within the community, if needed. You’ll never need to move
again to receive additional levels of care. With one move, you can enhance your financial
security, lifestyle flexibility and peace of mind.
What are the different types of contracts?
Standard Forms of Contracts
The three standards types of residential contract, or fee schedules for continuing care
retirement community residency are:
-
A Type – Life Care/Extensive Contract: provides unlimited long-term nursing care
at little or no additional cost for as long as the nursing services are necessary. This
type of agreement is the most expensive, but also the least risky for you. - B Type – Modified/Continuing Care Contract: provides long-term health care or
nursing services for a specified period of time. After the specified care period, you
are responsible for the additional cost. This contract is the middle-priced one, with
medium risk. Residents may receive a discounted rate for the care and a specified
number of days of long term nursing care at no additional cost. (Plymouth Harbor
offers B Type contracts.) - C Type – Fee-For-Service Contract: requires that residents pay separately for all
health and medical services and for long-term care. This is the least expensive, but
most risky, contract. If you need more extensive care later on, the cost can be
very high.
Because you sign a binding, lifelong contract at the beginning of your continuing care
retirement community residency, it’s prudent to seek financial and legal advice as you go
about making this important decision. If you break the contract later, you may forfeit the
entrance fee.
Helpful definitions
Age Restricted Communities:
Communities that require at least one resident be typically at least age 55 and restricts
anyone under 19 from being a permanent resident. Age restrictions may vary by
community.
Independent Living:
Independent Living Communities are designed to enable independent seniors to enjoy a
lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities amongst other seniors.
Assisted Living:
Assisted Living provides a special combination of residential housing, personalized
supportive services and care.
Nursing Homes:
Nursing Homes, or Skilled Nursing Facilities, are designed for seniors who are in need of
24-hour nursing care.
Continuing Care:
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are residential campuses that provide
a continuum of care – from independent living, assisted living to skilled nursing care, all in
one location.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care:
Alzheimer’s Care provides specialized care and housing tailored to the special needs of
individuals with this disease and other related disorders.
Contact Us
We are ready to help you as you discuss future living options for your parent. We have a lot of information and access to what may be the best resource of all–people who have already made the decision and are very happy with the outcome.
Click the button below to contact us today. Let us take you on a tour of Plymouth Harbor – virtual or in person – and answer all of your questions.
It will be our pleasure to assist you and your parents or loved ones as they choose a plan for their retirement.