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When seniors consider moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (also referred to as a Life Plan Community), they tend to share a number of common questions and concerns about making such an important life decision—and understandably so. Choosing to move to a CCRC, and finding the right community, requires thoughtful research, planning, and discussion.

If you or your loved ones are thinking about moving to a CCRC such as Viamonte at Walnut Creek, here are some essential starting points to help you make a more informed decision.

Common Concerns

The majority of concerns about CCRCs come from worries about finances, healthcare, and the culture at the community. Questions like, “Does the CCRC accept long-term care insurance?” “What are the fees required of residents at move-in, and each month?” and “What is the community like?” are some of the most prevalent concerns people raise.

It is perfectly natural, of course, to be thinking about these things. People want to know that they will be able to afford to live at a Life Plan Community, that the community’s finances will be stable, and that the community will provide its residents with quality amenities and services. They want to understand what healthcare options are available to them, what different payment options exist, and what the medical staff is like. As for community, they want to know if they’ll get along with the other residents, whether people in the community are active and engaged, and also what kinds of activities they’ll be able to enjoy at the CCRC.

Financial Misconceptions

In addition to valid concerns and questions, there are also some misconceptions that exist among people researching a Life Plan Community, particularly when it comes to cost and value. Many look at the price tag of moving to a CCRC and get sticker shock, thinking that they can’t afford it. But often, through sound financial planning, they discover that living at a CCRC such as Viamonte at Walnut Creek is actually realistic (and practical) to do so.

One thing that people often don’t consider is the level of costs inherent in not moving to a CCRC—the costs of staying at home, or “aging in place.” Home maintenance and repairs, in-home healthcare, and many other expenses can make aging in place much more costly than many seniors realize.

Fee Structure at Viamonte at Walnut Creek

To understand why Viamonte at Walnut Creek is an excellent choice among CCRCs, it’s important first to discuss the fees that residents pay. At Viamonte, residents are responsible for a repayable entrance fee and an ongoing monthly fee. These fees cover residents’ housing costs, as well as a wide array of services and amenities (which we’ll discuss in the following section). Viamonte’s fees are determined based on an affordable and sustainable financial model, which gives residents peace of mind.

Entrance and monthly fees are standard among almost all CCRCs and Life Plan Communities, so evaluating which are worth the money comes down to understanding what sets the best senior living communities apart from the rest.

The Value of Viamonte

At Viamonte at Walnut Creek, future residents will enjoy an active, engaged lifestyle where the little details of the community make a world of difference.

Viamonte’s comprehensive services for residents will include multiple dining options; a housekeeping and linen service; cable TV and Wi-Fi internet access; recreational, social, and educational programming; salon and spa services; and more.

As for amenities, Viamonte will feature an outdoor fireside lounge, a gas-fired grill area, a bocce court, an art studio, a wellness center, a fitness center, swimming pool, performing arts center, a card and game room, and a number of other building features geared specifically for maximizing the physical and mental wellbeing of the resdents in our community.

Combined with the friendly and professional staff, these amenities and services will make Viamonte a wonderful place to live. Add in the vibrant community of outgoing, caring individuals who will live at Viamonte, and the result is a special community worthy of being called “home.”

To learn more about Viamonte at Walnut Creek, contact us at 925-621-6600. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and to arrange for you to visit our Preview Center and model home.

When you wake up at Viamonte at Walnut Creek, your world will be filled with opportunity. You will be able to find friendly faces, as well as activities to enjoy with others. Part of the dynamic experience of senior living at Viamonte is that we make sure those activities are always available to our residents.

While there may be a lot to keep track of, Viamonte takes pride in providing an atmosphere where residents will be able to live active lifestyles with no strings attached. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of all that Viamonte is able to offer its residents, including:

• The different lifestyle/residence features available
• Each of the on-site amenities offered
• Nearby attractions and places to visit

With so much to look forward to, let’s start exploring what life at Viamonte would look like for you!

A Day in The Life

Mornings at Viamonte will make you feel like you have woken up on the right side of the bed—each and every morning! From the comfort of your bedroom, the sun will peek through your balcony or patio door and remind you precisely why you chose Viamonte.

Begin your morning by pampering yourself in a meticulously designed bathroom that is as beautiful as it is practical. A walk-in shower, accompanied by porcelain tile flooring and three-lamp vanity lighting, will have you feeling like you just stepped foot into a luxurious spa.

Once it is time for breakfast, you will have a decision to make: you can enjoy a chef-prepared meal from one of our on-site culinary venues, or take matters into your own hands and prepare your breakfast yourself in your state-of-the-art kitchen.

Though you will likely want to make use of the latter, our flexible dining plan will always be there to entice you to try something new. Featuring local delicacies from the Bay Area, in addition to seasonal menu items, there is a dish for every palette (including those of family and friends—who are welcome to join you at any time). For those who desire a simple, yet tasteful evening meal, a bistro bar will be present on-site. While at the Bistro Bar, if the mood strikes, feel free to enjoy a delicious libation as well!

After any meal, or at any time you feel the urge, you can stop by our fitness center for a workout or make a visit to the pool to get in a few laps. The pool, complete with a spa and wellness center, is your destination for tranquility and rejuvenation.

A Wi-Fi connected campus allows for internet connectivity anywhere at Viamonte, keeping the world at your fingertips. So, wherever you decide to relax, you will always have access to the internet via the available Wi-Fi connections throughout campus.

Activities for an Active Lifestyle

Living an active, yet enjoyable, lifestyle with opportunities to explore new experiences is something that we at Viamonte are not only fond of, but also excited to offer to future residents.

There are countless things to do in and around Walnut Creek (some of which are accessible by way of a shuttle service that runs right outside of Viamonte). If you are looking to check out nearby attractions, here is a list of some to get your adventure started:

• The Orchards at Walnut Creek—A brand new lifestyle center with a state-of-the-art grocery store.
• Broadway Plaza—An upscale shopping mecca with over 50 retail stores.
• Mount Diablo State Park—A 20,000-acre destination for hiking, climbing, and taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
• Lesher Center for the Arts—Performance center with three separate venues for theater, ballet, and comedy/literary events.
• The Gardens at Heather Farm—Six acres of beautiful plant and wildlife with sweeping views of Mount Diablo

Additionally, the Walnut Creek BART Station is only ten minutes away. With trains and buses running from San Francisco to Oakland to Pittsburgh, all the pleasures of the Bay Area are available to you seven days a week.

For the days you feel like staying at home, Viamonte invites you to do the things that bring you the most joy. There are plenty of activities you can take part in without leaving the community. Some amenities you can expect on campus include:

• A full art studio
• An outdoor Bocce court
• An exhibition kitchen (for those feeling adventurous)

After a day full of activities, relax by the outdoor fireside lounge located at the center of the courtyard. Sit with your neighbors or introduce yourself to someone new to share some friendly conversation and a few laughs, as you enjoy the warmth of the fire in front of you. Top off your night with an evening stroll along the walking paths scattered throughout the Viamonte campus.

While you are enjoying an activity-filled day and a relaxing night by the fire, housekeeping will come by to make sure your home as spotless as the day you moved in. Plus, residence service workers will always be available to provide maintenance if you run into any household issues. Not to mention, the health staff will be available 24/7 in case any health matters should arise.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your day, Viamonte at Walnut Creek will always ensure a relaxing and enjoyable Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) experience.

Become a Part of the Viamonte Lifestyle

In the essence of bringing our residents a dynamic senior living experience, there will always be something to do at Viamonte. When you fall asleep at night, you will rest easy knowing that the days to follow is sure to enrich your life with something new and exciting!

If you are interested in learning more about Viamonte or applying for residence, please contact us at 925-621-600 or by email at info@viamonteliving.org.