2025 Annual Meeting
2025 Annual Meeting at Mirabella - A Big Success!
Kudos to all who participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Washington Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA) on November 1, held in Seattle at the Mirabella CCRC.
More than 100 Mirabella residents and more than 100 residents of other CCRCs in Washington State attended either in person or on Zoom. The CEO and management staff of Mirabella attended in support of their residents. In addition, distinguished guests from state government included Mike Anbesse, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Social and Health Services, and Mandy Weeks-Greene, Department of Social and Health Services. Donna Christensen, Governmental Relations Consultant to WACCRA, was also present to mingle with attendees. All agreed the meeting was highly successful.
A short business meeting chaired by President Laura Saunders included approving Mary Baroni as a member of the WACCRA Board of Directors. The membership update indicates that WACCRA continues to grow. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to boost membership fees slightly next year to fund our advocacy efforts and concomitant expenses.
HIGHLIGHTS
One highlight of the meeting was the keynote speaker: Katherine Pearson, Professor of Law at Penn State. She discussed common issues faced by Senior Independent Living residents throughout the country. Her landmark research in elder law, especially related to senior facilities, cautions residents to read their contracts! Unfortunately, CCRC residents are considered unsecured creditors: if a bankruptcy occurs, residents are the last creditors to be paid.
Another highlight was a short presentation by Seann Colgan, Litigation Chief in the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office. He made it clear that the amendment to the 2016 WA CCRC Law (RCW 18.390), passed by the legislature earlier this year, gave a clearer path for the ability of the AGO’s office to enforce the law. This is a huge win for WACCRA and all CCRC residents.
What is WACCRA?
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
The Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA) is the only organization in the state that represents the interests of residents who live in WA Continuing Care Retirement Communities, CCRCs – sometimes called Life Plan Communities. WACCRA is a 501(c)(4) organization – we advocate for the needs of our members.
OUR MISSION
WACCRA works to foster vibrant CCRC communities characterized by mutually respectful and productive relationships between residents and management. WACCRA empowers residents so that their voices are included in their CCRC management’s decision-making and policy implementation. WACCRA advocates for resident rights, financial transparency, and consumer protections – all strengthened by enforcement.
In addition to seeking legislation, WACCRA has worked very closely with LeadingAge WA (the organization of senior living management professionals) to develop the Commitment to CCRC Practices. The Commitment lays out best practices for ensuring cooperation, transparency, and trust between the CCRC Executive Director and the CCRC residents around issues of financial disclosure, entrance fee refunds, and resident involvement in decision-making. This landmark agreement went into effect on January 1, 2021 at each of the 23 registered CCRCs in the State.
WACCRA is an active member of Senior Lobby, a consortium of organizations focused on senior issues. We also work with the WA State Long Term Care Ombuds Office and other state agencies that oversee issues of concern to seniors. WACCRA is an affiliate of the National Continuing Care Residents Association NaCCRA. A strong and robust WACCRA membership is essential
to our success. If you aren’t a member, please consider joining now.
Consumer Guide to CCRC's in Washington State
Consumer Guide to Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC's) in Washington State
Our Consumer Guide provides critical information for seniors considering investing in, and moving into, a CCRC. You will find sections on the types of contracts available (A, B, C, D), independent living options, levels of healthcare (Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care), financial considerations, and ownership and governance characteristics. A helpful checklist of amenities makes decision-making easier. The Consumer Guide includes contact information for each of the 23 CCRCs registered in Washington State.
The community living experience in a CCRC can offer you congenial new friends, rich social and cultural experiences, excellent health care, life-enhancing fitness/wellness opportunities, genuine security and peace of mind.
Your move will eliminate the stress of maintaining a home and relieve your children’s worries about their parents living alone. In this way, you will avoid becoming a burden to them or to others.
What is a CCRC, Actually?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an organization that provides a secure and comfortable place for senior citizens to live, with an agreement that assures a continuum of care as their needs change over time through the rest of their lives. CCRCs generally include independent living residences which are rented on a monthly basis; memory care facilities; assisted living; and skilled nursing. Some contracts require a substantial up-front deposit (a percentage of which is refundable) in addition to the monthly rent.
