What is WACCRA?
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
In addition to advocacy by our members, a professional lobbyist supports our legislative efforts in Olympia.
WACCRA’s key 2017 legislation requires that communities wanting to call themselves a CCRC must register with the State DSHS. The legislation also requires some protections for prospective and current residents. These are listed in section 070 of RCW 18.390: The CCRC Law.
Currently, 23 CCRCs are registered in the State.
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.
304 Attend our 2024 Annual Meeting at Emerald Heights!
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
Washington State Continuing Care Residents Association (WACCRA)
Our 2024 Annual Meeting, held on Saturday, November 9th in the beautifully remodeled Emerald Heights auditorium, was well-attended by members and guests from several CCRCs.
The final tally: 287 in-person attendees and 17 joining on Zoom. A big thank-you to the team at Emerald Heights for the smooth check-in procedure, comfortable seating and ample refreshments.
WACCRA President Laura Saunders summarized WACCRA's work over the course of the past year.
WACCRA Vice-President Kim Hickman gave attendees a review of the ongoing work of the Legislative Committee as we move toward the 2025 Legislative Session.
Laura Saunders moderated a discussion with State Senator Karen Keiser (33rd Legislative District) and WACCRA Lobbyist Donna Christensen about Legislative processes and what each of us can do to support WACCRA's Legislative efforts going forward.
Guest speaker Mike Anbesse, Deputy Assistant Secretary at DSHS's Aging and Long Term Support Administration (ALTSA), gave an overview of the agency. The demographic forecast he shared with attendees shows the "grey wave" that is coming, and he confirmed that his Administration is committed to a "Multisector Plan for Aging" that honors the rights of seniors.
IF YOU COULDN'T ATTEND THE MEETING OR WANT THE DETAILS, PLEASE STAY TUNED TO THIS SPACE FOR THE VIDEO AND SLIDES COMING SOON TO THE WEBSITE!
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.
