Advocacy

The Commitment to Practices, developed through collaborative conversations between WACCRA, LeadingAge and all of Washington’s 23 CCRCs, this document has now been signed by the Executive Directors of all Washington CCRCs. It sets agreed-upon standards for three “best practices” in Washington CCRCs. It provides:

1. An opportunity to review important passages in any actuarial report obtained by a CCRC.
2. A timeline for payment of refundable entrance fees.
3. An agreement that management will discuss with residents, in a timely manner, possible significant changes affecting residents’ health, welfare, and financial security.

Each of these practices is described in detail in the signed agreement. In addition, the document describes the process to be followed if either the leadership for the residents in a CCRC or the management of that CCRC feels that the agreement is not being observed as expected. This agreement went into effect January 1, 2021.

Click on the link for complete text of the Commitment to CCRC Practices.

WACCRA’s highest priority during 2021 is to support residents in developing a process for implementation of the agreement in their CCRC and to monitor how it becomes operational.

Presidents' Roundtable: WACCRA leadership facilitates periodic conversations among the Presidents of the residents’ councils at participating CCRCs. This exchange of ideas about best practices benefits all CCRC residents.

Membership Growth Initiative: A key goal for WACCRA is growing our member base of supporters. 

Some elements of our Membership Growth Initiative are:

1. To report on WACCRA often to members through Coordinators and News-Mails.
2. To grow membership within each CCRC that currently has members. This important work is spearheaded by the CCRC Coordinator.
3. To grow the number of CCRCs with active WACCRA members by touring 
4. WA CCRCs, meeting residents and making informative presentations.
5. To sponsor educational presentations at CCRCs that cover general senior issues as well as specific current issues in WA state that affect seniors.
6. To work with the Marketing Office at each CCRC to make sure that WACCRA materials are included in “prospective resident” information packets.

Ombuds Representation: The State Long-Term Care Ombuds monitors the development and implementation of regulations of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and policies with respect to long-term care facilities in the state. For CCRCs, this holds true for the higher levels of care (Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care). As an objective third party, the Ombuds can help identify, investigate, and resolve complaints against management made by, or on behalf of, the resident. Independent Living residents, unless they are seeking to move to a higher level of care within their CCRC, cannot avail themselves of the advocacy that the Ombuds can provide. WACCRA is exploring ways to close this gap.