Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting a continuing care retirement community is an important decision. We want to provide you with all the information you need so that you feel confident and empowered to make the best decision possible. We have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive; check back periodically as we add content.
If you don't see the answer to a question you have please contact a Senior Living Consultant or call 1-757-616-7950 to schedule a meeting in person and tour Harbor's Edge.
GENERAL
Q: What is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?
A: A CCRC offers residents the ability to enjoy resort-style services and amenities, maintenance-free living and personal support to maintain personal independence for as long as possible. Residents are able to "age in place" as they move seamlessly between independent living, Assisted Living, memory support and skilled nursing care residences within one location should the need ever arise for more specialized, intensive healthcare. Choosing to live in a CCRC provides you with the peace of mind that your future healthcare and lifestyle needs will be well taken care of so that you can enjoy an active retirement.
Q: How is Harbor's Edge different from other retirement communities?
A: Harbor's Edge is the premier five-star, resort lifestyle, continuing care retirement community in the Hampton Roads area that offers an outstanding combination of location, lifestyle and security features:
- a unique urban setting conveniently located near excellent medical services and healthcare providers, first-rate shopping and dining, and a wide variety of cultural, recreational and spiritual opportunities;
- unparalleled services and amenities in a luxuriously-appointed development with spacious residences; and
- a revolutionary LifeCare program that provides access to on-site Assisted Living and skilled nursing care, as well as memory enhancement services, if ever needed.
Q: How can I become a resident?
A: Becoming a Harbor's Edge resident is simple. A senior living counselor will walk you through the admission process to make your move an enjoyable one.
Q: If I'm not ready to become a Harbor's Edge resident now but would like to secure a spot for future residence can I sign up for a waiting list?
A: Yes! If you sign up for our wait list we will contact you as residences become available. If you are not ready to become a resident at that point you can still maintain your priority position on the list. Planning ahead to become a Harbor's Edge resident provides you with the ability to take control of your personal and financial future.
Q: Is there an age requirement for residency at Harbor's Edge?
A: As a continuing care retirement community we provide a unique community for adults 62 years and better.
Q: Are residences furnished?
A: All Harbor's Edge residences are unfurnished, allowing you the freedom to furnish and decorate your residence according to your personal preferences.
Q: What safety measures are in place at Harbor's Edge?
A: Harbor's Edge provides numerous security features for the safety and well-being of our residents including:
- video surveillance
- entry access control
- resident and guest check-in
- fire prevention
- urgent call
- security patrols and monitoring equipment
- onsite safety deposit boxes
Only residents and invited guests are allowed to be on the premises.
Q: Are residents allowed to have pets?
A: Pets are welcome at Harbor's Edge. Residents in Independent Living are welcome to have their small to medium sized pet and approved therapeutic pets are allowed in the Health Care Center, Assisted Living and Memory Support residences. Our senior living counselors can provide you with more information on our pet guidelines.
Q: Are guests permitted to stay overnight?
A: Yes, guests are permitted to stay up to two weeks in your residence or in one of our finely-appointed and fully-equipped guest suites. Guest suites may be reserved up to a year in advance.
HEALTHCARE/LIFECARE
Q: What is a LifeCare community?
A: LifeCare is a philosophy and a promise. It means that once you become a Harbor's Edge resident your unique healthcare needs will be met at each life stage - from periodic health services at our onsite clinic for our Independent Living residents to full-time, specialized healthcare for Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing Care residents. You seamlessly transition to the most appropriate residence to receive care from the skilled healthcare professionals you've come to know and trust.
Q: How does someone decide between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
A: Typically as long as a resident is able to live independently, and does not require assistance with the activities of daily living, they choose to enter in independent living. Your physician or healthcare team will generally recommend Assisted Living to someone because they need help managing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs are:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring (moving from one position to another)
- Walking
Harbor's Edge provides Activities of Daily Living assistance for all Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing center residents.
Q: How do I benefit from a living in a LifeCare community?
A: There are three main benefits to selecting Harbor's Edge as your LifeCare community:
1. High Quality Health Care. As a Harbor's Edge resident you will have priority access to licensed, quality health care providers through our onsite clinic, and our Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing care residents.
2. Financial Security. With guaranteed lifelong access to specialized healthcare, Harbor's Edge ensures that you will never have to deal with the shock of sudden, unexpected and very expensive long-term care costs. In addition, to help you achieve your estate-planning and legacy-building goals Harbor's Edge refunds 90% of your entrance fee to you or your estate upon leaving.
3. Personal Freedom. With an unprecedented level of onsite services and amenities Harbor's Edge residents are able to focus on pursuing their own passions and achieving greater levels of wellness in their retirement.
Q: Can I keep my own physician once I become a Harbor's Edge resident?
A: Yes, by all means you are welcome to maintain your existing relationships with physicians, specialists and any other healthcare providers. If you need assistance scheduling or securing transportation to appointments our clinic and concierge staff can help.
FINANCIAL
Q: What difference does it make that Harbor's Edge is a not for profit development?
A: As a not for profit organization, Harbor's Edge voluntary Board of Directors is focused first and foremost on our residents' well-being. Unlike other developments whose primary goal is to maximize shareholder value and profits, we focus on utilizing revenue in a way that continuously improves our residents' lifestyles. Our primary goal is surpassing our residents' expectations, ensuring their wellness and security.
In addition our status as a nonprofit organization means that Harbor's Edge benefits from favorable tax credits and exemptions as well as preferred pricing on goods and services from some vendors which results in lower operating costs which helps ensure our ability to maintain our high level of services and amenities at a fixed monthly price for residents.
Q: How much does it cost to live at Harbor's Edge?
A: Your cost to become a Harbor's Edge resident depends on several factors including which residence you select and what services you request or require. To help you achieve your estate-planning and legacy-building goals we refund 90% of your entrance fee and your monthly fee is a fixed, flat fee for service.
Q: What does my monthly service fee cover?
A: At Harbor's Edge we bundle the monthly service fee to ensure that all of your daily and ongoing needs are met without the time-consuming difficulty of selecting and paying for each service separately. All Harbor's Edge residents receive:
- Chef-prepared fine dining
- Concierge services
- Weekly housekeeping and linen service
- Indoor and outdoor maintenance
- Onsite health clinic services
- Use of all community areas including art studio, fitness center, library, game room, theatre, styling salons, etc.
- Scheduled transportation
- Social and recreational activities
- Complimentary garage parking (valet service when available)
- 24-hour security services
- Basic cable TV services
- Access to onsite physical and occupational therapy
- Comprehensive wellness programs and educational support
Q: What payment options are available at Harbor's Edge?
A: Residency at Harbor's Edge is paid on a private pay basis. Medicare and some private payors are billed for Skilled Nursing stays. If you have long-term care insurance you should talk with your insurance company to learn what your policy may or may not cover at Harbor's Edge; our financial office can help with any questions you may have as well.
Q: What happens if I suddenly become unable to meet my monthly financial obligations?
A: As a not-for-profit we are committed to maintaining, to the best of our ability, our residents' lifestyle and care if they become unable to pay regular charges due to circumstances beyond their control.
