Part 2 in the Series: A Bird’s Eye View of Life at Blue Skies of Texas

Thousands of energetic seniors have toured our San Antonio Life Plan Community since we opened our doors in 1970. And they all ask great questions about everything from health care options to the types of activities folks love to engage in. Some topics pop up more than others, so we created a series of articles that give you quick answers to the questions we hear most often.

Last time, we looked at choosing the perfect senior living home. Today we’re tackling the most common questions about senior living contracts, including monthly fees, contract types, and planning for all levels of living.

1. WHAT ARE THE MOST SECURE LONG-TERM CONTRACT OPTIONS?

Today’s Life Plan Communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs) offer lasting peace-of-mind with contracts that include a place to call home, services, amenities, and importantly, access to all levels of health care.

At Blue Skies of Texas, you can choose from two types of contract options—a Life Care Plan or Continuing Care Plan—that offer guaranteed priority access to health care services for all levels of living. Both contract types include an Entrance Fee, which goes toward your home and facilities, plus the cost of future health services at a discounted rate. A variety of refund options are also available, including a 90% refund, 50% refund, and 42-month declining balance.

So which senior living contract is most popular? About 90% of residents choose a Continuing Care Plan with a 42-month declining balance. In a nutshell, that means your initial Entrance Fee will be refundable at a declining rate for 42 months. At the end of 42 months, your Entrance Fee will no longer be refundable. This type of contract is usually the most affordable option if you know you want to make a permanent home at Blue Skies.

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LIFE CARE AND A CONTINUING CARE CONTRACT?

The costs of Life Care contracts tend to run a bit higher than Continuing Care contracts. However, with a Life Care contract your future health care costs are “built in” to ensure deeper discounts. Also, rates are the same for any future services you may need, regardless of the level of care, so you’ll worry less about rising costs. Meanwhile, the Continuing Care contract typically allows for a 10-15% discount on the current rate for each level of care—offering security, but with less financial predictability.

Which is right for you? There’s no one correct answer. You’ll need to consider things like your family health history and whether you have a comprehensive long-term care insurance plan that complements one type of contract better than another. Want a deeper dive into costs and contracts? View our cost calculator here. 

3. WHAT IF I’M NOT READY TO MAKE A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT?

A Rental Plan could be the ideal senior living contract option. Rental contracts offer a predictable, straightforward monthly payment structure that appeals to folks who want to maintain financial flexibility. At Blue Skies, we’re happy to offer this type of contract on select units, as available, to seniors who want services on an as-needed basis.

With a Rental contract, there’s no Entrance Fee, only Monthly Rent, which is typically higher than the Monthly Service Fees associated with our long-term contracts. You’re also not guaranteed access to all levels of care and will be required to pay out-of-pocket for any health care services you may need.

4. WHY IS THERE A MONTHLY SERVICE FEE, AND WHAT DOES IT COVER?

All senior living contracts, including Life Care and Continuing Care options, include a Monthly Service Fee, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value than at Blue Skies. For starters, the fee covers services that replace chores you almost certainly won’t miss—like housekeeping, maintenance, and yard work.

Scheduled on-site transportation is also part of the package, including trips to San Antonio’s world-class shopping, cultural, and dining destinations. And speaking of food, our upscale, built-in meal plan helps cover expenses at our restaurants, bistros, and cafés—including our stylish Sky Lounge featuring a classic menu that rivals San Antonio’s finest eateries.

Making a great value even better, the Monthly Service Fee helps cover plentiful amenities and activities, such as our fitness center, live concerts and entertainment, and over 70 resident-led clubs, programs, and committees. By the way, one thing you’ll notice about all Blue Skies residents is their passion for learning, growing, and contributing.

5. WHAT IF MY NEEDS CHANGE AFTER I MAKE MY DEPOSIT?

This is one of the questions about senior living contracts we hear most often, and you’ll be happy to know that Blue Skies gives you the flexibility to change your contract type even after your deposit is made. What’s more, this change will not put your name at the bottom of our waiting list. The earlier you make your 10% Commander’s Circle deposit, the higher on the list you will be—period.

But what if your financial situation changes once you’re here? At Blue Skies, we understand that difficulties can happen, which is why we offer The Promise, our unique charitable mission to take care of our Life Care and Continuing Care residents for the duration of their lives. If you run out of money through no fault of your own, we promise, through our charitable foundation, to take care of you for the rest of your life. You’ll always have a home at our senior living community in San Antonio.

NO MATTER WHICH SENIOR LIVING CONTRACT YOU CHOOSE, WE GUARANTEE YOUR HAPPINESS

At Blue Skies, all Entrance-Fee contracts are backed by our 100% Happiness Guarantee. If, for any reason, you decide to move out within six months of your move-in date, we’ll refund 100% of your Entrance Fee. That’s how confident we are that you’ll love it here at our Life Plan Community in San Antonio.

Our counselors have years of experience helping folks weigh their options and now we’re ready to help you make a decision that will ensure freedom, fulfillment, and security during your next chapter. Give us a call at (866) 553-5389 and we’ll be glad to help you find the best senior living contract for your needs.