FAQs

A life plan community, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is a type of senior living community that offers a range of housing and care options for older adults. BRC offers the entire continuum of support: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing Households, all on the same campus. This allows residents to move between different levels of living as their needs change over time, without having to relocate to another community.

Life plan communities are designed to provide older adults with a comprehensive range of services and amenities, such as meals, transportation, social and recreational activities, and medical care. The goal of communities like BRC is to help seniors live a fulfilling and active lifestyle, while also providing the support they need to maintain their independence and wellbeing.

Some of the benefits of life plan communities like BRC include the ability to age in place, the availability of different levels of care, proximity to services and amenities, and the opportunity to be part of a community of people your own age. BRC also provides peace of mind to both seniors and their families, knowing that there is a plan in place for ongoing care as needs change over time.

The main difference between a life plan community and an over-55 rental community is the availability of different levels of care. In a life plan community, residents have access to a continuum of care—independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care—all on the same campus.

In an over-55 rental community, residents typically only have access to independent living, and they would need to move to a different community if their needs change.

Also, life plan communities typically offer more on-site services, amenities, and activities than over-55 rental communities.

Life plan communities, also known as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), are an affordable retirement option for many older Americans.

Life plan communities may seem more expensive than other housing options at first glance, given the entrance fees. But after factoring in the value of amenities and services, they often compare very favorably to the cost of maintaining your own home and purchasing those services separately.

The main difference between these two types of life plan communities is how they charge for care services. In a fee-for-service community like BRC, residents pay for the specific services they receive, while in a “lifecare” community, residents pay higher fees to access all levels of care, whether or not higher levels of care are ever needed.

Statistics show that only 7% of residents will ever need long term nursing care, but the type of life plan community that is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.

BRC is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, between the Allegheny and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our community is just five minutes from Exit 220 off Interstate 81 on Dinkel Avenue (State Route 257). The metropolitan areas of Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Washington, D.C., and Petersburg, West Virginia are each within a two- to two-and-one-half-hour drive. Because BRC is located near the center of the charming small town of Bridgewater, Virginia, you’ll find many options for dining, entertainment, shopping, errands, worship and recreation—all within walking distance. Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway and the cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton are all just a short drive from the community.

Learn more about Bridgewater.

BRC offers a range of amenities and services to residents such as:

• On-site dining and catering
• Credit union
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Salons
• Pharmacy
• Massage studio
• Art studio and woodworking shop
• Walking trails
• Maintenance and housekeeping
• Local transportation
• Physical and occupational therapy
• and so much more!

You can learn more about BRC’s services and amenities here.

Because we believe that every person deserves to live life to the fullest in retirement, we intentionally designed our community—from physical spaces and resident activities to campus culture and business practices and beyond—to support that vision.

We offer a variety of wellness and recreational activities and programs designed to promote physical, mental, and social well-being. These include exercise classes, outdoor recreation, art and music programs, educational workshops, spiritual support, and social events. We also have a range of amenities and services, such as a fitness center, walking trails, and woodworking and art studios, that are available for residents to use and enjoy.

In addition to these activities and amenities, BRC also has a team of trained professionals, including nurses, caregivers, and therapists, who are dedicated to helping residents maintain their health and independence. Depending on the level of living, we offer personalized care plans and support services, such as medication management and rehabilitation therapy, to ensure that residents have the resources they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Overall, our goal is to create a supportive and enriching environment that encourages residents to pursue a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs of long-term care services, such as assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care.

LTC insurance policies typically pay a daily or monthly benefit amount that can be used to cover the costs of care services. The amount of the benefit and the specific services covered by the policy will vary depending on the policy.

Having LTC insurance can be a positive factor in qualifying financially for admission to BRC, so the level of net assets and monthly income needed may be lower.

If you have LTC insurance and are considering moving to a life plan community, it is important to review your policy carefully to understand what services and costs are covered.

No. You will be welcome no matter what your background. BRC is proud that people with a variety of faith traditions and differing spiritual beliefs choose to live here and feel completely at home in our community.

Like our Brethren founders, we share a commitment to diversity and fairness and will never exclude or treat anyone differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, military status, or disability.

BRC has a strong financial foundation, with careful financial planning and sound financial management practices. Our community is well-funded, and we have a robust endowment to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services and amenities to our residents, even if they exhaust their personal resources.

Because BRC is a not-for-profit organization, our primary focus is on meeting the needs of our residents and team members, rather than on generating profits. This approach allows us to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our community and to invest in its long-term sustainability.

Residents must meet three qualifications for residency at all levels of living:

• Age: Residents must be at least 55 years of age, with the exception that in the case of joint applicants only one member of the household must meet the age requirement.
• Ability: The appropriate level of living for residents is determined through assessments of their ability during the move-in process. Assessments include physical and mental components.
• Resources: Residents must meet certain financial qualifications. Qualification is actuarially based: age, assets, income, and the statistical possibility of needing a higher level of support are all taken into account. In Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing, BRC does not accept Auxiliary Grants or Medicaid upon admission.For Independent Living, depending on your age you are likely (but not guaranteed) to qualify with net assets that are at least 3x the entry fee, and income at least 3x the monthly fee for your selected property. In Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing, BRC does not accept Auxiliary Grants or Medicaid upon admission.

Our marketing counselors would be happy to talk through your specific circumstances to help determine if BRC is a good fit for your retirement goals.

Yes, BRC has physicians on-site for Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing Household Residents. Premier Geriatric Solutions has an office on campus with Emily Johnson, FNP serving as Medical Director.

AL, Memory Support, and Nursing Household residents may also elect to continue care with their physician outside of our community.

Independent Living residents should maintain relationships with the doctors of their choice. BRC provides local transportation to medical appointments for IL residents.

BRC is managed by an on-site, professional management team that is guided and governed by a dedicated 12-person board of directors that serves without compensation.

BRC maintains two waiting lists for Independent Living: a general list and the Advance list.

Bridgewater Wait: We’re waiting for you to say, “I’m ready!”

To join the general wait list, you’ll complete the application and pay a nonrefundable application fee of $150 for one person or $200 for two persons. The date you join Bridgewater Wait is your spot in line regardless of when you join Bridgewater Advance, so joining early is to your advantage. You can expect to receive a check-in phone call from a marketing counselor about once a year. And of course you can call us at any time!

Bridgewater Advance: You’re waiting for us to say, “We’re ready!”

When you’ve decided you’re ready to make the move within 12-24 months, you’ll need to join the Bridgewater Advance list. To join, you’ll make a refundable $1,000 deposit and will begin to receive notifications when residences aligned with your preferences become available. Your place in line is determined by the date you join Bridgewater Wait. As a Bridgewater Advance member, you’ll also receive invitations to special events and can even join the fitness center! You can expect to receive regular communication from our marketing counselors as properties become available. Your deposit will be credited to your entrance fee when you move in, or returned to you in full if you cancel your membership.

Your monthly fee includes the cost of all interior and exterior maintenance of your residence; participation in wellness programs; planned community activities and entertainment; transportation to local medical appointments; access to all campus amenities and a meal allowance.

Depending upon the residence you choose, some utilities or an enhanced amenities package may also be included.

Monthly fees are typically adjusted annually on October 1, although, with 30 days’ notice, other adjustments may be made if necessary.

These adjustments help the community maintain the level of service residents expect, while compensating for inflation and other operating cost changes. BRC’s leadership strives to keep increases as low as possible.

Prior to move-in, residents may wish to consult their financial counselors to ensure that they will be able to live comfortably at BRC despite inflation and its effect on fees.

Absolutely! Well-behaved pets may live in independent living residences. The marketing counselors can help you choose a home where you and your pet will both be happy. The complete pet policy is detailed in the IL Resident Handbook.

At BRC, your service fee includes a monthly meal allowance that can be used at any of our on-campus dining venues and around town at a few select restaurants. If you do not use the entire amount, a portion of the unused allowance is applied to the next month. (Residents can keep 2x the amount of their monthly meal allowance in their account. Balances above that limit are forfeit.)

BRC offers a variety of housing options with more than 40 unique floor plans in Independent Living, from cozy cottages to spacious apartments. Housing options include single-story garden apartments, cottage-style duplexes and single-family cottages. Residential amenities vary by style, and our marketing counselors will be happy to help you find a home with the features you prefer. With so many floor plans to choose from—all maintenance-free—you’re sure to find one that suits your lifestyle.

Buildings and grounds are insured by BRC. Residents must obtain the following insurance at their own expense:

• A renter’s insurance policy with casualty and theft insurance on resident’s personal property as well as comprehensive personal liability insurance (generally included on standard renter’s policies)
• Insurance on any motor vehicle owned by resident(s), to the extent required by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Health insurance acceptable to BRC

You’ve spent a lifetime developing your personal style. Your home at BRC should reflect it.

When you tour a property, we’ll point out all of the upgrades and finishing options you’ll get to pick. It varies a little bit based on each property, but generally new residents can expect to choose from a variety of finishing options.

Want to make customizations beyond the standard upgrades available? Maybe you’d like to add a bathroom or expand the deck. We’ll put together a fair quote to make those customizations possible.

Make yourself at home! We invite you to furnish and decorate your home according to your personal tastes.

No. BRC pays all applicable real estate taxes.

Yes, individuals who are not legally married can apply jointly for admission and choose a BRC home together.

When joint applicants are not legally married, each must separately meet ability and resource qualifications for entry, but only one member of the household must meet the minimum age requirement. In such cases each has full resident status and privileges once the Residency Agreement is signed.

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides personal care services, including help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, to people who need assistance with daily living. It is designed to help people live as independently as possible while still receiving the support they need.

There are a few signs that may indicate it is time to consider moving to assisted living. These can include:

• Struggling with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking
• Feeling isolated or lonely in your current living situation
• Needing help with medication management or other medical tasks
• Feeling unsafe or unable to manage in your current living environment
• Not being able to keep up with housekeeping and other household tasks

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it may be worth considering assisted living as an option. It is also a good idea to talk to your family, friends, and healthcare provider about your situation and concerns.

We are happy to provide essential furniture if you need it, but we encourage you to bring items you love that will make your apartment comfortable and attractive. So you may bring all your furniture and decor, or just enough to supplement what is provided. Your BRC apartment will be your home, after all!

BRC will provide, as desired:

• Single bed
• Dresser with mirror
• Nightstand
• Lamp
• Recliner

Note that if you provide your own bed, you must purchase a brand-new mattress and may not bring a used mattress from your previous home.

Absolutely! Residents in Assisted Living have full access to BRC’s entire campus and all of its many amenities—including dining venues, an art studio, walking trails, salons, and more.

The daily fee for Assisted Living at BRC depends on the size of your apartment and the level of support you receive. You receive a monthly bill based on the actual number of days in the month. In 2023, the median monthly cost for Assisted Living at BRC was $8,790.

Is there a buy-in or entrance fee? 
No. Residents only pay a the daily fee for services.

What’s included?
Services covered in daily fee include:

• Your apartment
• Three meals per day with selections available, plus always-available snacks available in pantries
• Assistance with one or more activities of daily living (depending on your care level) such as: bathing, dressing, and toileting.
• Fitness program
• Medication management
• Personal laundry and linens
• Housekeeping
• Activity programs and campus events
• Resident outings and trips
• Scheduling for medical appointments
• Spiritual care services
• Social services
• Specialized diet accommodations if needed
• Basic cable television

Admission and Assessment for Assisted Living involves several steps.

1. Your marketing counselor will gather information about your specific circumstances and needs and conduct a pre-admission screening.
2. You will complete the application for admission and financial qualification process and pay the application fee of $150/individual or $200/couple.
3. The Assisted Living clinical team will conduct a formal assessment that includes physical and mental components. The assessment is valid for 30 days.
4. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and provide documentation to BRC.

More information about assessment and qualification is available here.

Yes. You join the waitlist by filling out the application for admission and returning it with your one-time, non-refundable application fee of $150/individual or $200/couple. Your time spent on the waitlist will depend on apartment availability and your own time frame for a move.

Yes, residents holding a valid driver’s license and permission from a physician may bring a car. Parking will be assigned as needed.

You may leave campus anytime you like.

Because team members need to know who to locate in an emergency, residents are asked to sign out at a log book when departing, and to sign back in upon return to campus.

Absolutely! Couples are welcome to live together in any of BRC’s Assisted Living apartments. We recommend considering a one-bedroom if you wish to share.

Unfortunately, residents are not allowed to have pets in Assisted Living, Memory Support, or Nursing Households. However, friends and family members may bring pets to visit. BRC also maintains good relationships with several local therapy animals who visit often.

Storage space is extremely limited and may not be available for residents’ personal belongings.

Residents are expected to eat in one of several dining venues. This provides the opportunity to socialize with other residents. Residents can choose to eat in Country Kitchen, Skyline Dining Room, Gardenside Cafe, The Custer Room, or The Junction.

What if I can’t eat certain foods?
BRC’s registered dietitian and nutritionists will work with residents to develop a menu for residents with special needs, allergies, or limited diets.

Can I keep food in my room?
Yes! Residents are welcome to store food in their room as long as it is stored in a way that does not attract pests. Most apartments come pre-equipped with a small refrigerator.

In Assisted Living, there is a nurse on duty 24 hours a day, along with an appropriate number of certified nursing assistants and medication aides per shift.

An evaluation for Nursing Households or Memory Support will be made when it becomes apparent a resident’s needs can no longer be met or safely maintained in Assisted Living. If a resident’s care needs are more than what is offered in Assisted Living, a meeting with the resident, family, and/or their designated representative will be scheduled to discuss these findings and the options available to the resident.

BRC’s Memory Support Households offer assisted living for individuals with mild-to-moderate memory loss or cognitive decline. Our households provide a home with security, specialized care, and support for residents to help maintain independence and quality of life while providing the support and structure they need to manage their memory loss. This includes activities such as structured daily routines, supervised medication management, and personalized care plans.

With team members with training and expertise in dementia care, our memory support households also offer social and recreational activities designed to help residents stay engaged, active, and connected with others.

BRC’s Memory Support Households are a type of assisted living arrangement, but they are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory loss or cognitive decline. As such, they offer a more secure, structured, and supportive environment than Assisted Living.

In contrast, BRC’s Nursing Households provide a higher level of medical care and supervision than Memory Support Households. They are typically designed for individuals who need more intensive medical support. Nursing Households are also equipped to provide more advanced medical services, such as wound care and rehabilitation.

Cognitive impairment refers to a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, language, and problem-solving skills. Mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment is a term used to describe a range of cognitive difficulties that are more severe than normal age-related changes.

Individuals with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment may have difficulty with complex tasks. They may also have trouble remembering recent events or finding the right words to express themselves. However, they are typically able to perform daily activities and maintain a level of independence.

It’s important to note that cognitive impairment can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. A healthcare provider can best assess an individual’s cognitive abilities and determine the underlying cause of any cognitive difficulties.

Team members providing direct support to residents in Memory Support Households receive Certified Dementia Practitioner training.

Each team member (regardless of their role in the Household) must have a minimum of ten hours of training in cognitive impairment due to dementia in their first year of employment. Each year following, team members are required to complete a minimum of twelve hours of continuing education in dementia training and in the special needs of older adults. All team members are required to have First Aid/CPR and emergency preparedness training.

Qualification for Memory Support requires a primary diagnosis of dementia. The assessment process involves a few steps.

1. Your marketing counselor will gather information about your specific circumstances and needs and conduct a pre-admission screening.
2. The Assisted Living clinical team will conduct a formal assessment that includes physical and mental components. The assessment is valid for 30 days.
3. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and provide documentation to BRC.

More information about assessment and qualification is available here.

Residents are often out and about at various activities and events throughout campus, but they are unable to leave their household without a team member’s assistance.

Memory Support Households are secured areas of campus and require a code to enter or exit.

A full-time Clinical Coordinator is assigned to Memory Support households. In addition, there is a nurse and minimum of two direct-care team members on duty 24 hours a day. The number and variety of registered medication assistants, homemakers, and others who deliver care will vary throughout the day.

Residents in our Memory Support Households benefit from a structured daily routine that includes activities such as:

• Personal care: Residents may receive assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other activities of daily living as needed.
• Meals: We provide meals and snacks throughout the day.
• Medication management: Our team will assist residents with taking their medications as prescribed.
• Social and recreational activities: We offer a variety of social and recreational activities such as art and music therapy, games, and outings to help keep residents engaged and active.
• Structured schedules: Our households maintain structured schedules to help provide a sense of routine and stability for residents.

Overall, the goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment for individuals with memory impairments while also promoting independence and autonomy as much as possible.

Memory Support Households are secured areas of campus that require a key, fob, or passcode to enter or exit.

Time and interaction with loved ones contributes so much to overall wellbeing. Visitors are highly encouraged and welcome at all times. You need only ring the doorbell to let us know you’ve arrived.

Visitors may be asked to wear a mask for health and safety purposes, for instance when local transmission levels are high for respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or influenza.

In some cases, it may be possible for your parents to live together in a Memory Support Household when only one parent requires a higher level of care. However, it is important to consider whether this arrangement would meet the needs of both individuals.

If it is not possible for your parents to live together, we will work overtime to help them maintain their connection and relationship. Our team can also work with you to develop a plan for supporting your parents’ transition.

It is not uncommon to resist the idea of moving to a Memory Support Household. This can be a difficult and emotional decision for both the individual and their family, and it is important to approach the conversation with compassion and understanding.

There are a few steps you can take to help your loved one understand the decision:

• Discuss the reasons: It can be helpful to explain to your loved one why you believe this is the best option for them. This may include considerations such as their safety, their ability to receive the necessary level of care, and the impact of their cognitive impairment on their quality of life.
• Involve your loved one: Try to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. This may include allowing them to bring personal items and decorations to their new home and involving them in creating their care plan.
• Consider the benefits: It can be helpful to focus on the positive aspects of Memory Support, such as the availability of 24-hour care, the opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities, and the chance to be part of a community of people with similar experiences.
• Seek support: It may be helpful to seek support from your doctor or therapist to help you navigate this difficult decision. They can offer guidance and resources to help you and your loved one through this transition.
• Reassure them of your love: Let them know that you will never abandon them and will continue to spend quality time with them. Emphasize that their wellbeing is your top priority.

Ultimately, the decision to move to a Memory Support Household is a personal one, and it is important to respect your loved one’s wishes and feelings. However, it is also important to consider their safety and well-being and to explore all of the available options to determine what is best for them.

BRC’s six Nursing Households* provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are unable to live independently due to a chronic health condition. Each is “right-sized” at about 20-22 residents. They offer nursing care and a variety of amenities and services to meet the needs of our residents, such as meal service, transportation, and housekeeping.

A lot more than a traditional “nursing home,” BRC households are resident-centered and designed to create the warmth and comfort of true home. Common spaces foster a sense of connection and community, and engaging daily activities (organized with input from residents) foster social and mental wellbeing.

BRC also offers short-term rehabilitation in our Nursing Households for people recovering from a major illness or procedure.

*BRC’s six households in the Huffman Health Center are called Harmony House, Tranquility House, Unity House, Serenity House, Wellness House, and Joy House.

The nursing household model is a approach to long-term care that recognizes the value of creating a true home and person-centered environment for residents. This model is based on the idea that the physical environment, routines, relationships, and even staffing patters within a long-term care facility should be structured to promote a sense of community and belonging for residents, rather than a hospital-like or institutional setting.

The nursing household model is designed to promote autonomy and choice for residents, and includes features such as shared living spaces, private bedrooms and bathrooms, and a variety of common areas. Activities and programming are to the interests and needs of residents, and include opportunities for socialization, recreation, and meaningful engagement. Team leaders typically work only in one household, so they and their residents get to know each other well.

Yes, but only after a resident exhausts their resources. To qualify for admission initially, residents must be able to privately pay for a minimum of approximately two and a half years of residency.

Daily life for Nursing Household residents varies slightly based on the unique culture of each Household. In general, residents can expect to have a structured routine based on their lifestyle and preferences. They choose when to rise, which activities and outings they’d like to attend, what they’d like to eat, and more.

Because of our industry-leading staffing ratio, residents will also enjoy quality time with dedicated caregivers who treat them as extended members of their own families and never rush them or treat their care like a to-do list item.

BRC has an industry-leading staffing ratio in our Nursing Households with 24-hour nurse supervision. Each household is staffed daily with a Household Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator, and a variety of CNAs, Med-Aides, and homemakers.

BRC partners with Premier Geriatric Services to provide medical supervision under the leadership of Emily Johnson, FNP.

Vice President for Health Services Jeff Lambert serves as our Nursing Home Administrator.

Residents enjoy made-to-order breakfast every morning and make selections daily from an always-available or weekly specials menu for lunch and dinner.

BRC’s dietitian and nutritionist work with residents to develop a menu for residents with special needs or limited diets.

Personal laundry, linen, and housekeeping service is provided to all residents.

BRC has an established reputation for world-class care and regularly receives local, industry, and national recognition.

We boast a 5-star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, regular Best Nursing Home ratings from U.S. News & World Report, and frequently top Best of the Valley and Best of Virginia lists.

A full copy of our most-recent state inspection is available at all times in each of our Nursing Households.

Absolutely. We strongly believe that the best healthcare outcomes are achieved through collaboration and regular communication and consultation with families. You will be invited to participate in your loved one’s care plan meetings, and the clinical team in your loved one’s household is always available to meet with you to discuss care.