Las Ventanas ensures health care access

Living in a life care community can mean the difference between depleting a lifetime of savings and being able to pass on a financial legacy to future generations, according to Suzanne Caldarello, marketing director for Las Ventanas, a life care community under construction in Summerlin.

"Seniors are living longer, healthier lives. They want living options that encourage an active lifestyle and that protects their independence, yet at the same time provides them with access to quality health care at predictable costs and secures their hard-earned assets. A tall order, but precisely what Las Ventanas provides," Caldarello said.

To date, more than 200 area residents are awaiting move-in next spring at Las Ventanas, which is located on 17 acres at the southeast corner of Town Center Drive and Charleston Boulevard.

Construction has been completed on the community's wellness and fitness center, and soon the first of four apartment buildings will be topped off. A 70,000-square-foot common area is under construction, and will include a dining room with a restaurant-style kitchen, a lounge, billiard and card rooms, a cyber café, library, hair salon and barbershop, business center and performing arts center.

Las Ventanas provides residents with the security of knowing that long-term, professional health care is immediately available on-site in the form of assisted living or skilled nursing care, at no or minimum additional cost.

Caldarello said seniors who do not reside in a life care community may eventually spend $65,000 to $90,000 per year for skilled nursing care, and that assisted living can cost more than $45,000 annually. Medicare, she said, covers only limited days in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay.

Long-term care insurance can help defray a portion of the costs, Caldarello pointed out, but the average cost of such insurance for a 73-year-old is $6,300 per year and will most likely cover only $200 per day for home health care or nursing home care.

"Couples may end up paying for an assisted living or skilled nursing facility for one partner while continuing to pay the expenses associated with their home," she said. "Seniors often comment that they own their homes, so they are really only facing health care expenses. What doesn't immediately come to mind are such homeowner costs as lost equity income, property taxes, property insurance, utilities and repairs, housekeeping and lawn service, not to mention food and entertainment. These expenditures add up, often reaching more than $2,700 per month. These same amenities, plus more, are provided for in a life care community."

While entrance fees at Las Ventanas can be steep, 90 percent of that amount is refundable to the resident upon moving out or to the resident's estate. The entrance fee, plus a monthly charge, covers housekeeping and linen service, utilities and security.

"More important, it enables the community to create an environment that encourages people to be actively engaged in their own lives and to continue to learn and to grow," Caldarello said. "We've gone to great lengths to enhance the quality of life of every individual who lives at Las Ventanas."

The information center is located in Howard Hughes Plaza, 10000 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 160.

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