What is a CCRC?
CCRC is an acronym for continuing care retirement community. CCRCs provide a continuum of care—independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Many communities offer a variety of residences, services and amenities as well as short- and long-term care resources. Because CCRCs offer different levels of care on one campus, residents are able to maintain their activities, relationships and support as they age.
Who is Carol Woods?
We are not named after a person. Rather, the name comes from “Carol” for Carolinas and “Woods” for our wooded landscape.
Who owns Carol Woods?
No one owns Carol Woods. We are a nonprofit organization and are governed by an all-volunteer board of directors that is responsible for strategic planning and oversight of the community.
How many residents live at Carol Woods?
There are about 485 on-campus residents, and about 115 off-campus residents enrolled in our Early Acceptance Program.
What is the refund policy for the entry fee?
Carol Woods offers a declining refund for the entry fee. The entry fee amortizes 2 percent per month, thereby taking 50 months before there is no refund.
What does my monthly service fee include?
Carol Woods bundles services, including utilities, local telephone, basic cable, wireless Internet connection, local scheduled transportation, 24-hour security, weekly housekeeping, linen service, maintenance, fitness programming and a standard meal plan.
What is the meal plan?
The monthly service fees cover a standard meal plan: residents are given monthly meal credits that equal the number of days in the month. For example, residents receive 30 meal credits a month to use however they wish within that month. Credits do not roll over to the next month and can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. If you go over the allotment, you can purchase additional meals or increase your meal plan.
What is the wait time for a home?
Wait times vary depending on the floor plan you desire. Historically, wait times for smaller homes are shorter than for larger homes. What we are experiencing right now is a 7-14 year wait for homes with one bedroom (under 700 sq. ft.) and 14+ year waits for anything larger. It is very important to plan ahead. With 1,700+ deposits already on the Priority List, most people will not receive an offer within their timeframe.
Can I move directly into Assisted Living?
New residents must join Carol Woods while they are still living independently.
How do I get on the Priority List (waitlist)?
The Priority List Agreement and a $1,500 deposit places you on the Priority List. $1,000 of the deposit is refundable if you choose not to pursue Carol Woods. The Priority List Agreement and our brochure are downloadable from our website. If you have questions about Carol Woods, we offer Virtual Informational Sessions on Zoom about once a month. Because of high demand, we do not offer on-campus tours.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
No. Carol Woods offers the Type B Modified contract where residents prepay some of their future long-term care costs. In addition, residents annually accumulate 15 "free days" of skilled nursing care, with no limit on accumulation. Once free days are exhausted, the cost of assisted living or skilled nursing care is offered at a significantly discounted per diem rate. However, residents who do carry long-term care insurance may use their benefits to pay for these discounted per diems.
Do I own my home?
No. Residents pay an entry and monthly fee but do not own their home. Carol Woods owns and maintains the homes. Residents do not pay property tax. Residents may purchase renters insurance to cover their belongings.
Can I customize my home?
After you are approved to move into a home at Carol Woods, you will work with our renovation team to select the colors and finishes for your home. We have a showroom of options for flooring, cabinets and countertops. The renovation team will determine what items in the home are due to be replaced.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Carol Woods welcomes up to two pets per household. Pets must be registered with the Security Department. There is no size limit.
How do I learn more about resident life at Carol Woods?
Once you join our Priority List, you will receive a newsletter by email 10 times a year. The articles are written by our residents and tell a lot about the people who live here and their variety of interests and activities. The Admissions & PR Department also will mail a letter with updates every December. For those who use Facebook, you can join our private Facebook group for Carol Woods Priority List Members.
I don’t know anyone who lives at Carol Woods. How will I form relationships with residents?
All new residents participate in a Newcomers Program that consists of social receptions and informational meetings. In addition, new residents are paired with a mentor to guide them through their early months in the community. The dining room also offers fellowship dining tables for those looking to engage with others. With 88 committees and special interest groups, there are lots of ways to get to know residents while contributing to the Carol Woods community.