FAQs

Know Your Options for Retirement

Have questions about Rockwood South Hill or Rockwood at Hawthorne? We Have the Answers.

We welcome you to visit our communities to experience Rockwood for yourself. Enjoy a stay in our Hospitality Suite, see the campus, visit with residents, participate in fitness programs or other activities if you wish, and enjoy dining with us as our guest. Contact our Marketing and Information Center if you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary visit.

What are the different kinds of retirement communities?

• Independent Living (no health services)
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing
• Independent and Assisted Living (no skilled nursing)
• (CCRC) Continuing care retirement community includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing 24 hours a day. These communities may be for-profit, not-for-profit, and may or may not be accredited.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different types of communities?

• Communities offering independent living that have limited or no health services may cost less. However, if and when some assistance or health care is needed, residents would have to find those services elsewhere.
• Communities (CCRCs) offering independent living with a full continuum of health services can provide those extra services, if ever needed, without your having to move away from the community.
• It’s important to find out if the community you’re considering offers all the services you might want or need during your lifetime.

What kind of retirement communities are the Rockwood Communities?

As Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), the Rockwood communities offer a full range of lifestyle options. Included are independent living homes, duplexes and apartments, assisted living including dementia care for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and 24-hour skilled nursing if ever needed. The Rockwood communities are not-for-profit and accredited.

What does accreditation mean?

The Rockwood Retirement Communities are accredited by CARF/CCAC.

Achieving accreditation requires rigorous assessment that assures the highest standards are being met in services, programs, financial stability, facilities, strategic planning, business practices, and health care.

Lending institutions, vendors, residents, staff and families recognize that few communities can meet and maintain these standards, and appreciate Rockwood’s dedication to maintaining them.

CARF/CCAC stands for Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities/Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. We are also accredited by the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries through their EAGLE Accreditation Program. EAGLE stands for Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence.

Is Rockwood affiliated with a large chain?

No. Rockwood South Hill and Rockwood at Hawthorne are the only two CCRCs operated by Spokane United Methodist Homes, a not-for-profit corporation doing business as Rockwood Retirement Communities.

When did Rockwood open for business?

Rockwood South Hill opened for business in 1960. Rockwood at Hawthorne, previously called Hawthorne Retirement Community before it became part of Rockwood, opened in 1958.

How large are the communities?

Approximately 420 residents living at Rockwood South Hill call this 90-acre campus home. Rockwood at Hawthorne spans 8 acres and is home to about 120 residents.

Is there an entry fee, and if so, what does it cover?

Yes. Most residency agreements have an entry fee based on the size of the accommodation selected. Entry fees ensure your lifetime use of a home or apartment or other housing options, and also go toward meeting the overall financial needs of the community. Both Rockwood South Hill and Rockwood at Hawthorne have a rental option for the apartments in The Ridge at Rockwood South Hill and The Manor at Rockwood at Hawthorne where there is no entry fee.

Both campuses accept new residents directly into Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing if space is available. For these residents, entry fees, if any, are nominal.

Is there a monthly fee?

Yes. Monthly service fees for homes, duplexes, and apartments depend on the size and, sometimes, the location of the residence; the number of occupants; and the services provided.

Assisted living and memory support fees vary depending on the size of the apartment and the level of care provided. Skilled nursing fees are based on an established daily rate and also on the level of care provided.

What types of contracts does Rockwood offer?

We continually strive to bring the very best choices to the market. Currently, Rockwood has a variety of residency agreements available. The Traditional Plan offers a 90% refund; a non-refundable agreement with a reduced entry fee; and Advantage Plans that offer both a 90% refund and non-refundable plans with the added advantage of a 30% lifetime discount on assisted living, memory support, or skilled care.

The 90% Refundable Agreement—Residents, or their estate, are refunded 90% of the entry fee paid.

The Non-Refundable Agreement—Residents, or their estate, are refunded a declining balance over a 50-month period. Call the Marketing and Information Center at 509-536-6701 and one of our Marketing Consultants will be happy to share the details.

Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing—There are contracts that can accommodate residents moving directly into assisted living and skilled nursing. The Assisted Living contract has a modest entry fee and higher monthly fee than the independent living contract. Skilled nursing rates also vary depending on the contract under which they are provided. At Rockwood at Hawthorne, a no-entry fee, rental option is available to residents moving into assisted living.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, there is a waiting list for homes, duplexes and apartments at Rockwood South Hill and Rockwood at Hawthorne.

How do I become a resident of Rockwood?

You begin by contacting us, and setting up an appointment with one of our Marketing Consultants. You will be asked to complete a brief application. Along with the application, a deposit is required.

This initial deposit puts you on our Future Residents’ Waiting List and is fully refundable upon written request at any time for any reason.

Do you own your home when you sign a contract at Rockwood?

No, the contract is not a real estate transaction. Ownership of the residence remains with Rockwood while providing you with use of the home or other accommodations for your lifetime.

Do I pay property taxes when I am a resident?

Yes. They are included in your service fees.

What kind of insurance do I need to move in?

Insurance of your personal belongings is required, as well as liability and loss of use. You do not need homeowner’s insurance.

Are pets allowed?

Within limitations established by Rockwood's pet policy, pets are allowed in apartments or homes.

Does Rockwood accept Medicare and Medicaid?

Both CCRCs accept Medicare and Rockwood at Hawthorne is also Medicaid certified