A special committee has been formed to explore the viability of building a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Greenbrier County. The Committee was formed to gather information about a CCRC and opinions from residents about their needs and interest in this type of facility.
A CCRC is a 3-tiered community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Care. Issues currently being explored include residents’ interest in this type of facility; and if Greenbrier County has the need and/or infrastructure to support a CCRC.
Members of the Committee made a site visit to two CCRCs in Harrisonburg, VA, in the fall of 2014. At its March 2015 meeting, the Committee hosted two guest speakers: Jack Broaddus, CEO, Sunnyside, Inc., Harrisonburg, VA, and Tommy Brewer, managing director, Ziegler, Inc., the largest senior financing corporation for nonprofit retirement communities.
The Committee developed and is currently distributing a survey to residents through various civic organizations and congregations. The purpose of the survey is to obtain individuals’ opinions about their personal needs and the perceived benefits to the county as a whole in developing a Continuing Care Retirement Community. The survey distribution is the first initial phase in gathering information. Responses to the survey will determine if there is adequate support to pursue a formal feasibility study, which would validate if Greenbrier County needs and can economically support a CCRC.
Members of the Continuing Care Retirement Committee include representatives from the Greenbrier County Commission, Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Council, WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, Greenbrier Housing Authority, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Center for Rural & Community Health, Veterans Administration, New River Community and Technical College, Greenbrier Committee on Aging, Monroe County Committee on Aging, Heartland Manor Care and representatives from the Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley Board of Directors. Other members include representatives from the legal, banking and realty communities, and the general public.
The next meeting of the Continuing Care Retirement Community is set for May 26, at 4 p.m., in the Asbury Room at the Lewisburg United Methodist Church. All interested persons are welcome and encouraged to attend.
