Luxury living

Mover Kyle Gonzalez carries a resident’s belongings at Varenna at Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa, Calif. The Mediterranean-themed complex collects an entrance fee of up to $1.3 million, along with monthly charges that can peak at nearly $5,500. Residents can have their dogs walked, their cars detailed, their apartments decorated and their wine collections stored in climate-controlled rooms. (Randi Lynn Beach / For The Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 9:17 AM PT

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Cook Pamela Wilson and the kitchen staff at Varenna prepare for opening day May 15. (Randi Lynn Beach / For The Times)

Dave Mink, right, and Leth Nissen, second from right, take in the view from the fitness room during a tour of the grounds at Varenna at Fountaingrove. (Randi Lynn Beach / For The Times)

Facilities such as Varenna are what California state law defines as “continuing-care retirement communities.” Residents pay entrance fees and then pay monthly fees for a certain number of meals and independent-living units. When they are no longer able to perform the basic activities of daily life, such as bathing, dressing and taking medication, they receive extra help in their own apartments or get a priority spot in an assisted-living wing in the same complex. (Randi Lynn Beach / For The Times)