July 24

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Retire in Style: How to Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community

By Harrison O'Reill

July 24, 2023


Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you or your loved one.

However, by following a few guidelines, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences. We provide a few of them in this article, and you’ll end the article even more knowledgeable.

Understanding Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a type of senior living community that provides a range of services and care options to seniors as they age. CCRCs offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all on one campus, allowing residents to age in place and receive the care they need as their health needs change.

Types of CCRCs

There are three types of CCRCs: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A CCRCs require an entrance fee and provide a lifetime contract for care, regardless of the level of care required. Type B CCRCs require an entrance fee and provide a discounted rate for higher levels of care. Type C CCRCs do not require an entrance fee but charge higher monthly fees for care as needed.

CCRC Costs

CCRCs can be expensive, with entrance fees of around $300,000 and monthly fees ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. However, many CCRCs offer financial assistance programs, and some may accept Medicare or Medicaid. It’s important to work with a financial advisor to determine if a CCRC is a viable option for your budget and financial goals.

CCRC contracts can also vary, so it’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions before signing.

Some contracts may require residents to forfeit a portion of their entrance fee if they move out or pass away, while others may offer a refund. Additionally, the location, facilities, food, and real estate options can also impact the cost of a CCRC.

Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that accredits CCRCs based on their quality of care, safety, and financial stability. Choosing a CCRC that is accredited by CARF can provide peace of mind and assurance that the community meets high standards for care and services.

Independent Living

Independent living is a type of senior living that provides a community for older adults who are still able to live on their own but want the convenience and socialization of living among peers. Independent living communities typically offer amenities such as housekeeping, transportation, and meal plans, as well as recreational and social activities.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

The main difference between independent living and assisted living is the level of care provided. Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are still able to live independently, while assisted living communities provide more support with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

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When choosing between independent living and assisted living, it’s important to consider your current and future needs. If you’re still able to live independently but want the added convenience and socialization of a community, independent living may be the right choice for you.

However, if you anticipate needing more assistance with daily living tasks in the future, an assisted living community may be a better fit.

Monthly Fees and Contracts

Independent living communities typically require a monthly fee, which covers the cost of housing, amenities, and services. It’s important to carefully review the contract and understand what is included in the monthly fee, as well as any additional fees or charges that may apply.

When considering an independent living community, it’s also important to review the occupancy rate and any waiting lists. Some communities may have a high demand and limited availability, so it’s important to plan ahead and make arrangements early.

Location and Amenities

Location is an important factor when choosing an independent living community. Consider factors such as proximity to family and friends, access to medical care, and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.

In addition to location, amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and social activities can enhance your quality of life in an independent living community. Be sure to review the amenities offered by each community and consider which ones are important to you.

Tours and Reviews

Before making a decision, it’s important to tour the community and speak with staff and residents. This will give you a better sense of the community’s culture and whether it’s a good fit for you.

You can also review online reviews and ratings from other residents and their families to get a sense of the community’s reputation and level of satisfaction.

Checklist and Living Arrangements

To help you make an informed decision, create a checklist of important factors to consider when choosing an independent living community. This may include factors such as location, amenities, monthly fees, and staff qualifications.

When it comes to living arrangements, independent living communities typically offer apartments or cottages for residents. Be sure to review the available options and consider factors such as size, layout, and accessibility.

Home Maintenance and Health Care Services

Another important factor to consider is home maintenance and health care services. Some independent living communities offer on-site maintenance and repair services, while others require residents to handle their own home maintenance.

Additionally, some communities offer access to healthcare services such as on-site clinics or partnerships with local healthcare providers. Be sure to review the available services and consider your current and future healthcare needs.

Overall, independent living communities can provide a convenient and social environment for older adults who are still able to live independently. By carefully considering factors such as location, amenities, and contracts, you can find a community that meets your needs and enhances your quality of life.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a type of senior living that provides assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. It is designed for seniors who are still able to live independently but require some level of support.

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Assisted living communities offer a range of services and amenities to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.

Assisted Living Costs

The cost of assisted living varies depending on the location, size of the apartment, and level of care required. Monthly fees typically include rent, utilities, meals, housekeeping, and transportation.

Additional services, such as medication management and personal care, may be offered for an extra fee. It is important to understand the costs and what is included in the monthly fees before choosing an assisted living community.

When comparing costs, it is also important to consider the occupancy rate and any service contracts or contracts that may affect the overall cost. Many assisted living communities offer tours and provide a checklist to help seniors and their families make informed decisions.

Assisted living communities may also offer memory care services for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. These services often come at an additional cost.

Overall, assisted living can be a great option for seniors who need some assistance with daily living activities but still want to maintain their independence. It is important to research and compare different communities to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Skilled Nursing Care

Skilled nursing care is a type of medical care provided by licensed nurses in a continuing care retirement community. These nurses provide round-the-clock care for residents who require medical attention for chronic conditions, injuries, or illnesses.

Skilled nursing care is different from assisted living care, which is designed for residents who need help with daily living activities but do not require medical care.

Skilled Nursing Care Costs

The cost of skilled nursing care in a continuing care retirement community varies depending on the level of care required. Monthly fees for skilled nursing care typically start from $7,000, depending on the location and amenities provided.

Some communities charge additional fees for certain medical services or therapies. It’s important to review the contract carefully to understand all costs associated with skilled nursing care.

Staff and Amenities

Skilled nursing care requires a team of licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants who provide medical care and assistance with daily living activities.

In addition to medical care, skilled nursing care communities may provide amenities such as dining services, transportation, housekeeping, and social activities. It’s important to tour the community and meet with staff to ensure they meet your needs and expectations.

Health Care Services and Contracts

When considering a continuing care retirement community that offers skilled nursing care, it’s important to review the types of healthcare services provided and the contracts offered.

Some communities offer contracts that guarantee access to skilled nursing care for life, while others may limit the amount of time residents can stay in skilled nursing care. It’s important to review the contract carefully and ask questions to ensure you understand all terms and conditions.

Checklist

When touring a continuing care retirement community that offers skilled nursing care, it’s important to ask questions and take notes. Here are some things to consider:

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  • What is the occupancy rate for skilled nursing care?
  • What types of medical services are provided?
  • What is the monthly fee for skilled nursing care?
  • What is included in the monthly fee?
  • What additional fees are charged for medical services or therapies?
  • What types of contracts are offered?
  • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
  • What amenities are provided?
  • What is the quality of the food?
  • What do current residents say about the community?

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a continuing care retirement community can be a daunting task, but it is important to take the time to research and evaluate your options carefully. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind.

Consider your current and future healthcare needs when selecting a community. Look for a community that offers a range of services and amenities to meet your needs and interests.

Evaluate the financial stability and reputation of the community before making a commitment. Don’t forget to take the time to tour the community and meet with staff and residents to get a sense of the culture and community.

Remember, this is a decision that will impact your quality of life for years to come, so it is important to make an informed choice that meets your needs and preferences.

By following these tips and doing your research, you can find a continuing care retirement community that offers the support, care, and lifestyle you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this topic.

What is a CCRC?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a type of retirement community that offers a range of housing options and healthcare services for seniors.

CCRCs provide a continuum of care, allowing residents to age in place and receive the appropriate level of care as their needs change. CCRCs typically require an entrance fee and a monthly fee and offer amenities and programs for residents.

What are the Costs of a CCRC?

The costs of a CCRC vary depending on the location, size, and type of community. CCRCs typically require an entrance fee, which can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a monthly fee, which can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

The monthly fee covers housing, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and health care services. Some CCRCs offer discounts for low incomes or military service.

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is a housing option for seniors who are able to live on their own but want to be part of a community.

Independent living typically offers apartments or cottages with amenities such as dining options, recreational activities, and social activities. Residents are responsible for their own care and daily living activities but may have access to on-site health care services.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a housing option for seniors who need help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Assisted living typically offers apartments or suites with amenities such as dining options, recreational activities, and social activities. Residents receive assistance with daily living activities and have access to on-site health care services.

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