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Continuing Care Retirement Community

Posted on October 24, 2022

Needless to say, most of us in later life prefer to settle in comfortable, familiar, homely surroundings. Ideally, as your care needs grow, you can find a place to meet your changing needs without relying on loved ones for care. This concept is known as “aging in place”.

 

Among the wide range of housing and care options available to economically secure seniors is an option called the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A unique gated community based on the premise of aging in place is gaining popularity nationwide.

 

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an independent or assisted living facility with a shared responsibility for residents’ long-term care. Residents may choose to pay for additional senior care services on a pay-as-you-go basis, or they may choose to purchase a contract with the CCRC that will guarantee those services if they ever need them. CCRCs combine independent living, assisted living, and nursing care in one community. Residents can move from one level of care to another, as necessary, without moving out of the community. Some CCRCs provide long-term care services on a fee-for-service basis, while others provide a contract (what we call a “lock-in”) that guarantees a certain level of care, no matter how long it lasts. It’s also known as a multigenerational or continuum of care facility because it provides residents with housing, services, and amenities all in one place.  A CCRC is designed to meet the needs of all adults, no matter their current lifestyle or future needs. There are many benefits to living in a CCRC, including increased safety and convenience, the ability to age in place with the support of others going through similar transitions, and reduced stress from having all your needs met without leaving home.

A CCRC is an independent-living facility that includes assisted-living and long-term-care services as well as programs for healthy aging like exercise classes, social events, and nutrition education. The goal is to help people stay independent at home longer while minimizing stressors associated with moving around frequently later on in life.

 

What is included in the price?

The price of the rent includes the cost of a private room, meals, housekeeping, utilities, and internet. When you move in, you will be assigned a case manager who will give you an overview of the amenities and services available at the community. The case manager will also go over the fees and charges that you will incur while living at the CCRC. One of the primary differences between CCRCs and traditional senior housing is that CCRCs include a variety of services that are usually charged for at other communities. These services include housekeeping, meals, transportation, and social activities. While many CCRCs also offer an option for assisted living, not all residents will have access to these services. It is important to look at the specific amenities offered at the CCRC where you are considering living.

 

Who can live there?

You should be between 56-80 years of age. There should be no or minimal health issues. You should have the financial means to pay for the monthly rent and taxes.

 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities

Both CCRCs and assisted living facilities to provide a level of care for their residents, but the two types of facilities are very different. Both types of facilities are regulated by the federal government but only assisted living facilities are regulated by the state where they are located. There are key differences between the two. For example, assisted living facilities are intended to provide short-term help to people who can no longer live alone but do not require the kind of medical care provided in a nursing home. If you need more medical care than an assisted living facility can provide, you may be better off living in a CCRC. A CCRC is designed to meet the needs of people who will require long-term medical care over the course of many years. Because CCRC residents are expected to stay for a long period of time, the fees are higher than those at assisted living facilities.

 

Types of services included in a CCRC

Housekeeping – The regular cleaning of residents’ rooms and common areas.

Meal Service – A selection of hot prepared meals is offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Transportation – Door-to-door service for appointments and errands.

Assistance – Physical, emotional, and caregiving assistance 24/7.

Health Care – Regular medical and rehabilitation services.

Social Activities – Recreational programs, special events, and outings.

Others – Other services that vary from one CCRC to another. Other services that vary from one CCRC to another include assistance with laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, hair, and nail care, and other amenities. The specific amenities offered at the CCRC where you are considering a living will depend on the type of contract you choose.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of a CCRC

Advantages of a CCRC

– There are no restrictions on who can move in.
–  All Services are available there.
–  No need to worry about work.
– Assistance provided whenever required.

 

Disadvantages of a CCRC

– There is an entrance fee.
– There is a long-term commitment.
– You can’t choose the property.
– You can’t choose your roommates.

 

How to Choose a CCRC for Yourself or a Loved One?

When choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Some of the top considerations are:

Cost – The price of the monthly rent, as well as the entrance fee, will vary widely depending on the type of CCRC you choose.

Location – While price is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the only one. Before you choose a CCRC, you should also consider your preferred location.

Contract – You should understand what is included in the contract and what is not. Every type of contract is different, so it’s important to read the fine print and ask questions if you don’t understand something.

 

Conclusion

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an independent or assisted living facility with a shared responsibility for residents’ long-term care. Residents may choose to pay for additional senior care services on a pay-as-you-go basis, or they may choose to purchase a contract with the CCRC that will guarantee those services if they ever need them. These communities combine independent living, assisted living, and nursing care in one community. Residents can move from one level of care to another, as necessary, without moving out of the community. Some CCRCs provide long-term care services on a fee-for-service basis, while others provide a contract (what we call a “lock-in”) that guarantees a certain level of care, no matter how long it lasts.