Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, are a wonderful option for your senior loved one. CCRCs are also known as “life plan” communities. These communities offer an “all-in-one” approach to whichever level of care your loved one needs.
Life plan communities are communities offer all stages of senior living and care. Residents don’t need to move if they suddenly require more help. Aging adults can move into independent living, and transition into assisted living, nursing care and memory care if needed. Most communities also have rehab facilities for seniors to recover from injuries. No matter what level of care and stage of life, CCRCs are a great place to know your loved one is safe and cared for. Specialized medical care may also be available.
These are several names CCRCs go by:
- Lifecare communities
- Life plan communities
- Lifetime communities
- Continuing care communities
Continuing care communities offer independent living with assisted care if the need should arise. Residents can enter the community needing one set of amenities and progress to needing more assistance without ever having to transfer to a new community.
Seniors can live independently and experience a continuum of the essential care they need without having to relocate—which offers your loved ones the ultimate peace of mind.
Pros And Cons of Continuing Care Communities
When a senior is ready to move into a continuing care community, they will be presented with a plethora of incredible amenities and programs. They are also fantastic options for couples who may require different assistance than the other whilst staying in the same home.
Communities offer a rich environment of inviting social engagements and community-centered activities geared toward seniors. These health and wellness centers keep all residents engaged with one another and enjoying their lives. They are also the perfect place to keep widowers engaged and healthy as they enter the next stage of their lives.
CCRC’s can offer assistance with things such as:
- Transportation
- Lawn care
- Meals
- Gardening
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- And more!
CCRC’s do, however, tend to be on the costly side since the community offers multiple levels of amenities and care. Each senior is different; therefore, everyone will have their specific needs. The monetary responsibility should not be taken lightly as these communities are created for seniors to spend the rest of their days and as their needs change.
How Much Do CCRCs Cost?
CCRC’s are the most expensive kind of senior retirement communities due to the wide array of programs and assistance offered, including the highest level of care for seniors in need. In order for a senior to be admitted to the community, in most cases, there is an entrance fee that is required. The fee can range between $10,000 and can be as much as $500,000 for the most luxurious, high-end communities.
After the entrance fee is paid, all residents are required to pay a monthly maintenance fee as per each specific property’s contract. This fee can range between $200 and over $2,000 per month. Health care coverages and costs are an additional fee that will be discussed before you sign the contract.
What to Look For in a Continuing Care Retirement Community
When you are searching for the perfect continuing care retirement community, there are several things to look for. First and foremost, begin searching for a community that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This is the country’s only accreditation program for these kinds of communities.
Next, observe how the staff and residents interact in addition to the residents with one another. See how well the staff is trained and how they perform their duties. You should feel comfortable with your loved one being at that specific property.
Next, find out what the patient-to-staff ratio is within the communities. Are there not enough staff and too many residents? Is the staff obliged to go through a criminal background check? The safety of your loved one is of the utmost importance with both the staff and on the grounds.
Are the community grounds properly maintained and well-lit? Does it appear safe? What are the social activities and do they seem of interest to your loved one? And lastly, look to see if the community itself is a match to the senior in need and if they like what they see.
Finding A CCRC Near You
If you or your loved one are beginning the search to find the perfect CCRC, now is the time to start! Please use our exceptional directory of all available continuing care retirement communities near you. You can use our Directory to search by your specific city and zip code as well as the location you are seeking.
There is a perfect inclusive community that awaits you. Start searching today for your new home so you can kick your feet up and relax.