Continuing Care Retirement Community - What Is A CCRC?

3/31/2021 Continuing Care Retirement Community - What is a CCRC?
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CCRC / Continuing Care Retirement Community - What is a CCRC?
Continuing Care Retirement

Community - What is a CCRC?
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Table of Contents
. What Is a CCRC?
. The Benefits of Living at a CCRC
. Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing — What’s the Difference?
. Is a CCRC Right for Me?
. The Different Types of CCRCs
. What Does a CCRC Cost?
. Questions to Ask When Visiting a CCRC
. Applying for Residence at a CCRC
. Choosing Your Independent Living Unit and Transitioning to Your New CCRC
1. What Is a
CCRC?
A CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement
Community also known as a LifePlan
community), is a living option for
seniors who want to live
independently but prefer residing in
a community of their peers with the
option to increase helpful services as
they age. These communities offer a
number of services that can widely
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assist seniors whenever they need them. In addition, they offer seniors the option to age in
place, rather than forcing them to uproot their lives as their abilities change.
What Makes a CCRC Special?

A CCRC is a special type of senior housing that allows seniors to take advantage of the
precise services they need to live comfortably and safely. Seniors often want to live
independently for as long as they can, and this type of senior care facility provides this
option. They are also living within a vibrant community, so they do not feel isolated. In the
event of a change in their ability to live independently, additional services can be provided
either in the area in which they already live or in areas close by.
Residents of a CCRC can reevaluate their needs as time goes on while essentially
remaining in the same place, thus eliminating disruption in their lives as they grow older.
What Services Do CCRCs Offer Seniors?

Services at these senior housing facilities can range from little to nothing, as is the case
with independent senior living, to skilled nursing and assisted living. Emergency medical
assistance is also an option, so the families of seniors living in a CCRC know their loved
one has help on hand if necessary. Also, these facilities often offer a number of other
services, such as bathing and hygiene assistance, housekeeping, transportation, and
activities and outings.
Almost anything a senior could need is available at a

Almost anything a CCRC. Depending on the CCRC's pay structure, those
senior could need is who do not require a particular service simply do not pay
available at a CCRC. for it. If things change over time and another service is
needed, seniors can add to their care without having to
move outside the community they love.
Choosing a CCRC for Senior Care

CCRCs give seniors and their family members the greatest peace of mind when it comes to
all-inclusive senior housing. As multiple service options are available for whenever a senior
requires them, CCRCs provide the most freedom, protection, and ease for those who wish
to age in place as effortlessly as possible during their golden years.
Return to Table of Contents
2. The
Benefits of
Living at a
CCRC
There are many benefits
associated with living at a
Community (CCRC, also
known as a LifePlan
community). When you
choose this lifestyle, you are making a healthy choice that will benefit you for years to
come. There are many options available to you, and the CCRC of your choice will ensure
that you are able to change your services as your life changes.
You Are Not Alone

When you choose senior housing at a CCRC, you will never be alone, because people are
always nearby – both neighbors and caregivers. This offers your family members and loved
ones peace of mind while providing you with as much help and/or independence as is
necessary.
You Have Access to Everything You Need

CCRCs offer so much more than typical retirement homes, with services ranging from
healthcare and emergency medical services to assistance with running errands and
housework. Resident activities are organized and common areas such as the cafeteria and
gym are usually available.
You Can Age in Place Easily

You may not need some of the senior-care options available at your CCRC, but over time,
your needs may change. At a CCRC, instead of having to move to a new place to gain
access to aging services, you’ll be able to stay in the same community, if not your same
home. These communities allow residents to age in place and offer alternative options as
they age – a specialized program that isn’t available in any other type of senior living
facility.
What Kind of Why CCRCs Can Be a Great Option for …

Lifestyle Will I
Have?
At a CCRC, your lifestyle will be
whatever you want it to be! You will
maintain your independence while
gaining access to emergency and
long-term medical care, day-to-day
assistance, and leisure activities.
You will design the lifestyle that is most effective for you and add additional services as
they become necessary. Basically, you will be free to live your life your way while
experiencing easy transitions.
3. Independent
Living, Assisted
Living, and
Skilled Nursing
— What’s the
Difference?
There are many options for senior
housing available, and the best one for your needs can depend on your specific situation.
Of course, most seniors desire an independent living option where they can do for
themselves, but assisted living and skilled nursing can also be helpful—even necessary—in
certain situations. Therefore, it is best to understand the differences among all three
options and to be aware of which you may be more likely to need at certain times in your
life.
The Differences Among Independent Living,

Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing
These programs all offer different types of senior care, depending on the needs of the
individual residents. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine what you need based on
your specific situation, but your needs are likely to fall into one of these three categories
when choosing senior housing.
Independent living is a type of senior care where residents live unaided and enjoy
their lives to the fullest. This option provides them with lots of support from other,
nearby seniors, as well as members of staff. Activities are planned, and residents can
enjoy different options for fun. In addition, independent living facilities usually assist
with household chores, transportation, running errands, and other necessities.
Assisted living is non-medical care provided by non-licensed caregivers. Examples
include helping with dressing, eating, bathing, bathroom use, moving around, and
getting into and out of bed. These facilities are more intensive and offer help to those
who have more difficulty with their day-to-day tasks.
Skilled nursing is medically necessary care that can only be provided by a registered
nurse and under the supervision of a doctor. Examples include physical therapy,
wound care, IV injections, catheter care and more.
CCRCs Offer All These Options—And More.

Many times, seniors must choose a facility that offers the type of care they need at one
particular moment. After choosing this option, their needs for care can change, and
another option must be chosen, requiring a move and other difficulties. At a Continuing
Care Retirement Community (CCRC), however, residents can start out with the type of care
they need when they arrive and then age in place over time.
CCRCs offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing—as well as many other
services—to their residents. If you do not require a certain service yet, you still have the
option to transition into it over time without having to leave your community. CCRCs offer
the most options for treatment, assistance, and independence of any other type of senior
housing facility.
4. Is a CCRC Right for Me?

You may like the sound of living in a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community also
known as a LifePlan community), but the decision to choose one as your independent
living and senior care community is a difficult one. How do you know that a CCRC is really
right for you? How can you determine if it would be better to choose another kind of
senior living option? Consider the answers below to help you make the best decision for
your individual situation.
CCRCs Are Expensive…

It’s no secret that these senior living communities are pricier than other options. This is
because they offer more services than most others and allow residents to decide which of
these services they’d like to acquire as part of their living arrangements. In addition, many
other amenities are available at no extra cost to all residents.
If you can afford to live in a CCRC, it’s one of the best

If you can afford to options for aging in place. Plus, there are many different
live in a CCRC, it’s prices for different communities and contracts, some of
one of the best which offer lower monthly and entrance rates based on
the services they offer.
options for aging in
place.
…But They Offer You So Many
Options.
Nowhere else will you be likely to find the plethora of services provided by your senior
housing. CCRCs offer medical options from preventative care to long-term and intensive
care, and residents can choose the plan for the future that best suits their needs.
In addition, CCRCs offer home-help options, such as housekeeping, living assistance,

transportation, and other services, to residents who need them. Finally, these senior care
facilities offer activities, social functions, and other pastimes for residents, which, along
with home and health services, are a considerable part of the CCRC's cost.
Is a CCRC Right for Me?

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a CCRC is the right type of senior
housing for your needs:
Do you still want your independence but no longer want to live so far away from
other people, especially other seniors?
Does it make you feel safer, or is it necessary, to be closer to medical personnel?
Are you reluctant to have to move again as you get older?
Do you want to decrease the amount of upkeep for home maintenance?
Are you able or willing to pay more in monthly rent in exchange for more services?
Do you like the idea of being part of a community of people who are at the same
place in their lives as you?
Are you ready to commit to a medical plan for your future?
Can you pay the upfront entrance fee expected by a CCRC?
Will you and your family have peace of mind knowing you are close to other people
but still independent in your own home?
If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, it is very likely that a CCRC is exactly
the type of senior care community you’re looking for.
5. The
Different
Types of
CCRCs
CCRCs (Continuing Care
Retirement Communities, also
known as a LifePlan communities)
generally offer up to three types
of contracts (Type A, Type B, and
Type C), and a good way to know the range of services and residence you can expect from
a specific senior housing facility is to ask about them.
Type A Contracts: Extensive or Life-Care

Type A contracts offer the most services for residents, the cost of which is bundled into
monthly and entry fees. When you move into a Type A community, you’ll know your fees
won’t increase drastically when you begin to need more intensive services like assisted
living or skilled nursing. This is also why Type A contracts have the highest entry and
monthly fees. Residents are paying for the care they expect to need in the future.
Type B Contracts: Modified

Type B contracts offer a lower level of all-inclusive services than Type A contracts,
although initially less expensive in monthly fees, entrance fees, or both. Type B
communities will require an increased monthly fee and/or additional payment when the
resident begins to need more medical services. In some cases, residents may have access
to certain services (such as skilled nursing care for a certain amount of time), but more
intensive services will not be included in the general payments.
Type C Contracts: Fee-for-Service
Generally, Type C contracts have the lowest entrance and monthly fees, if everything else
(such as room size, luxury of the facility, etc.) is the same. However, residents have the
burden of paying for long-term care expenses when they come about. Residents of Type C
communities may not have the assurance that they will have access to more intensive
medical services whenever necessary.
Which Type of What to Know About CCRCs

CCRC Contract
Should I Seek?
It can be difficult to decide which
type of senior housing contract is
best, especially since one of these
types of communities could be more
beneficial for one person than
another. Someone who might soon
need long-term care, for example,
may want to consider residency in a Type A community, but what about someone who is
years away from this? Is it better to risk the possibility of not having all the services
available but save money by choosing a Type C contract? Or is it better to have the
safeguard of assured services and choose a Type A contract?
This depends largely on the individual person and his or her preferences, family, medical
histories, and expectations for the future. It’s best to remember that no one choice is right
for every individual. Instead, start considering what options will suit your specific needs.
6. How Much
do Continuing
Care
Retirement
Communities
Cost?
Communities (CCRCs also known
as LifePlan communities) are a fantastic living option for seniors who wish to age in place
rather than having to move to a different location as their needs for at-home care and
medical attention become greater. Still, it’s important to be realistic about the cost of a
CCRC and know what to expect for your money.
What Am I Paying for at a CCRC?

Most CCRCs offer residents the opportunity to live comfortably in a rental unit with both
onsite assisted living and medical care when necessary. If residents don’t need a certain
type of care, then they won’t have to accept it until they do. They also won’t be forced to
move from the area they feel comfortable with in order to gain this care in the future.
CCRCs also offer services like meals, lawn care, housekeeping, transportation, and
security, as well as activities for senior residents. These amenities are usually included in
the base cost. Senior care at these facilities is meant to be all-inclusive, so it is often
understood that CCRCs are more expensive than the average senior housing facility.
What are the Entrance Fees?

Cost varies among CCRCs because they are run by different individuals and companies,
and they offer a wide array of amenities. Some CCRCs can be more basic, while others
provide near-luxury services. Still, because of the all-inclusive nature of this senior
housing option, CCRCs tend to be expensive.
These facilities are usually rent-based, so residents make monthly payments. In addition to
their monthly payments, residents are also expected to make a one-time, entrance
payment when moving into the facility. For some facilities, this down payment is the first
month’s rent, but this isn’t always the case. In many situations, the down payment is much
higher than the monthly rent.
Depending on the facility, the level of luxury and amenities it offers, and other variables,
the entrance payment is usually between $2,000 and $500,000, while monthly payments
are often between $2,000 and $5,000. Of course, these numbers represent averages. In
addition, some facilities offer refunds for entrance fees, but this is another variable.
Learning More About CCRC Cost

If you know you want to move toward living in a CCRC, it is important to thoroughly
research your options. Remember to ask about monthly costs and entrance fees well
before moving in. Also, make sure to ask if the entrance fee can be refunded and to what
extent. It is always better to be informed about a facility and to know what to expect
before you make the decision to live there.
7. Questions to Ask When Visiting a

CCRC
Moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC also known as a LifePlan
community) is a big decision, and it’s important to know what the community is like and
how you will be treated there. The staff at a CCRC will have plenty of questions for you,
but don’t forget to ask a few of your own.
Moving into a CCRC What Does It Cost to Live at

is a big decision, and the CCRC?
it’s important to
know what the Most CCRCs have monthly rates and an initial entrance
community is like fee which is sometimes partially refundable. Ask the
CCRC about the difference in pricing among the various
and how you will be
contracts offered.
treated there.
Can I Learn More About the

CCRC’s Financial Situation?
CCRCs must have good financial standing in order to provide the kind of services they
offer. Asking to look at the financial records of the community is important, and any red
flags, like major debt or the inability to make payments, can be bad signs.
What Services Do You Offer?

CCRCs vary greatly in the scope of services offered. Some may provide offerings as à la
carte options, and others may ensure that all monthly-paying residents have access to
specific services. It is important that you know what you’re paying for.
How Old Is Your Average Resident?

CCRC residents are going to be your neighbors, so it’s a good idea to learn the average age
of those around you. This information will not only help you gauge the overall social
scene, but also determine whether the community offers a more vibrant lifestyle inhabited
predominantly by 55-year-old residents or a quieter community of those ages 80 and
older.
What Is Your Occupancy Rate?

This is a good way to discover whether a CCRC is offering decent services for senior care
at a fair price. Although rates are bound to change throughout the years, a senior housing
community with a high occupancy rate is always a good sign.
How Much Has Your Monthly Fee Increased

Over the Years?
Learning about past monthly fee increases can help you predict future ones, giving you a
sense of payment hikes to come.
Will My Insurance Cover This?

It is possible that your long-term care insurance will cover a small amount of the cost of a
CCRC, but this is not always the case. It’s important to find out now if your insurance
might cover some, or none of the costs of the community’s fees.
How Does This CCRC Compare with Others?

The staff at a CCRC should know exactly what makes their community stand out, and the
answer can help you discern whether the community’s special qualities are something
important to you – things, for instance, like the culture, activities, and costs.
8. Applying for
Residence at a
CCRC
CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement
Communities also known as LifePlan
communities) offer a unique senior
housing option for older individuals
who want to be able to age in place.
But, when you decide to move into a CCRC, it’s important to acknowledge that there are
many qualifications you must first meet.
Age Requirements of CCRCs

Many CCRCs have specific age requirements, which can range from 55 to 65 years old, in
order to qualify for a government exemption. Depending on the facility, some CCRCs may
take in only those individuals who are 55, 62, or 65 years of age and older.
In some communities, the age requirement is met if just one person in the household is
over the specified age, which means a spouse, family member, or someone else can reside
there as well. Other communities are more restrictive, allowing spouses only to reside with
the qualified resident, and still, others may not permit anyone under a certain age to reside
there at all (particularly true of 62-and-older communities).
Medical Requirements of CCRCs

CCRCs often have medical requirements for incoming residents, too. This is so that the
community can offer care to those who require more medical assistance with the help of
the payments from younger, healthier individuals. People who want to move into CCRCs
often must take medical tests, such as cognitive tests, blood work, independence
assessments, regular medical exams, etc., before they become eligible to live at the
facility. Of course, the types of tests almost always depend on the senior housing
community.
Financial Requirements of CCRCs

CCRCs vary widely in cost. Residents
How to nd the continuing care retirem…
retirem…
normally must pay entrance fees,
some of which might be reimbursed
over time. Also, monthly fees are
expected in these communities and
can be low as common rental costs
or as high as luxury housing.
Applying for
Residence at a
CCRC
In most cases, applying for residence at a CCRC is not as simple as merely filling out
paperwork. Residents must meet many requirements before they are accepted into one of
these communities. In return, however, they receive a great range of care options and the
invaluable ability to age in place.
9. How do I Choose my CCRC?

Choosing which CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community also known as LifePlan
community) is right for you and making the transition to your new home is a process. It is
best not to make a hasty decision and move in too quickly. Give yourself time to deal with
the change and become comfortable with your choice. And, most importantly, keep your
needs and happiness in mind when researching options.
How Do I Choose the Best Independent Living

Unit for Myself?
So, you’ve decided on the CCRC that will offer you the best opportunities as far as price,
care, and comfort. The next step in the process is choosing your own independent living
unit. In most cases, the senior housing community itself will provide you with options for
available units based on the type of contract you’ve chosen, the amount you’re paying, and
other variables.
Remember that when you move into your new home, the goal is to age in place there.
Think about whether you will be able to live in this unit for many years. Ask yourself if it
feels comfortable and close to services you might need later or activities in which you
might want to participate. Are the living quarters visually appealing and will you be happy
there? Don’t choose a unit you think you will “learn to love.” Instead, choose one you
already do love!
Making the Transition to a CCRC

If you have been living on your own in a house or apartment, making the transition to a
CCRC may be difficult. You want to feel like you’re at home, but you may also need to
downsize your living situation, especially if you’re coming from a house. Ask for help! If
possible, it’s far better to get loved ones involved in helping you make the transition than
to attempt to do it alone. In some cases, the staff of the facility itself may be able to help
you with the process of moving. Transitioning emotionally from having your own home to
living in a CCRC can be difficult too. Make time to express your concerns with those
you care about.
Making a Change
Changing your lifestyle can be hard, especially at an older age. But there are many
wonderful things that may come with it. Remember that you deserve to be happy, cared
for, safe, and comfortable in your golden years, and for many individuals, a CCRC is the
best way to achieve this kind of stability.
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3/31/2021 Continuing Care Retirement Community - What is a CCRC?

CCRC / Continuing Care Retirement Community - What is a CCRC?

Continuing Care Retirement

What Makes a CCRC Special?

What Services Do CCRCs Offer Seniors?

Almost anything a senior could need is available at a

Choosing a CCRC for Senior Care

Return to Table of Contents

You Are Not Alone

You Have Access to Everything You Need

You Can Age in Place Easily

What Kind of Why CCRCs Can Be a Great Option for …

Return to Table of Contents

The Differences Among Independent Living,

CCRCs Offer All These Options—And More.

Return to Table of Contents

4. Is a CCRC Right for Me?

CCRCs Are Expensive…

If you can afford to live in a CCRC, it’s one of the best

In addition, CCRCs offer home-help options, such as housekeeping, living assistance,

Is a CCRC Right for Me?

Return to Table of Contents

Type A Contracts: Extensive or Life-Care

Type B Contracts: Modified

Type C Contracts: Fee-for-Service

Which Type of What to Know About CCRCs

Return to Table of Contents

What Am I Paying for at a CCRC?

What are the Entrance Fees?

Learning More About CCRC Cost

Return to Table of Contents

7. Questions to Ask When Visiting a

Moving into a CCRC What Does It Cost to Live at

Can I Learn More About the

What Services Do You Offer?

How Old Is Your Average Resident?

What Is Your Occupancy Rate?

How Much Has Your Monthly Fee Increased

Will My Insurance Cover This?

How Does This CCRC Compare with Others?

Return to Table of Contents

Age Requirements of CCRCs

Medical Requirements of CCRCs

Financial Requirements of CCRCs

Return to Table of Contents

9. How do I Choose my CCRC?

How Do I Choose the Best Independent Living

Making the Transition to a CCRC

Return to Table of Contents

Learn More (/assisted-living) Blog (/blog)

About Us (/our-team) Find Communities (/communities)

Site Map (/sitemap)

The material on this site is for informational

COPYRIGHT 2021 DATA FOCUSED MARKETING GROUP LLC

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