With the oldest baby boomers now approaching 80 years old, there has been a steadily intensifying desire among older individuals and their adult children to better understand long-term housing options that offer both independence and the ability to access health care as needs change. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as “life plan communities,” are an increasingly popular choice for older adults and their families who want a blend of independent living, supportive services, and long-term health care in one location.
However, choosing the right CCRC involves careful planning, comparison, and understanding of financial and lifestyle implications.
What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
A CCRC is a type of senior living community that offers a continuum of care—typically including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care—on one campus. Residents often move in while they are still healthy and active and can then transition to higher levels of care as their health needs change, without having to relocate.
This model provides peace of mind to both residents and their families, knowing that future care needs can be met without disrupting the individual’s living situation or support network.
Services Offered by CCRCs
Most CCRCs offer a range of services, including:
- Independent living: Private apartments with access to meals, housekeeping, and social activities.
- Assisted living: Support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Skilled nursing care: 24-hour medical care for those with serious health issues.
- Memory care: Specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Rehabilitation services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Additional amenities can include fitness centers, pools, art studios, on-site dining, transportation services, and various educational or recreational programs
Financial Considerations
Most CCRCs require an entrance fee, which can range from $100,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the location, size of the residence, and type of contract. Additionally, residents typically pay monthly fees to cover services and amenities, which can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more.
There are typically three types of CCRC contracts offered:
- Type A (Life Care): Higher entrance fees but provides comprehensive care with little or no increase in monthly fees as care levels increase.
- Type B (Modified): Lower entrance fees and monthly payments, but additional care costs more when needed.
- Type C (Fee-for-Service): Lowest entrance fees, but residents pay full market rate for any additional care they receive
Touring and Comparing Communities
If you are able, visit multiple CCRC communities in person. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility, friendliness of the staff, and how residents appear—are they engaged and happy? Ask if you can speak to current residents about their experiences.
Try to schedule a visit during mealtimes or a group activity to get a feel for daily life. Also, consider location: Is it close enough for family to visit easily? Are the climate and local community a good fit? Are there nearby activities and community resources to participate in and enjoy?
Legal and Contractual Aspects
Before signing a contract, review all documents with a trusted elder law attorney and financial advisor. CCRCs often require complex contracts that can be difficult to navigate without expert guidance. Make sure you fully understand:
- Terms of cancellation and refund policies.
- What happens if you need to leave early (e.g., to move closer to family).
- Whether spouses with different care needs can stay together
Questions to Ask When
Evaluating CCRCs
To determine which CCRC best fits your current and long-term needs, ask detailed questions, such as:
- What types of care are available on campus?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio in higher levels of care?
- How does the community handle transitions between care levels?
- Is the community accredited (e.g., Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accredited (CARF)? - What is the community’s financial health? (Ask to see audited financials.)
- What activities and programs are available?
- Can you personalize your living space?
- What are the community rules (e.g., pets, visitors, overnight guests)?
- How is resident feedback collected and addressed?
Don’t Wait too Long to Make a Move
It’s important to note that there is a risk in waiting too long to join a CCRC, as delaying the decision can result in disqualification if unexpected health issues arise. Many CCRCs require prospective residents to meet certain health criteria upon entry, particularly for independent living. If a serious medical issue arises before you apply, you may no longer qualify for admission or be limited to more expensive care levels. Joining while you’re still active and in relatively good health not onlyhelps to ensure eligibility but also allows you to fully enjoy the community’s amenities, build relationships, and transition more smoothly through future stages of care if needed.
CCRCs can be an ideal solution to enjoy your golden years in a stable community, without having to move repeatedly as health care needs inevitably increase. These communities can also provide peace of mind for loved ones seeking reassurance about both quality of life and future healthcare needs.
Considering a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)? Proactive planning is key—joining while you’re healthy ensures eligibility and lets you enjoy all the benefits these communities offer. Learn how CCRCs provide peace of mind, flexible care and vibrant living. Download our paper to discover what you need to know before making this important decision.
