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Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) allow seniors to "age in place," with flexible accommodations that are designed to meet their health and housing needs as these needs change over time. Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, offer a variety of living and care options for the duration of a resident’s life. A long-term contract with the CCRC provides housing, services and nursing care, usually in one location, to a resident whose needs may change over the years. CCRCs typically offer independent, assisted living and nursing care. Additionally, services include meals; housekeeping; transportation; emergency help; social and education activities.

Many older adults enter into a CCRC contract while they are healthy and active, knowing they will be able to stay in the same community and receive nursing care should this become necessary. CCRCs are different from other types of housing options for older people because they offer you a contract that states the CCRC will provide you with housing and services for life. Most CCRCs require a one-time entrance fee and then monthly payments thereafter. These fees vary by community, depending on the type of housing and services they offer. Other CCRCs operate on a rental basis, in which you would make monthly payments.
Nonprofit organizations sponsor many Continuing Care Retirement Communities. These nonprofit agencies may set up communities that cater to affinity groups, such as religious organizations, fraternal orders, and ethnic groups.  Other CCRCs are not affiliated with any one group. 
Virtually all older adults (single or partnered) can be good candidates for a Continuing Care Retirement Community. These include people who:

  • are independent, healthy and able to care for themselves;
  • need some assistance with daily living;
  • require skilled nursing care;
  • want the security of living in a seniors-only community;
  • no longer want (or are unable) to maintain a house;
  • prefer to live among their peers;
  • have enough money to pay the Continuing Care Retirement Community fees.

An older adult who is in good health when they sign the Continuing Care Retirement Community's contract can expect to pay lower fees.

Difference between Continuing Care Retirement Community and Assisted Living

An older adult in a Continuing Care Retirement Community contracts in advance for a lifetime commitment from the Continuing Care Retirement Community to care for them, regardless of their future needs. In contrast, a resident in an Assisted Living Facility has no such contract; they move into the Assisted Living Facility when necessary, and begin to pay at that point. The care, however, may be the same as that in an Assisted Living Unit in a CCRC.

The advantages of a Continuing Care Retirement Community are:

  • There is no moving required (except possibly to another building within the same community). The older adult is still able to maintain relationships with spouse, friends and other family members;
  • If the older adult becomes well enough to no longer require assistance or nursing care, the care ceases, and they resume an independent lifestyle within the same community.

What to look for in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

As with any new residence you are contemplating, it's wise to do as much research as possible.

  • Find out whether or not the Continuing Care Retirement Community is accredited by the CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). If it is not, you should conduct a thorough review of its services, operations and finances.
  • Determine if the Continuing Care Retirement Community contract is appropriate for your lifestyle and financial situation. (See next section for costs). You may need to consult your attorney or accountant.
  • What is the community's mission? How does it fulfill it?
  • See whether you can spend at least one night at the facility and fully participate in its activities for at least two days.

During your temporary stay at the Continuing Care Retirement Community that may become your permanent home, be sure to consider all aspects of what your life there would be like. Points for exploration include:

  • Are the living accommodations what you desire and expect?
  • If you have pets, are they allowed in your residence?
  • What kinds of social, recreational and cultural activities are offered? Are fitness facilities provided?
  • Is the food to your liking?
  • Is the staff warm, friendly, knowledgeable and responsive?
  • What types of healthcare and personal care services are available? Does the facility have both short and long-term services, such as routine physical and dental examinations and pharmacy services, as well as skilled nursing and therapy services?
  • What are the procedures for handling medical emergencies?