Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities, which are commonly referred to as CCRCs, are a form of the traditional retirement community home that offers a broad continuum of care for its residents. The spectrum of services provided by continuing care retirement communities can range from independent living apartments or townhomes to long term, ongoing skilled nursing care, similar to what one might find in a nursing home. The biggest advantage of continuing care retirement communities is the fact that they offer their residents the assurance and comfort of knowing that their future care needs will be met, regardless of how serious a condition might become.

It is also not uncommon to hear on continuing care retirement communities being referred to as retirement villages, but regardless of what this type of retirement community home is referred to as, the high quality of its services remains the same. Most residents choose to move into continuing care retirement communities when they are still able bodied and somewhat active. Upon arriving, they’ll quickly discover that this type of retirement community home offers a broad range of social, recreational, and educational activities for them to participate in. Participation in health and wellness programs on campus are usually encouraged as well.

The majority of continuing care retirement communities also offer travel clubs, garden clubs, and other organizations for their participation. Eventually, over time, the residents of continuing care retirement communities will begin to age. The primary advantage of this retirement community home during this time is that a resident, or their loved ones, do not have to worry about making new arrangements for their care with each change in health. The community and staff of a CCRC will make the transition much smoother in their capable hands, relieving the burden of worry from the resident and their families’ minds.

How They Are Paid

The various contracts, fees, and payment structures that are listed in a contract for continuing care retirement communities can be quite confusing to understand. The most common source of payment for the services of this type of retirement community home come from one’s own private funding. There are some CCRCs that will require a potential resident to pay a nonrefundable entrance fee or similar equity payment. On the other hand, there will also be CCRCs that forego these additional fees altogether.

How They Are Regulated

Each different level of care that is provided by continuing care retirement communities is closely monitored on both a Federal and state level, with the exception of independent living facilities. A resident’s home state will be primarily responsible for mandating the level of care provided in assisted living facilities, but long term care is monitored on both a state and Federal level. For this type of retirement community home, it is possible to receive optional accreditation from the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, but participation in this program is not required.

Where Can I Find Continuing Care?

If you are looking for continuing care retirement communities, call 1-760-218-5309 to speak with a family advisor.