Continuing Care Retirement Communities Guide: About CCRCs

Continuing Care Retirement Communities are just what their name says they are: communities that offer various levels of housing and care, so the community changes with you as your needs change.  They typically offer individual homes or apartments, assisted living, and a nursing home all in one place. And residents can "move" within the community as needs change.

Levels of Care You Can Expect in a Continuing Care Retirement Communities:

• Independent Living (also known as residential living) for those who aren't ready for assistance
• Assisted Living (sometimes called extended living) that offers assistance with daily living activities that might include personal care, home care, dining options, and transportation.
• Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Care (short- and long-term) for those who need medical attention and round-the-clock care.
• Memory Care for those with Alzheimer's, dementia and other brain disorders.

Work with one of Care.com's Senior Housing Services Team members (855-490-8679) to hand select options that are personalized to your family's needs or if you are searching on your own check with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities to find a reputable facility.

Who Can Benefit from Continuing Care Retirement Communities?

CCRCs are for any senior-single, married or partnered, widowed, those in great health or those experiencing health challenges. It's most helpful if residents move into the community when they're at the house/condo/apartment stage and can enjoy the freedom, peace of mind and variety of amenities that will enhance their retirement years. That also means that as their needs shift to the CCRC's other living and care levels, those transitions will be easier because the resident already is a part of the community and feels established.

CCRC's are also helpful for those with spouses or partners who have different care needs than their own.  One spouse can stay in a house or condo and yet be free to see their spouse/partner who needs a higher level of care.  Spouses and friends can dine together, attend events, and even continue to enjoy mutual friends, even if their care needs differ.  For those who are single, widowed, or don't have adult children or other family members, CCRC's offer not only continuing care benefits but also the social connections we need and that are sometimes harder to make as we age.

Upon entering a CCRC residents sign a contract. There are several different kinds of contracts or levels of care one can select. CCRC contracts include: extensive, modified, and fee-for-service clauses. You get to choose how much care you think you'll want and need. You'll get your choice of housing options, care services, and amenities. Be sure to consider not only where you or your loved ones are today in terms of health needs, but what the situation might be five or ten years down the road. Ask if residents can change their level of care and make sure there's a cancellation clause that gives you a breakdown of fees and refunds available.

More Senior Care Services

• Call a Care.com Senior Care Advisor for more assistance: 855-490-8679
• Join in on Senior Care Conversations now! Read our informative Senior Care Blog.
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• Are you caring for your parent from a distance? Have discussions with other Long Distance Senior Caregivers.
• Join our Senior Care Questions Group to get more questions answered and find caregivers similar to you

>>Review the Senior Care Index for all senior care options.