Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are senior living communities that offer a range of housing and care options all in one location. This allows residents to transition seamlessly between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care as their needs change.

Key Features:

Continuum of Care: Provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
Entrance Fees: Typically require a substantial upfront entrance fee, along with monthly fees.
Life Care Contracts: Offer a range of contract options, including life care, modified care, and fee-for-service.
Amenities and Services: Include dining, housekeeping, transportation, social activities, and wellness programs.
Social Environment: Fosters a strong sense of community among residents.
Long-Term Planning: Provides a sense of security and peace of mind for future care needs.

Who Benefits from CCRCs?

Seniors who want a long-term plan for their future care.
Individuals who desire a social environment and community support.
Those who want to simplify their living arrangements and reduce the burdens of home maintenance.
People who want to ensure they receive appropriate care as their needs change.

The Misconception: CCRCs are Just “Expensive Nursing Homes” and “Places Where You Lose All Your Freedom.”

Here’s how we break it down:

The Common Misunderstanding:
- People think CCRCs are only for the very frail and that they’re restrictive and expensive.
The Real Story: A Lifetime Membership to a Senior Resort with Built-In Healthcare
- Think of CCRCs as a place where:
  - You plan for your future: You know you’ll have access to care if you need it.
  - You enjoy resort-style living: Dining, activities, and amenities are provided.
  - You build a strong community: You connect with other residents and staff.
  - You gain peace of mind: You don’t have to worry about future care decisions.
  - It is about proactively planning for the future: Not reactively dealing with issues as they arrive.
- It’s about investing in a secure and fulfilling future, not just paying for a place to live.
- It’s about gaining freedom from worry, and not losing personal freedoms.
Why This is Powerful:
- It changes the idea from “expensive nursing home” to “lifetime investment.”
- It shows that CCRCs are about more than just healthcare.
- It helps people see the benefits of long-term planning and community.
The “Get it Wrong” Factor:
- People think they’re only for very frail seniors, but they’re for active and independent individuals.
- They think they’re restrictive, but they offer a wide range of activities and amenities.
- They think it is only about healthcare, and not about a lifestyle.

LeadingAge:
- A national association of nonprofit aging services providers, including CCRCs.
- Link: https://www.leadingage.org/
CARF International:
- An independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human service providers, including CCRCs.
- Link: https://www.carf.org/
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- Provides information and resources on senior living options, including CCRCs.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/
MyLifeSite:
- Provides information and resources on CCRCs, including a directory of communities.
- Information can be found by searching “MyLifeSite”
SeniorLiving.org:
- Provides comprehensive information on senior living options, including CCRCs.
- Link: https://www.seniorliving.org/