Continuing Care Communities
Recently, many options for retirement living have emerged. One popular option is the Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC. This type of community is different from other housing and care options for seniors because it offers a long-term contract that provides for housing, services and nursing care, usually all in one location or community. It is an innovative senior living arrangements that offers the security of long-range planning while allowing the freedom to maintain independence.
A good CCRC can provide an excellent, active lifestyle for residents and facilitate a quality living experience. These communities emphasize the individual, coupled with a supportive environment, allowing residents to continue to pursue lifelong interests. CCRCs are also ideal for seniors that may be living in isolation, and would like to be immersed in a hospitable environment with other people of the same age.
Each CCRC has its own personality reflecting its own mission and philosophy. Facilities are located throughout the United States in urban, suburban and rural areas.
CCRCs typically offer at least three levels of service:
In a CCRC, seniors move there while still living independently, with few health risks or healthcare needs, and reside there until end of life. As residents progress in age, and medical needs change, the level of nursing care and service increases. The needs of residents are consistently monitored and catered to, particularly as those needs become more intensive. Some communities even offer specialty care services like Adult Day Care or Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care.
Depending on the community, housing options may include one-story, single family homes, cottages, duplexes, condominiums, and apartments.
CCRCs offer some distinct advantages, including physical and financial security, independence and access to health care, companionship of friends and neighbors of similar age and access to community facilities and privacy.
Many communities offer a range of activities and amenities. Typical amenities include: meals; maintenance; housekeeping; social, physical, religious, recreational, cultural and activity programs; scheduled transportation; bed and bath linens; security systems; and, social services and counseling.
Contracts to residents are offered at CCRCs, which provide for shelter, activities and a health care system. The health care is based on a concept of a continuum of care. Under the continuum of care, the resident starts in independent living and, as his or her health declines, progresses to assisted living in many cases and, finally, to the health care unit or nursing facility. The resident has access to health care services for life, while remaining in facilities which are familiar.
CCRCs vary widely on their payment methods and fee structures. Most often, a life-care contract is required. The most common agreements include:
- Extensive Agreement
- Modified Agreement
- Fee-for-Service Agreement
- Rental Agreement
- Assisted Living Agreement
- Skilled Nursing Agreement
- Equity Agreement
Stipulations within contracts can vary in terms of service so it is important for anyone considering such contracts to have an elder law attorney review its terms and ensure legitimacy.
Potential residents, or their current caregivers, should also inquire about licensing reports, prior inspections and verified complaints to help inform their opinion of a particular CCRC. It is also advisable for potential residents and their caregivers to have open discussions with current residents and get their opinions about life at the CCRC.
It is also worthwhile to determine if the not-for-profit facility is an AAHSA member and CCAC accredited. Accreditation is very expensive, and some fine facilities elect not to become accredited. However, the accreditation guarantees that those who are accredited meet rigid standards.
Choosing the right CCRC for yourself or a loved one is a very important life decision. We hope that we are able to provide you with some valuable information as well as options for CCRCs in California that have solid reputations for the quality care and meaningful lifestyles they bring to their residents.
