LIFE CARE COMMUNITIES
When you think of retirement or the "golden years", what do you envision? Leisurely days of golfing and tennis? An active social calendar and on-site healthcare whenever you need it?
What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s) have become a popular choice of many retirees looking for long-term care housing. These communities combine post- retirement lifetime housing with a range of personal and recreational services, as well as a commitment to provide housing and care for the rest of one’s life. The cost of future long- term care needs is met through a one-time entrance fee. A monthly fee is charged for rent, maintenance of buildings and grounds, and recreational or other amenities. In some states these facilities are known as life-care or retirement communities. Many communities require residents to have Medicare or private long-term care insurance to participate in their life care services.
Services Included in CCRC’s
The CCRC provide an array of services that are tailored to the resident’s preferences, needs and abilities. Typical services and social courtesies include:
| » | Emergency Help |
| » | Housekeeping |
| » | Meals and Special Diets |
| » | Nursing and Other Health Services |
| » | Personal Care Assistance |
| » | Recreational and Educational Activities |
| » | Scheduled Transportation |
CCRC vs. Other Types of Housing
These communities provide comprehensive residential and health care services with the following advantages:
| » | A variety of social activities |
| » | Access to community facilities |
| » | Community or private transportation |
| » | Companionship of friends and neighbors of similar age |
| » | Independence concerning access to health care |
| » | Maintenance and housekeeping |
| » | Physical and financial security |
| » | Privacy |
Generally, those who move into a CCRC are in good health and are independent. Life style is not restricted – one may choose to travel, volunteer, and enjoy life outside the community.
Contracts
The CCRC contract is a legal agreement between the consumer and the community. This agreement generally secures living accommodations and services, including health care services, over the long-term. Three common types of contracts are:
| 1 | Extensive contract: Provides unlimited long term nursing care for little or no substantial increase in usual monthly payments. |
| 2 | Modified contract: Includes a specified amount of long-term nursing care, beyond which the resident is responsible for payment. |
| 3 | Fee-for-service: The resident pays full, daily rates for any and all long-term nursing care. |
Remember to seek professional, legal or financial advice before entering into an arrangement.
CCRC Accreditation
The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) is an independent accrediting commission sponsored by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Accreditation provides a seal of approval for the CCRC’s that meet exacting requirements and gives consumers a standard of comparison for evaluating different communities. A CCRC is not eligible for accreditation until they have been 90 percent occupied for a least one year. Standards that are evaluated in the two and one-half day process include governance and administration, resident life and services, finance, and health care. Accreditation is for a 5-year period and then the process must be completed again. Most accredited facilities feature the CCAC seal on their doors, stationary, and promotional materials.
What you can do
Although accreditation is an important consideration in deciding to enter a CCRC, other criteria should be reviewed before a decision is made. Some questions to ask are:
| » | Are the health care services and fees charged for these services clearly specified in the contract? |
| » | How are residents informed of the CCRC’s financial status? |
| » | How large a deposit is required upon application? |
| » | Is it refundable? |
| » | Is the facility accredited, and if not are they planning to apply? |
| » | Is there a waiting list? |
| » | If so, how long is it? |
| » | What are the CCRC’s healthcare obligations? |
| » | Does it have the staff to meet them? |
| » | What government standards and regulations are required of a CCRC? |
| » | Are they being met? |
| » | What is covered by the CCRC’s monthly fee? |
| » | What is the policy on entrance fee refunds? |