Planning where you will spend your retirement is one of the most important decisions you can make. The problem is that as you get older, your needs change. This could mean that independent living is not right for you anymore and you now have to move into a medical or assisted living facility. But what if you don’t want to have to worry about moving later on? This is where continuing care retirement communities come in.
These facilities are designed to treat your ever changing needs as you grow older, without having to go anywhere else. Search online to learn more about what these facilities offer.
What Are Continuing Care Retirement Communities?
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are kind of like a one-stop-shop for retirees. It’s a multi-level care facility that provides everything from residential accommodations to health services to recreational activities.
CCRCs offer three levels of care:
- Independent Living: This is where active residents are able to take care of themselves.
- Assisted Living: Staff helps residents with activities of daily living such as dressing, walking, and bathing.
- Skilled Nursing Services: This is the highest level of care that can be temporary or permanent. If you’re injured, you will live in the facility until recovery and go back to assisted or independent living. Those needing chronic or end-of-life care will live here permanently.
Daily Caring explains that CCRCs are a facility you enter and intend to live in for the rest of your life. The idea is that you can receive whatever care you need at a CCRC as your health status changes over time while still being part of the community.
For example, those living in retirement communities without health services will likely have to move out someday into a new facility that caters to their updated needs. At a CCRC, your independent care can easily be changed to assisted living or skilled nursing care, without having to move.
Amenities Typically Available at a CCRC
Residents can expect to have a lot of standard services at a CCRC. These secure facilities offer daily meals, housekeeping and scheduled transportation. Caring.com says they also provide 24/7 security service.
Some of the health services seniors might have access to on-site include:
- Doctors appointments;
- House calls;
- Meal delivery;
- Van service to off-site hospital, and;
- The option to retain services under a separate medical plan.
There’s no shortage of things to do while living at a CCRC. Many facilities offer a diverse range of on-site amenities that will keep you busy and entertained.
You could have sports facilities such as a golf course, tennis court, swimming pool, or fitness center. There might also be services like a convenience store or beauty salon. Other amenities that CCRCs offer include:
- Multipurpose common area;
- Arts and crafts room;
- Woodshop;
- Movie theater;
- Library;
- Dog park, and;
- Gardening area.
When choosing a facility, see what amenities are available. This can help you choose a place that will cater to your hobbies and get you engaged with the community.
Cost of Living
Since CCRCs offer comprehensive living arrangements, it costs a decent amount of money. Some contracts may be all-inclusive, while others will have to pay extra for certain services if they want them. This will differ from place to place.
AARP reports that nearly two thirds of communities charge an entry fee that can cost an average of $329,000. However, some entry fees can cost more than one million dollars. Afterwards, they are charged a monthly fee around $2,000 to $4,000.
Not all facilities require an entry fee. Instead, they might operate on a rental model that costs between $3,000 and $6,000 per month for independent living. The cost might increase if you require assisted living or skilled nursing care.
All communities will have their own fees and monthly charges. Do your research and compare what different facilities have to offer its residents. This will help you decide whether the cost is worth it and right for you.
Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community Near You
Continuing care retirement communities give you the freedom to live at one place for the rest of your life. Since everything you will ever need is in the CCRC, it eliminates the inevitable need to move out of your current home and into a new facility.
You can begin your retirement as an independent living and receive more levels of care as you grow older. No matter what level of service you need, you will be part of the same community and not have to suddenly enter a new and unfamiliar facility.
Search online to find a CCRC that’s right for you. Ask lots of questions about the facilities, amenities, and what it’s like for residents. Also, learn about the staff’s credentials across the independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities.
See if you’re able to talk with current residents and ask what they enjoy about living there. The more information you have, the more confidently you can settle on your future community.