Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care.
What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
We typically think of long-term care in terms of institutionalized living. That’s where most of us will live as we get older, either in a nursing home or in a long-term care facility. But what if you have more income, or more years of life, than you need to plan for? What if you want to live your last years in the type of care you want? Perhaps you’re very close to family members and don’t want to place them in a long-term care facility. Or perhaps you want a more active lifestyle, or want to be able to take care of yourself and still receive the care you need. Continuing care retirement communities can be a wonderful option, giving you the freedom you want, and the kinds of care that meet your needs. And at the same time, CCRCs have long-term care accommodations for people who need it.
What are the Benefits of a CCRC?
There are many reasons to look into CCRCs, the primary benefit being cost-effective retirement living. CCRCs tend to have lower occupancy rates compared to most senior living options. The use of CCRCs usually follows a generational pattern: the younger generations are more likely to want to continue living in the community they have always called home. Because CCRCs are more affordable than senior living options, there tends to be more of them in the market. The quality and value of CCRCs has increased as well. The physical design, food quality, and accessibility of CCRCs are all considered to be high quality.
What are the Drawbacks of CCRCs?
They are costlier, require more space, and can be located in high traffic areas that may require extra maintenance. Can I Keep My Own Doctor or Take Care of my Own Medicine? Residents can take control of their health by keeping their own doctor. A CCRC has 24-hour nurses on call and access to pharmacies and hospitals. It can cost additional money for residents to stay in a non-CCRC skilled nursing facility. How Well Do CCRCs Practice Legal Professionals? CCRCs have comprehensive legal teams that take care of residents’ legal needs. CCRCs have legal teams for everything, from wills and trusts to guardianship and powers of attorney. Is a CCRC for Me? If you are looking for a place to live in retirement, continue reading to see what a CCRC is all about.
