One Senior Place
Continuing Care Retirement Community - What You Should Know...
How do you know if a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is right for you?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Care Community, is a retirement community designed for the independent senior who expects to fully enjoy their retirement years. Unlike other retirement communities, a CCRC guarantees comprehensive health care services to each resident throughout their life and some all within the same community.
What are your goals for an ideal retirement? Ask yourself these important questions:
Is it important to you that your physical and financial health is planned for and protected from the rising costs of nursing care--- now and throughout your retirement?
Is it important for you to know your family won't be worried about your physical and financial care or how to afford it throughout your retirement?
Would you like assurance that whenever you or your loved one needs the additional care that comes with assisted living or skilled nursing, you'll have it ---right where you live?
Does living in a private apartment home in a resort-style community suit your style?
What about surrounding yourself with activities, entertainment and friendly neighbors?
Do you like knowing you can have someone else do the cooking, housekeeping and maintenance for you?
How about 24-hour security?
If you answered yes to these questions, then a CCRC is perfect for you.
A CCRC gives you the opportunity to preserve your estate.
A CCRC contract guarantees that the community will accommodate your long term care needs.
A CCRC contract assures residents an estimated 60% discount for unlimited assisted living and skilled nursing care.
A CCRC charges monthly maintenance fees, customized for its residents. A portion of these fees are tax deductible. Monthly maintenance fees can cover one or more of the following services: transportation, meals, housekeeping, activities and entertainment.
Most CCRCs cost less than regular retirement communities --- there's no rising nursing care costs, no more real estate taxes, no home insurance or home maintenance expenses. Outside of your monthly maintenance fee, normally you are only responsible for your telephone bill.
Most CCRC's offer a tax advantage: A portion of the entry fee is considered prepayment of your long-term care and allows you to take a one-time medical expense tax deduction. (Consult with your Tax Advisor.)
Without a CCRC contract, life care can really add up...
Home health care is charged at an hourly rate.
A CCRC provides 24-hour care at a pre-determined rate.
Assisted Living is charged on a fee-for-use service rate (depending on the level of assistance you receive).
A CCRC provides 24-hour care at a fixed monthly rate.
Nursing home living includes skilled nursing care and is charged on a daily fee rate.
A CCRC provides 24-hour care at a fixed monthly rate.
To find CCRCs near you, contact One Senior Place for more information.
And since not all CCRCs are exactly the same, start researching each one by asking about their unique services.
Is a private tour available?
Tell me about your credentials, history and ownership.
What are the credentials of the staff and their experience level?
What is my financial investment?
Do you offer estate preservation planning?
Is on-site discounted healthcare available?
What services, activities and amenities do you offer?
What is included in the monthly maintenance fee?
Is weekly housekeeping and transportation an extra charge?
Do you offer private apartment living?
Are you Non-profit or for-profit and what is the difference to me?
Do you offer special services for Alzheimer/Dementia residents?
Do you offer on-site physical therapy and laboratory services?
Is the community a designated hurricane protection site and do you have a hurricane preparedness plan?
Are there guest accommodations?
How close are you to healthcare facilities and shopping centers?
Is the assisted living and skilled nursing care located on the same campus as the independent living apartments?
Do you accept pets?
Then, visit a few communities and learn more.
The community's physical features: Is it well maintained? Is there 24-hour maintenance? What services are available? Where do residents dine? Is dining self-serve or wait-staff serving? Can you sample the food?
The activities program: What types are available for social, entertainment, exercise and educational use? Where do the activities take place?
The safety features: Are there well-lit hallways and stairways? Do the elevators have backup generator support? Do the apartments have backup emergency lighting? Are there bathroom handrails? Is there handicap accessibility? Do residents have access to emergency response equipment? Is 24-hour emergency response and security offered?
The staff: Do they greet the residents? Are they attentive? Do they treat the residents with respect? Are they well groomed?
The independent apartments: Are they well maintained? Are the apartments fully renovated prior to a move-in? Is there ample space and storage for furnishings and belongings? How many floor plans are offered? Is free move-in coordination offered?
Life care program: What are the types and sizes of rooms in the assisted living and skilled nursing areas? Are they private or semi-private? How close is their location to the independent apartments?
The residents: Do they appear to be happy? Are they well cared for? Are they active? Are the residents happy? Can you speak with the residents? Why did they choose the community? How long have they lived there? What do they like or dislike about it? Are they happy with their choice?
Best wishes and congratulations on your retirement!