Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide varying levels of care and typically offer independent living and assisted living housing. CCRCs may offer separate wings where residents receive skilled nursing care, similar to nursing homes and memory care facilities.

These services occur on one campus to accommodate the needs of residents as they change, allowing them to relocate within the community for increased care rather than moving to an entirely separate facility. Usually admitted when in good overall health and with no ongoing care needs, residents initially move into a CCRC's independent living housing section.

They may relocate to assisted living housing as they need help with daily activities. If their health declines further, requiring ongoing skilled nursing, they may then receive more intensive care by relocating to a specialized wing of the CCRC.   

Continuing care retirement communities appeal to many seniors because these providers can accommodate people's needs for the remainder of their lives, regardless of the mental or physical changes associated with aging.

If you believe a continuing care retirement community may provide you or your loved one with the ongoing support you need, contact Caring.com's Family Advisors at (800) 558-0653 for expert guidance and advice at no cost. These friendly professionals can help you narrow your options and answer questions like "How can I find the best continuing care communities near me?"

Many continuing care retirement communities require new residents to be in good overall health and the ability to pay upfront entrance fees, along with ongoing monthly costs. Therefore, CCRC communities can provide a good fit for people with limited care needs who anticipate their health will decline in future years and have the financial means to afford their costs.

These facilities can provide an ideal pathway for seniors who want to know their health care costs for years to come, even as their care needs change. Monthly costs can remain fixed even as they progress through different levels of health care, but this type of payment option is typically the most expensive. In addition, not every CCRC offers this contract type. 

 

Seniors who are a good fit for a CCRC may also not want to move multiple times as they grow older. It is much less stressful for many people to relocate to a different area within the same community than transfer to a separate facility.

Further, this benefit allows them to remain in a familiar environment and maintain lasting friendships with staff and other residents. Continuing care retirement communities also have enrichment activities and amenities for seniors with different mental and physical needs — participants who want to remain active and social can benefit from being a part of a CCRC community.

In addition, CCRC communities are equipped with appropriate safety features and offer on-site support and 24/7 emergency help when needed, providing peace of mind for seniors and their families.  

If your loved one would benefit from the following CCRC services or enjoy being a part of a community, it may be time for them to consider joining a CCRC:

 

• Daily Staff Support: If your loved one wants help with certain unpleasant or tedious tasks, they may appreciate the assistance with daily chores provided by CCRC staff. 
• Community: Moving to a CCRC might be a good choice if your loved one experiences loneliness or isolation. These communities allow residents to interact with others through organized activities and events.
• Stability: If your loved one anticipates their future care needs will change, they may enjoy the ongoing support of a CCRC.
• Safety: CCRC communities use safety and security measures to protect residents with varying needs, including 24/7 emergency services.    

Continuing care retirement communities offer many care options on the same campus to meet their residents' health care needs as they change over time.

Most people join CCRCs when they are healthy and independent, as many communities require new residents to meet certain wellness criteria for acceptance. CCRC age minimums typically range between 55 and 62 years old. 

New residents generally live in the independent housing area of the CCRC, where they can receive light care and support. As residents become less mobile and begin to need help with daily activities, they may transition to the assisted living level of care of the CCRC campus for more assistance.

If residents' health declines to the point that they require skilled nursing or memory care, these higher levels of care are provided by nursing staff, medical professionals, and other employees with specialized training. These services still typically occur on the CCRC campus but may be separate from the main community in a different wing or unit.   

Although people sometimes refer to continuing care retirement communities as "Life Care Communities," these options differ. Life care is a subset of continuing care available through one of three types of continuing care contracts offered at a continuing care retirement community.

In general, continuing care retirement communities offer three types of contracts:

 

• Type A contracts provide extensive or full life care service.
• Type B contracts provide modified or continuing care service.
• Type C contracts are fee-for-service arrangements that provide continuing care service.
   

Type A contracts provide the most comprehensive support, including residential services, amenities, and long-term nursing care without an increase in monthly fees. Type B contracts cover residential services but limit nursing care and charge extra fees for additional necessary care. Type C contracts may cover residential services and amenities, but all costs of care are paid for separately.

Life Care Communities are continuing care retirement communities operating under Type A contracts that offer a continuum of care to a resident for life. Residents receive the same access to care and services regardless of any declines in their health. They also continue to pay the same monthly price for these benefits for the rest of their lives.

Continuing care retirement communities offer various types of care that usually include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care services. Many also offer rehabilitation services to their residents.

Independent living in CCRC communities is comparable to a stand-alone independent living community. This option is ideal for healthy seniors who can still live independently but seek assistance with daily chores such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance. Independent living residents may also enjoy the structured social events and activities in CCRC communities.

Assisted living residents receive a higher level of care than individuals in independent living communities. Individuals requiring assisted living services typically need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Skilled nursing services in continuing care retirement communities are similar to those provided in nursing homes and are considered a higher level of care than assisted living. Residents who need skilled nursing may have health conditions that require the round-the-clock care of licensed healthcare professionals.

Most continuing care retirement communities provide 24/7 security service and an emergency call system to all residents. Many also offer diverse amenities and services. Monthly fees cover most services for contract types A and B. However, those with type C contracts may have additional fees for certain services.

Basic services generally include:

• Three meals daily
• Weekly housekeeping
• Laundered linens and towels
• Banking and postal services
• On-site social, recreational, and educational activities
• Scheduled transportation and outings

Contracts may also include health care services, such as:

• Access to an on-site doctor by appointment
• In-home care services during illnesses
• Meal delivery during illnesses
• Daily van service to off-site medical facilities
• The option to retain services under a separate medical plan, with certain provisions

Many CCRCs have diverse amenities, such as:

• Fitness center
• Salon
• Arts and crafts room
• Convenience store
• Movie theater
• Library
• Dog park
• Garden
• Golf course
• Tennis court
• Swimming pool

If you are wondering, "How can I find the best continuing care retirement community near me?" use the continuing care retirement directory on this page to begin your search. To complete your search, follow these steps:

• Find our continuing care retirement directory on this page. 
• Search this directory by entering your zip code or search by state or city.
• Observe each community's ratings and reviews.
• Narrow down your options and schedule community tours at your top choices.
• Apply to be admitted or join wait lists, if necessary.

• Breeding, Brad. (2020). CCRC, Life Plan, Lifecare: What are the differences? myLifeSite.com
• Lifecare vs. Continuing Care. (n.d.). Piper Shores
• What's the difference between a CCRC and a Life Care community? (n.d.). Meadow Ridge