How to Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides care for seniors of all levels of independence. It is a combination of a skilled nursing facility (24-hour care), assisted living facility (varying degrees of personal care) and independent living community (no assistance).

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand that when seniors enter into a continuing care retirement community at the independent level, they purchase an apartment or house (prices can range from $150,00 on up) and pay a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

2. Note that seniors who enter a CCRC at the independent level may make a transition into the skilled nursing or assisted living units as their needs change. The monthly maintenance fee may cover this and can be looked at as a form of long-term care insurance.

3. Be prepared that some CCRCs do charge a higher monthly rate for the assisted living or nursing facilities than for those at the independent level.

4. Talk to your senior family member's physician or social worker for referrals when choosing a CCRC.

5. Look at online directories of senior care (assisted living and nursing) facilities such as Senior Care Review, Care Guide(888-389-8839), New Lifestyles (800-820-3013) and Senior Alternatives (800-350-0770) for senior facilities.

6. Take the marketing tour of prospective CCRCs. Talk to staff and residents alike, asking about staffing levels, staff credentials and qualifications, meals, employee drug screening and employee background checks.

Tips & Warnings

• Monthly maintenance fees cover amenities such as housekeeping, upkeep of the grounds, transportation services, etc.
• Remember that once you buy into a CCRC, you will not get the full purchase price back if you decide to sell. You may get up to 75 percent back on a prorated basis for limited period of time.

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[chrisw98122]

on 3/27/2009 Check out SeniorLivingSource.org for an online directory of retirement communities. My parents were looking online and weren't having much luck, but I came across this site the other day, and we ended up finding a few potential communities.

[hmvont]

on 3/25/2009 Pomperaug Woods (www.pomperaugwoods.com) in CT is a great place. My dad just moved there. He's in independent living (beautiful condo), but if he ever needs more care, he can get it right there. It's a relief for my brother and myself, because we know he will always be taken care of - we won't have to race around looking for a nursing home if it ever came to that.