A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community, is a type of retirement community that offers various levels of senior housing, support, and health care services all on one campus. The goal of a CCRC is to provide a continuum of care that meets the residents’ needs as they age, from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.

Key aspects of a CCRC include:

  1. Tiered Living Options: Residents can move between independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care based on their changing health needs.
  2. One-time Entrance Fee and Monthly Fees: Typically, residents pay a substantial entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees. These fees cover the cost of housing, care, and amenities.
  3. Life Care or Health Care Services: CCRCs provide access to health care services tailored to the level of care required by the resident. This might include on-site medical staff, emergency care, and health and wellness programs.
  4. Contract Types: There are generally three types of contracts offered by CCRCs:
    • Life Care or “Type A” contracts provide housing and all levels of health care, including long-term care, without significant increases in monthly fees.
    • Modified or “Type B” contracts include housing and some health care services, but may involve additional fees for extensive health care services.
    • Fee-for-Service or “Type C” contracts require residents to pay for health care services separately at market rates.
  5. Amenities and Services: CCRCs typically offer a wide range of amenities such as dining facilities, fitness centers, recreational activities, housekeeping, and transportation services.
  6. Community Life: A focus on social engagement, with various activities, clubs, and events to promote an active and community-oriented lifestyle.
  7. Predictable Living Costs: Particularly with life care contracts, CCRCs allow for predictable long-term living costs, regardless of the changing personal care and medical needs.
  8. Estate and Financial Planning: Some of the entrance fee may be refundable, offering estate benefits. The specific details vary significantly from one CCRC to another.

CCRCs are particularly appealing to older adults who are currently independent but who want the security of knowing that they can receive additional care as needed without having to relocate. These communities allow for aging in place with a predictable cost structure and often with a focus on quality of life and community.