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Continuing Care Retirement Communities* (CCRCs) combines all levels of care typically on one campus; Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing.  The community allows the senior to “age in place” by having all levels of care available as the individual’s needs change.  Most CCRCs offer single family homes, apartment homes, assisted living apartments, memory care studios, as well, as short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing living & care options. 

 

Typical Services in a CCRC 

 

A CCRC makes available all the services available to Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing residents. As noted above, one can “age in place” as needs change.  Typical services include:

 

• Housekeeping

• Gardening

• Laundry

• Group Activities / Organized Trips

• Meal Options

• Transportation Options

• Restaurants

• Movie Theaters

• Churches

• Spas

• Health Clubs

• Walking Trails

• Swimming Pools

• Classes: Art, Healthy Living, etc.

• Home maintenance & repair

• Lawn maintenance and snow removal

 

What is the Cost a Continuing Care Retirement Community? 

 

Based on the type of contract and the entrance fees, monthly costs will vary widely.  Extensive or Life Contracts (Type A) are the priciest because they generally include unlimited assisted living and health services with little or no extra fee.  Modified Contracts (Type B) provide similar services to Type A except that only some health services are included in the initial monthly fee. If a resident’s needs exceed those fees, then they are charged market rates for services.  Fee-for-Service Contracts (Type C) offers a lower initial enrollment fee, but residents pay market rates for health care services on an “as needed” basis. Rental Agreements (Type D) usually require no entrance fee but guarantee access to CCRC services on an “as needed” basis. By far a CCRC is the most expensive senior living option. There are several costs to consider when looking at CCRCs. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the “average entrance fee for each unit is $249,857.”

 

Type A

Entry Fee: $160,000 to $600,000

Monthly Fee: $2,500 to $5,400

 

Type B

Entry Fee: $80,000 to $750,000

Monthly Fee: $1,500 to $2,500

 

Type C

Entry Fee: $100,000 to $500,000

Monthly Fee: $1,300 to $4,300

 

Type D

Entry Fee: $1,800 to $30,000

Monthly Fee: $900 to $10,700 depending on level (assisted, nursing, etc.) of initial care

 

All these fees will depend on a number of factors such as the type of housing (single family home, condo, apartment); whether they rent or buy; size of the facility; kinds of services; type of contract.