Lifestyle: Seniors currently living
independently but want the security
of being cared for when needed
throughout the aging process.
Services: This type of community
offers a long-term contract providing
for independent living, assisted living
services, medical services, long-term
care and skilled nursing services,
usually all in one location.
The resident can take advantage of a full range of care and services available
as his or her health and needs change without having to consider relocating.
The resident may begin in an independent living residence, transfer to assisted
living, and later move to an onsite intermediate or skilled nursing care facility
should ongoing care be required.
Some of these communities offer residents with Alzheimer's Disease or other
forms of memory loss, specialized programs adapting to their changing needs
and care requirements. As in the assisted living concept of care, services are
tailored to an individual's needs and typically include meals, housekeeping,
transportation, and personal care assistance. Planned social, educational, and
recreational activities are frequently available as in those types of senior housing
and retirement homes discussed earlier.
Most of these communities emphasize preventive health care through
encouraging regular immunizations, examinations, proper nutrition, social
opportunities, exercise and physical therapy at convenient onsite locations. The
best Continuing Care Communities use a multidisciplinary approach to coordinate
the care of their residents with chronic or debilitating medical problems. These
services may include primary health care, specialist's care, diagnostic testing
facilities, counseling, and social services. Combinations of services may be
offered in an outpatient clinic, a skilled care facility, or in a resident's home.
The key difference between this type of community and an assisted living one is
that a lifetime commitment exists to care for a resident regardless of changes in
level of care or health needs.
Housing: Continuing Care Retirement and LifeCare Community settings may
range from expansive campuses to high rise apartment complexes. Housing
choices vary widely as well including studio, one, two, and three, bedroom
apartments, cottages, townhouses, duplexes, clusters or even single family
homes. This type of retirement housing has grown in popularity by integrating
independent living, assisted living and skilled care together at one site.
Common Names: Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Life Care, Life Care
Facilities, and Life Care Communities.
Note: Within the Continuing Care Retirement Communities that you will see
commonly abbreviated CCRC are life care facilities that meet higher standards
regarding fees and covered expenses. Some CCRCs have met the standards of
the national Continuing Care Accreditation Commission which conducts
extensive evaluations of facilities and accredits those that meet its standards.
Payment Method: Residents commonly pay an entry or buy-in fee to join the
community with monthly maintenance fees thereafter. These fees may be sizable
and vary considerably depending on the size and location of residences,
whether for single individuals or married couples, and if renting or owning living
space. Furthermore the type of additional services and amenities, and the level
of financial risk for needing long-term care are determining factors in overall
costs.
There are three different types of contracts and fees to consider all of which
include housing, amenities, residential services and short term and emergency
care. These contracts differ in the cost for entrance fees and monthly fees.
An extensive contract offers unlimited long-term nursing care with little or no
significant increase in your usual monthly fees. This is the most expensive
contract but may prove to be the most cost-effective later should skilled care be
needed.
A modified contract includes a specified amount of health care or long-term
nursing care beyond which additional fees are incurred that you are responsible
for payment.
The fee for service contract requires that residents pay for all health and medical
services and long-term care at daily nursing care rates. This is the least
expensive plan initially because all long-term nursing costs must be paid for
separately at a later time when needed.
These complicated long-term contracts require careful understanding and also legal review because of possible partial and
complete entrance fee forfeiture. It may be necessary to consult you financial planner to help you determine which plan is
best for you.
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