Key Takeaways:
- A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers various levels of care, starting from independent living and escalating to cover skilled nursing. These services are all provided in a community of seniors with mixed needs.
- These communities provide lifelong support, allowing residents to remain even as their care needs increase.
- CCRCs come with entry fees and monthly costs, but they offer long-term security and reduce the need for future relocations.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: A Grandson’s Search for Long-Term Stability
Matt, a thirty-something responsible for his grandfather Jim’s care, has been helping navigate the next steps of retirement and senior living. After a couple of in-home falls and a bout of pneumonia, it became clear that his house was not working anymore. Stairs were becoming problematic, and the sprawling space that was well suited for raising a family was now a burden to maintain. However, Jim was not ready to give up independence, either. Matt found himself turning to online forums for advice and started reading posts in communities like r/AgingParents to get a feel for the senior care landscape. One common theme that Matt kept reading about was finding positive feedback about parents that have moved into a CCRC and loved having access to independent living while knowing they would not need to move again. The emotional drain associated with moving from independent living, to assisted, then skilled nursing seemed daunting. Each move requiring new vetting of facilities and staff, which can be both expensive and emotionally exhausting for all parties involved. Matt decidedto find a future-proof solution. Here’s why a CCRC was right for Matt’s situation.What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is sometimes called a life plan community. CCRCs offer a range of senior care services within one campus. Typically, residents can move through levels of care as they age and their needs change:- Independent living: Ideal for seniors who are active but want a maintenance-free lifestyle.
- Assisted living: Support with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, or medication management. This is a good solution for those looking to maintain independence without relying on family for personal tasks.
- Skilled nursing: Skilled nursing includes 24/7 medical care for those recovering from illness or needing long-term supervision. This may include degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Key Features of CCRCs
Most CCRCs operate on a contractual basis, offering several plan types:- Plan A (Life Care): Higher entry fee, but predictable monthly costs even if care needs increase.
- Plan B (Modified): Moderate entry fee; some included care, but increased costs for higher levels of service.
- Plan C (Fee-for-Service): Lower entry fee, but residents pay full cost for assisted/skilled care as needs change over time.
Costs and Contracts: What to Expect with a CCRC
Entry Fees
Entry fees can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the location, residence size, and contract type (AARP, 2025). These fees may be partially refundable.Monthly Fees
Ongoing costs range from $3,000 to $7,000 per month, depending on the services and care levels (Genworth, 2025). While steep, these fees often cover housing, meals, and access to healthcare.How Matt Helped His Grandfather Choose a CCRC
Matt and his Grandpa visited multiple CCRCs. They brought a notebook to better document their questions and answers so they could easily compare their options once all of the site visits were complete. Some important questions to consider include: What’s included in the monthly fee?- How does care transition work?
- Are there current residents I can speak with?
- What happens if someone runs out of money?
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the questions that matter most about continuing care retirement communities.
What’s the difference between a CCRC and a regular retirement home?
Regular retirement homes may offer one level of care (e.g., just assisted living). CCRCs provide a full continuum—from independent to skilled nursing—so residents can age in place.
Are CCRCs only for wealthy seniors?
While many CCRCs require significant upfront investment, some nonprofits offer more affordable models. Long-term savings and peace of mind can outweigh initial costs, especially for those that are selling a home to cover their new housing needs.
What happens if my loved one’s care needs change while at a CCRC?
CCRCs allow for seamless transitions between levels of care based on the initial contract that they sign. Residents have the ability to move from fully independent living to full-time care if their situation changes, without needing to move to a new facility.
Q4: Are CCRC entry fees refundable?
Some CCRCs offer partially or fully refundable plans, usually 50–90%, depending on contract terms.
