In recent years, many attractive options for retirement living have emerged. One popular option is the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community. This type of community is different from other housing and care options for older people, because it offers a long-term contract that provides housing, services, and nursing care, usually all in one location.
There are many different options in the CCRC|LPC industry. Consider the community size when making your decision; do you prefer a large community with many options and services, or something smaller and more individualized? Would you prefer a more formal environment, or are you a casual person at heart? There are CCRC|LPCs of all types and sizes, and you should find one in which you will feel most at home. Use the list below as a starting point for asking questions when visiting or contacting communities.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities | Life Plan Communities
If you have decided that a CCRC|LPC is the best option for yourself or a family member, it is best to visit several locations. Here are examples of some things to keep in mind and questions to ask as you decide which CCRC|LPC is best for you:
Find out the kinds of services the CCRC|LPC offers and which ones are included at no extra cost. Sometimes, extra services are available for additional fees.
Inquire as to the kinds of contracts available to you. The CCRC|LPC contract is a legal agreement between you (the consumer) and a provider. This agreement generally secures living accommodations and services, including healthcare services, over the long term. The most common types of CCRC|LPC agreements are:
- Type A (Extensive) Agreement: Includes housing; residential services; amenities; and unlimited, specific health-related services with little or no substantial increase in monthly payments, except to cover normal operating costs and inflation adjustments.
- Type B (Modified) Agreement: Includes housing, residential services, and amenities and a specific amount of healthcare with no substantial increase in monthly payments, except to cover normal operating costs and inflation adjustments. After the specified amount of healthcare is used, persons served pay either a discounted rate or the full per diem rates for required healthcare services.
- Type C (Fee-for-Service) Agreement: Includes housing, residential services, and amenities for the fees stated in the resident agreement. Access to healthcare services is guaranteed, but it may be required at full fee-for-service rates.
- Rental Agreement: Allows residents the opportunity to rent their housing and provides, but does not guarantee, access to healthcare services paid on a fee-for-service basis. • Assisted Living Agreement: The person served enters into an assisted living agreement and pays the per diem (an agreed-upon daily rate) or market rate for assisted living services.
- Skilled Nursing Agreement: The person served enters into a skilled nursing agreement and pays the per diem (an agreed-upon daily rate) or market rate for skilled nursing services.
- Equity Agreement: These types of agreements involve the actual purchase of real estate or membership, including condominiums and cooperatives.
Considerations and Questions
- Determine which fee structure and contract option best suits your personal circumstances.
- Find out if the CCRC|LPC is subject to licensure. Ask to see the most recent inspection reports.
- Find out what the payment schedule is. Also, find out if the residents own or rent their living spaces.
- Find out if the CCRC|LPC is accredited by CARF International, the only accrediting body for these providers.
- Before signing a contract, have your accountant or lawyer review the contract.
Where can I get further information?
For more information go to the CARF website Resources section to read and/or download these resources:
- Consumer Guide to Life Plan Communities: Quality and Financial Viability - download
- Five Ways to Be Your Own Advocate
- Choosing Services Brochure - download
- Guide to Selecting an Assisted Living Community - download
- Find a Provider
- Tips on Resolving an Issue With a Provider