When choosing a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), it is important to consider the top 10 factors: the contract type which determines services and costs; upfront and ongoing costs including entrance fees and monthly fees; whether all levels of care are available on campus; the financial status and stability of the community; how information is shared with residents; safety and security features; any record of complaints; the quality of nursing home care; whether the community is accredited; and lifestyle factors like amenities, policies, and fit. Doing research on these key areas can help you select the best CCRC to suit your needs, budget, and preferences.

1. CCRCs: Top 10 Considerations

2. CCRC Overview
• Choosing a CCRC can be a long and lengthy process
• Offer the broadest array of services in the senior
housing market
• Independent living, assisted living, nursing home,
and end-of-life care usually offered on a single
campus
• Consider cost, location, environment, staffing, health
care services, owner information, and activities
• The following are the top 10 considerations in
choosing a CCRC

3. Contract Type(s)
• Three types of continuing care contracts:
– Type A (Extended)
– Type B (Modified)
– Type C (Fee-for-Service)
• The contract type will directly affect the
health care services you are entitled to, how
much you’ll pay, and the access you’ll have to
such services over the life of your contract

4. Costs
• Upfront costs typically consist of an entrance fee
and/or deposit
• Ongoing costs include a monthly fee and services not
included in your contract
• Is the entrance fee refundable?
• If so, how is the refund (sometimes called a “rebate”)
structured?

5. Health Care Services
• Are all levels of care offered on the same campus?
• Some CCRCs contract out nursing home care, which
could mean a move

6. Financial Status
• Know the facility’s financial health
• This indicates the company’s ability to fulfill its
contractual obligations to you
• Applicants are entitled to review the community’s
most recently audited financial statements
• Residents are permitted to receive periodic updates

7. Information Sharing
• By what means, and how often, does the CCRC
disclose information about operations and finances
with residents?

8. Safety & Security
• Are you comfortable with the level of security and
safety features across the campus?
• If your needs changed, would mobility be an issue in
different areas of the campus?

9. Record of Complaints
• Call your local long-term care ombudsman
– Ask about complaints
– Are they resolved or still pending?

10. Quality of Care
• Nursing home care is a great barometer of care at a
continuing care retirement community
• Check out Nursing Home Compare to find out how
the community scored on its most recent health
inspection

11. Accreditation
• Is the facility accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
(CARF)?
• Accredited communities have met stringent
standards
– Operational performance
– Financial performance
– Resident care

12. Lifestyle
• Consider services and amenities
• Review the community’s policies on:
– Breaking a contract
– Pets
– Overnight guests
– Moving between components on campus
– Living with a spouse
• Is it a good fit for your lifestyle?
• Try a one-week trial

13. SeniorHomes.com
• Information in this presentation provided by
senior housing writer Nikki Jong
• SeniorHomes.com is a free resource for
seniors and families searching for housing and
care services
• Visit http://www.seniorhomes.com for more
information on senior housing