CCRC

Myth Busters: The Realities of CCRC

Posted on

A study by Age Wave uncovered five myths that may be misconstruing the perception of CCRCs among the age 50-plus population. Knowing the facts can help you look at CCRCs in a new light.

Seniors have more choices for retirement than ever, particularly in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which provide at least three levels of care such as independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care  in one location, while featuring luxury accommodations, daily activities and numerous amenities.

Yet many seniors still believe retiring at home is best. Why? A study by Age Wave uncovered five myths that may be misconstruing the perception of CCRCs among the age 50-plus population. Knowing the facts can help you look at CCRCs in a new light.

Myth: Your current home will be the best place to live.

Reality: It’s hard to anticipate your future health needs. The continuum of care in a CCRC assures that as health changes arise you can stay in the same community near friends and familiar surroundings. Plus, without home maintenance and chores, you’ll have more freedom and time.

Myth: To stay active socially, it’s best to remain at home.

Reality: You may have much more opportunity to do just that in a CCRC. With entertainment spaces and a full activity calendar, there’s ample opportunity to pursue interests, maintain enduring friendships and even make new ones. Most CCRCs are also near restaurants, shopping and local attractions.

Myth: It will be less expensive to stay in your current home.

Reality: Your mortgage may be paid, but monthly expenses could cost more than anticipated as health needs change. Rental CCRCs charge a monthly fee based on level of care and often include meals, transportation, housekeeping and social activities. A Life Care CCRC charges a monthly fee and an upfront entry fee giving you the possible added benefit of guaranteed care, even if your financial resources are eventually exhausted due to no fault of your own.

Myth: It’s easy to get the care you might need at home.

Reality: Long-term care at home can actually be difficult and costly. Factors to consider include caregivers, medical supplies, nutrition and risk of isolation. CCRCs allow easy transitions from one care level to the next, offering peace of mind and more predictable healthcare costs.

Myth: There are only old people who are sick and dying in CCRCs.

Reality: Anyone older than age 62 may be eligible to live in a CCRC if they meet financial and medical qualifications. CCRCs also encourage independence for as long as possible, without restrictions on driving, traveling and shopping as long as you’re able.

Article Provided by:
Hillside McMinnville
844-441-8929
https://www.brookdale.com/en/communities/hillside.html

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Posted on

Within a few months of touring various communities, having endless discussions with family members, we decided a CCRC suited their wants and needs best.

Before I fell in love with the senior living industry, and decided to make it my career, I was simply a granddaughter trying to find the best community for my beloved grandparents. I had no knowledge about senior communities, as I had never needed to know about them. Then, dementia and medical issues plagued my grandparents, and my family was at a loss about how best we could help take care of them. Thus, began my search. I found everywhere I went there were various acronyms and terms. Month to Month communities, CCRC’s, IL, AL, SNF’s and Memory Care, what did it all mean? I became educated quite quickly, and within a few months of touring various communities, having endless discussions with members of my family and grandparents, we decided a CCRC suited their wants and needs best.

I found CCRC stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community. What they offer are various levels of care contained on one campus. The goal is to offer their residents the ability to what many of us refer to as “aging in place” in order to accommodate their changing needs. The types and levels of care at each CCRC will differ. While they will all offer Assisted Living, CCRC’s may also offer Independent Living, Memory Care, or a Skilled Nursing Facility.

CCRC’s will also have what are called Entrance Fees or a Buy-In Fees. This is a large lump sum that is determined by the community, based on the type of financial program they offer. There are 3 different options of Entrance/Buy-In Fees.

1. Life Care – This tends to be the most expensive, as you are normally guaranteed unlimited Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care as long as you live within the community.

2. Modified – Your fee will cover all Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care for a set period of time.

3. Fee-For-Service – You pay for Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care as you need it.

Another difference between CCRC’s and their Entrance or Buy-In Fee programs, is the refund of that fee once you or your loved one are no longer living in that community. This can be a big factor in the decision making process. Some CCRC’s will refund 100% of the fee within a certain timeframe after moving out. Others will refund a portion, while some will refund none at all.

Researching the vast options available for senior living can seem incredibly daunting and overwhelming at times. However, after the tours have been done, and all of your questions have been answered; when you find that perfect community, it will all have been worth it.

Article Provided by:
Molly Cole,
Chateau Retirement Communities
425-488-2400
www.ChateauRetirement.com

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

What to Look For in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Posted on

As providers of senior housing in a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), we are often in the position of helping people choose where they are going to live. It might be helpful for you to review some of the reasons we feel are very important in helping all seniors make this decision.

The Residents – Look for a community where the residents are interested in their lifestyle, health, learning, leisure activities and volunteerism. A community where the residents are striving to be engaged to the fullest extent possible in activities that are satisfying, challenging and fulfilling.

The Staff – Look for staff that recognizes that the community is the home of the residents. Staff should be respectful, courteous, and competent, and willing to go the extra mile to provide the quality of life you expect and deserve.

Service and Trust – Look for a marketing department that provides accurate and honest information. Review the longevity of the organization and review any financial information that is provided. Get to know the people who live there and ask questions. Look for flexibility in services, such as dining and other programs.

The Site – Look for your preferred location. Is it close to those things you enjoy doing? Activities such as shopping, cultural events, medical services, and church are all things that should be within a short distance. Think ahead to a future need to utilize public transportation and recognize its availability.

The Building – Explore spaces and uses for those spaces in the physical plant. Ask yourself if those spaces meet your needs. Are there opportunities to enjoy nature, to engage in gardening, and to enjoy walking paths, quiet spaces, and fitness opportunities? Are there spaces for group activities and social interactions? How is the maintenance? Are the grounds well maintained? Do you like the way it looks? Remember this will be your home and a place where you will invite friends and family.

Focus – Does the community focus on meeting the challenges and expectations of the residents? Is the theme to merely survive or is it to consistently try to recognize the changing environment and how to best address those obligations. Is the community focused on providing quality services and quality health? Does it provide a continuum of health services that will provide for you throughout your remaining years? Does it promote aging in place.

Accreditation – Finally, it is very important that a CCRC be accredited. Accreditation means that the organization and community have met standards concerning governance, resident health care and services, and financial matters. Look for the seal that designates Accreditation and you can be assured the organization has addressed these areas.

Obviously, these are difficult questions, but finding the answers will help make your life enjoyable in your new home.

Source: Marketing Department at Terwilliger Plaza, 503-299-4242

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.