What Is a CCRC?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, is a retirement community that may offer more than one level of living or care through one organization or campus. CCRCs are also commonly called Life Plan Communities.
Many residents enter at the independent-living level and may later have access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other services depending on the community and contract.
Typical Living Levels
- Independent Living: for residents who generally live independently and use community services or amenities.
- Assisted Living: for residents who need help with activities of daily living.
- Memory Care: structured support for residents with cognitive impairment or dementia-related needs.
- Skilled Nursing: nursing care or rehabilitation services, depending on the community.
Entrance Fees
Many CCRCs charge an entrance fee. The size of the entrance fee may depend on the residence size, contract type, refund provisions, market location, and level of included future-care benefits.
- Non-refundable: some or all of the entrance fee may not be refundable.
- Partially refundable: a stated percentage may be returned to the resident or estate.
- Declining balance: the refundable amount may decline over time.
- Refundable: a larger portion may be refundable, often with higher upfront cost.
Monthly Maintenance or Service Fees
Monthly fees vary widely and may cover residence maintenance, utilities, transportation, security, housekeeping, activities, wellness programs, fitness facilities, dining credits, or other services. Monthly fees often increase over time.
Meal Plans
Meal plans may be included in the monthly fee, purchased through dining credits, or billed separately. Some communities require minimum dining plans while others offer more flexible arrangements.
Common Contract Types
- Type A / Life Care: generally higher upfront and monthly cost, with more extensive future-care coverage.
- Type B / Modified: may provide limited care benefits or discounted future care for a defined period.
- Type C / Fee-for-Service: may have lower initial costs, with future care billed separately.
- Rental Models: may avoid a large entrance fee but typically provide fewer long-term care guarantees.
Questions to Ask
- What annual fee increases have occurred historically?
- Is the entrance fee refundable, and under what conditions?
- What happens if a resident's assets run low?
- Are meal plans mandatory?
- What services are included in the monthly fee?
- What care levels are available and how are they priced?
- What happens if one spouse needs a higher level of care?