Seniors have a surprising array of options for where to live, including senior apartments, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, moving in with family, or even remaining in their own homes. Another option is moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). These communities combine the best features of other senior living options to create a vibrant and empowering community that provides a continuum of care options, from fully independent living to skilled nursing, all on one campus.
Who are CCRCs really meant for? You might picture a senior who can no longer safely live alone or one with significant health issues. While these individuals can be found in a CCRC, there are other factors to consider when identifying the ideal resident. Here are the main qualities that would make a senior a good fit for moving to a CCRC.
You’re a senior in relatively good health
Ideally, seniors should move to a CCRC early, when they are still in good health.
That might seem surprising. Why move before you need care? For one thing, CCRCs aren’t just places for health and personal care. They also provide a vibrant community with plenty of activities and amenities. The features of the CCRC can actually help seniors stay healthy longer while keeping them socially connected. It’s also physically easier for seniors to make the transition when they’re healthy, rather than trying to do so when they have significant health or mobility challenges.
There’s another reason that healthier older adults are good candidates for moving to a CCRC: If seniors move there while they are healthy, they have plenty of time to experience the services, activities, and amenities, build connections, and find their place in the community. Doing so then provides them with a strong social foundation if their health declines and they need to rely on the more extensive assistive services available on campus.
In contrast, seniors in poor health are more likely to struggle with the initial transition to the CCRC and will have fewer connections once they arrive. The result is a more stressful process, and the senior won’t realize as many benefits from the facility as they could. Some communities even require that new residents be in relatively good health before moving in, but this will vary by community.
You don’t want to burden family members
Seniors who stay at home or live with family often depend on loved ones for care. Although caregiving can be a very rewarding journey, it can also be stressful and lead to burnout and other mental and physical health issues. By moving to a CCRC, a senior can avoid this burden on their family and instead receive support from professionals.
In contrast, seniors who prefer to be supported by family members might not be as well suited for moving to a CCRC. Family members are certainly not excluded from visiting a CCRC, but they do not typically provide caregiving support.
You want less maintenance and lower stress
By the time they reach retirement age, many people are tired of daily stresses and chores. CCRCs are beneficial in this regard, as they handle various tasks, typically including home maintenance, grounds upkeep, housekeeping, meals, and laundry services. Reduced maintenance responsibilities give seniors more time and energy to enjoy life while lowering overall stress.
Seniors who take pride in their home and enjoy various aspects and tasks involved with homeownership, though, might not enjoy this part of CCRCs. You do have more control and independence in your own home compared to being part of a managed community.
You like to plan ahead
Since moving to a CCRC is a long-term commitment, it is ideal for individuals who enjoy planning ahead and organizing their affairs. Knowing where they will live and eventually receive care can alleviate many concerns associated with aging, allowing them to enjoy life more. It can also give them peace of mind to know that as their needs increase, they will be able to receive care without having to find a new community.
However, CCRCs may not be a good fit for those who take a more relaxed approach and prefer to figure things out as they go. Committing to a CCRC often involves a significant upfront investment and long-term planning, which may feel limiting to someone who values spontaneity or isn’t ready to think far into the future. People who enjoy exploring different living arrangements or who want more freedom to make changes over time might find a less structured setup more comfortable.
You prefer to stay in one place long-term
CCRCs are designed to allow residents to stay in one community for the rest of their lives. This makes them ideal for anyone happy to remain in the same place for many years. One of the biggest benefits of moving to a CCRC is that it enables seniors to stay in the same community even if their health needs change significantly. This isn’t the case for most other settings. For example, if an older adult lives in assisted living but their care needs increase significantly or if they come to require ongoing skilled nursing care, they will likely have to move to a nursing home.
Of course, staying within a single community isn’t the best choice for everyone. You might be thinking about moving to another state or simply be hesitant to take the risk, especially considering the high upfront costs. Living in one community is a big commitment, after all. Your experience will depend on the activities available, the people in the community, and the overall atmosphere. Some people may prefer a community with a lower financial investment so they can move more easily if it doesn’t feel right.
You value community and lifestyle
Health care is just one part of a CCRC. These communities also emphasize community and lifestyle, helping members live full and rich lives. This is perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected and involved in life.
Seniors who prefer to be solitary or have only a few close friends might find the community aspect of CCRCs unappealing or even overwhelming. For those who prefer to be alone, living in a place that emphasizes connection to such a degree could be disheartening.
You want to be around other seniors
In a CCRC, residents are surrounded by people of similar age and often similar backgrounds. This makes it easier to form friendships because residents are more likely to share experiences and values. For many, such a community is valuable, especially since mobility challenges can make it harder to find friends when living at home.
However, this kind of environment doesn’t work for everyone. Some people prefer a more diverse community where they can connect with others of different ages and backgrounds. For such seniors, a CCRC could make it harder to find friends.
You are financially prepared
CCRCs usually have a very high upfront cost and significant monthly fees. This makes them most suitable for people with substantial financial resources, especially those who do regular financial planning. Such planning helps ensure there are enough resources for the senior’s entire life.
Seniors with limited financial resources may not be able to pay the CCRC entrance fee. Also, anyone who doesn’t plan carefully might find they can’t afford the ongoing costs, especially if the contract type indicates that costs could increase over time.
You are part of a couple with different care needs
CCRCs are also ideal for couples. Even if both partners are healthy now, their care needs often change with age. Sometimes, significant care differences mean they might need to live apart, such as one in assisted living and the other at home. However, in a CCRC, the couple can stay in the same community and remain close to each other.
The CCRC may also work to ensure the couple can live together for as long as possible. For example, in-home caregiving might be provided so that the person with higher needs doesn’t need to move to a different part of the community. This will vary depending on the community.
Moving to a CCRC may be right for you
Moving to a CCRC isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It really comes down to lifestyle preferences, financial readiness, and long-term goals. CCRCs are a great fit for seniors who are relatively healthy, enjoy community living, and want the security of knowing their future care is already in place. They offer peace of mind, reduced daily responsibilities, and the chance to build lasting connections in one location. However, for those who prefer more flexibility, a lower financial commitment, or a less structured environment, other senior living options might be a better match. Understanding what matters most to you can help guide your choice and ensure you feel at home, wherever you decide to be.
Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.
