Continuing Care Retirement Communities – What Are They?

Overview

Many people have heard the term CCRC or continuing care retirement communities, but they aren’t sure what those communities really are. In this article, we will take a look at what CCRCs are, what they offer and who is a perfect candidate for such communities.

The big difference between senior retirement homes and continuing care retirement communities is that the communities offer a continuum of care. They are generally situated on large lots of land and contain multiple buildings and wings. Such communities offer a full spectrum of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing care.

Amenities

In addition to various assisted living and healthcare services offered at continuing care retirement communities, retirees will also find numerous amenities that make their retirement life truly enjoyable. These amenities include things like swimming pools, country clubs, restaurants, shopping malls, private beaches (for those CCRCs that are beach-front), fitness centers, golf courses, on-site concerts and other entertainment and much more. Staying at continuing care retirement communities means that retirees get to enjoy all the amenities they have to offer, even if they don’t require any assistance with their daily lives.

Independent Living in CCRCs

Independent living offered at continuing care retirement communities generally means that older adults can live independent in senior living apartment complexes. Those adults who take advantage of independent living are mostly healthy and do not need any assisted living services. They often choose to stay at a continuing care retirement community because of the services and amenities offered there. Senior apartments offered in CCRCs will be specifically equipped for seniors. That means they will likely have non-slip flooring, grab bars (where needed), smart layouts without stairs, the latest appliances and more.

Assisted Living

CCRCs offer senior assisted living units as part of their care packages. Assisted living units in CCRCs are generally located in a separate wing of the community. There, older adults who need help with daily living, such as bathing, dressing or moving around, can receive assistance from qualified staff caregivers. Assisted living also includes things like help with medication management, bed and linen services and more. The great thing about assisted living in CCRCs is that when the health needs of an older adult change, they are able to receive a higher level of care without having to look for another facility, such as a nursing home.

Memory care

CCRCs offer memory care to those seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care at CCRCs is generally provided in separate memory care units, where there is higher security and special considerations given to programs and amenities for dementia sufferers. Special programs provided in memory care units in CCRCs may include activities and programs to promote brain activity and train memory and may also include special color-coded rooms.

Nursing Care

CCRCs will usually have nursing homes on-site, to provide 24/7 skilled medical care to those older adults who are in poor health and need constant medical attention. These may be adults who have suffered a stroke or have other medical conditions that prevent them from living relatively independently in the assisted senior living facilities inside the community. Nursing care wings in CCRCs will always have a nurse and often a doctor on staff responsible for constant monitoring of the residents.

Who are CCRCs for?

CCRCs are perfect for older adult couples who have different health care requirements. For example, one spouse may be completely independent and will not need any assistance, while another may be a good candidate for assisted living and needs some assistance with daily tasks. In such a case, both can live in the CCRC. Whenever the needs change, they can move to a different wing of the facility instead of looking for a new retirement community altogether. Continuing care retirement communities are one of the most expensive senior living options – but they are worth it.

This is a guest blog entry.