CCRC Retirement Communities: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Moving In

Thinking about a Continuing Care Retirement Community? 10Important questions to ask before making

the move.

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So you’ve decided that a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the right choice for you or a loved one...

…and for good reason.

Ten Important Questions to Ask Before Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement CommunityLearn more at www.mylifesite.net

http://www.mylifesite.net/


• Low-maintenance lifestyle• Access to a broad array of

services and amenities• Independent living with priority

access to healthcare services• Peace of mind for the future• Reduced burden on family

members• Total wellness benefits• Intangibles

Why a CCRC?:



BUT...



• Increased stress• Buyer remorse• Unfavorable contract

terms• Burden of moving again• Costly

…Without the proper research:

Click Here to access profile reports on hundreds of CCRCs (Life Plan Communities) for free!



Here are the questions you should ask to help make sure your first choice is the right choice.



1Question 1 What services are included in my monthly service fee, and what will cost extra?



Why: Without this information, you could ultimately end up paying more than you planned each month. Published rates may include only basic services. Some providers operate under an à la carte model while others are all-inclusive.



2Will my monthly fees adjust if I eventually need assisted living or skilled nursing services?

Question 2



Why: Depending on the type of residency contract, your monthly fees could increase (fee-for-service), remain the same (lifecare), or fall somewhere in between (modified).

I think I'd align this text left too. A lot of these text boxes end up with funky spacing because they are justified.-Rachel



Question 3 3How have your

monthly rates for independent living changed each year over the past five years?



Why: When you consider the long-term financial impact of moving to a CCRC, it’s important to account for annual increases, which typically range between 3-4% per year. If historical increases have exceeded this average, you should find out why.



4Question 4

What are the exact stipulations for receiving a refundable entry fee (if applicable)?



Why: To avoid unwelcome surprises in the future, you and your heirs should know specific details about how refundable entry fees are released.

● Does your residence have to be resold? ● How long would you have to wait if it does

not re-sell immediately? ● Is there a waiting period even after it

resells? ● Do monthly fees continue until it is resold?● Is your refund based on the amount you

paid or the amount for which the residence is resold?

I'm not sure that "re-sell" and "re-sold" need to be hyphenates. But they should be treated consistently however you want to present them.-Rachel



5 What happens if I run out of money due to a longer than average stay in the healthcare center or other unforeseen circumstance?

Question 5


Why: Some providers may ask you to vacate in this situation. Others will continue providing services as long as it does not impair the organization’s ability to operate on a sound financial basis. If your entry fee is refundable, the provider may utilize those funds first. In some cases, financial assistance could be considered a loan against your estate.



6Question 6

What is the quality of healthcare services provided within the CCRC?



Why: One of the main reasons for choosing a CCRC is priority access to care services. So, be sure such services are of high quality. Observe the facility, ask about staff turnover in the healthcare center, look online for Medicare (CMS) star ratings and deficiencies (if Medicare certified). Has the healthcare center received any special recognitions or awards?



7 Question 7Do your published rates for assisted living and healthcare services include a semi-private or private room?



Why: The published rates for care services may reflect semi-private rooms only. You could be required to pay the difference in cost for a private room.



8Question 8

Is the community financially positioned to meet its long-term commitment to residents?



Why: A CCRC must remain financially viable in order to meet its commitment to residents. Ask for audited financials and review them with a CPA who is well-versed in CCRCs. Also…

● Does the community maintain a high occupancy ratio (85-90% +)?

● Are facilities up-to-date and well-kept?

● What is the financial and operating experience of the management team and board?

Again, this text is black instead of dark gray.-Rachel



9 Question 9

What happens if there is no availability in the healthcare center when I need it?



Why: In this case, the CCRC likely has an arrangement in place with an off-site care facility. Read the contract carefully and ask an executive-level member of the staff for specific details. Ask how often this situation has occurred in the past and if there would be any additional cost to you.



10

Question 10Is there an assisted living facility that is completely separate from independent living and skilled nursing care?



Why: Maintaining independence and dignity is highly important to one’s total wellness. Residents requiring some assistance with daily activities may feel demoralized living alongside those who require 24-hour nursing care.

A completely separate assisted living facility that looks and feels similar to independent living bridges the gap while helping residents maintain their dignity.

Black font here.-Rachel


For more great information, analysis, and tools regarding CCRC Retirement Communities:

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CCRC Retirement Communities: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Moving In