Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Article submitted by Friendship Village of Schaumburg.
For more information, they can be reached at 847-884-5050.

National surveys show that the large majority of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as they are able. But, for many, the time often comes when managing a lifelong home – complete with overflowing basement and garage – becomes more than anyone wants to manage. Sometimes the decision to move becomes inevitable when health problems arise.

For many, the perfect solution is the decision to move to a continuing care retirement community. These communities, often developed on a campus-like setting, offer a mix of housing options. Typically, they offer an array of independent living options, including various-sized residential apartments as well as "garden homes" or "cottages."

But continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs, for short) are unique in that they also provide other living options that allow residents to access additional care. These other options – Assisted Living apartments and skilled care centers – allow residents to stay within the community for the rest of their lives, no matter how their health-care needs may change.

This array of living options - independent living, assisted living, and skilled care - has become known as the continuum of care. This continuum means that residents' needs are served in a way that promotes their lifelong wellness to the fullest extent possible.

Some CCRCs also have developed a continuum of care that supports residents with memory loss. For instance, Friendship Village of Schaumburg is developing the "Reflections Continuum of Care," extending from an off-campus adult day services program to an Assisted Living program for residents with mid-term memory loss to a designated area of the health care center for those with long-term memory loss.

Independent living is well-named because it is a residential option that truly helps many older adults live more independently than they could in their lifelong homes. All interior and exterior spaces are designed with the needs of older adults in mind. Residents typically have a choice of plans offering one to three meals a day. They also can access regular transportation services, a busy program of activities and a range of amenities. The most progressive CCRCs are responding to a growing desire for options and choices – whether of interior finishes for residences or of payment plans.

Most CCRCs require an entrance fee, which may be fully, partially or not refundable. Residents typically pay a monthly service fee that covers the cost of living in the community. Many CCRCs also offer rental programs.

One of the chief benefits of life in a CCRC is peace of mind. The task of paying bills is greatly simplified. A single check for the monthly service fee covers most of the costs of daily living, including maintenance and upkeep of the apartment as well as utilities. But the greatest peace of mind comes from knowing that once someone becomes a resident of a CCRC, they will have priority access to the care they need, when they need it. They will never have to wonder whether care will be provided. Access to the continuum of care is a guaranteed part of the purchase.