Financially, emotionally, and practically, choosing a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, is a major decision. At myLifeSite, we aim to provide clear information and practical resources to help seniors determine whether this senior living option fits their needs and, if so, which CCRC might be the best match. This choice affects quality of life, health, happiness, and finances for years to come.
To make the CCRC decision process more manageable, we condensed the many factors to consider into six core areas that consumers should evaluate when researching a CCRC.
Related Resource: myLifeSite’s Ultimate CCRC Checklist
Residences and amenities
One of the easier aspects to assess when touring a CCRC is the physical campus and the amenities offered. Visit multiple residences and view different floorplans and features to decide what matters most to you. Try to tour at different times of the day so you can see how natural light affects the unit and to observe daily life across various hours.
Amenities vary widely between communities, from basic services to luxury conveniences. Identify which amenities are essential and which are desirable extras. Typical amenities to evaluate include safety and communication technology, community gardens, libraries, walking paths, transportation services, organized excursions, resident-led programs, multiple dining venues, fitness centers, concierge services, and move-in coordination assistance.
>> Related: Move-In Coordinators: Easing the Stress of Moving to a Retirement Community
Contract details
CCRCs commonly offer several contract types: Type A (lifecare), Type B (modified), Type C (fee-for-service), rental agreements, and equity/co-op arrangements. Entry fees are common and may be fully refundable, partially refundable, or nonrefundable depending on the contract.
Comparing contract costs can be complicated since pricing and inclusions vary by contract type and location. A lifecare contract in one city may cost substantially more than a fee-for-service contract in another, and older campuses with fewer amenities may be priced differently than newer, full-service communities.
It’s essential to understand which contract best fits your situation, what is included in monthly fees, refund provisions for entry fees (if any), and other contract stipulations before committing.
>> Related: A Primer on CCRC Residency Contracts
Quality of care
While independent living amenities are appealing, the primary reason many consider a CCRC is access to a full continuum of care. Confirm that assisted living and skilled nursing services on campus meet your expectations should you or a loved one require them in the future.
Research the CCRC’s care quality using available resources. If the healthcare facility accepts Medicare, review its ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman program to learn if complaints have been filed. Visit the healthcare center to observe resident care, cleanliness, and staff interactions, and seek firsthand accounts from current residents about their care experiences.
>> Related: How to Analyze the Quality of a CCRC Healthcare Center
Management and operations
A CCRC is both a home and a business, and its success depends heavily on competent leadership and sound management. Confirm the community is well-run and financially stable to ensure it can continue providing promised services and care.
Financial viability is critical. Consult with an accountant or financial professional familiar with CCRC contracts and finances to verify that the community’s financial health aligns with your expectations. Learn about the community’s leadership structure, the qualifications and experience of board members, and whether residents participate in governance. A constructive relationship between leadership and residents supports a thriving community.
>> Related: Evaluate the Financial Viability of a CCRC With Our Free Guide
Financial impact
Understanding how a move to a CCRC will affect your long-term finances is essential. Costs and contract terms differ widely, making it challenging to determine affordability over time.
Affordability is a top concern for many considering a CCRC. If you are comparing multiple communities, ensure you make accurate comparisons of total costs and included services so you can decide which option is financially sensible. CCRCs typically have financial screening requirements, and it’s advisable to consult a financial advisor who understands CCRC models to help you evaluate affordability and long-term implications.
>> Related: Can I Afford a Life Plan Community?
Lifestyle and wellness
Lifestyle considerations determine whether you will feel happy and comfortable living in a community. The right CCRC should support your preferred daily routines, social interests, and wellness goals.
Lifestyle priorities vary by individual. Important factors include lifelong learning opportunities, dining options and meal flexibility, volunteer and community engagement, the community’s size and location, and the general vitality of residents. Many CCRCs emphasize proactive wellness—offering fitness classes, educational programs, and nutritious dining—to support residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits.
Research supports the social and health benefits of living in a CCRC: residents often report greater happiness and better health than peers living outside such communities. Many CCRCs offer trial stays so prospective residents can experience daily life firsthand; taking advantage of a short stay can provide valuable insight into whether the community fits your lifestyle.
>> Related: New Study Shows CCRC Residents ARE Happier and Healthier
Six factors to streamline your CCRC decision
Choosing a CCRC is more complex than many other senior living decisions. It is a significant choice, but keeping these six key factors—residences and amenities, contract details, quality of care, management and operations, financial impact, and lifestyle and wellness—at the forefront will help you compare communities effectively.
Many checklists exist, but some are either too long to be practical or too vague to be helpful. That is why myLifeSite created “The Ultimate CCRC Checklist,” which balances thoroughness and usability by focusing on important questions that are often overlooked.