I frequently speak with prospective residents who are touring continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, to better understand their options. Some visitors have already decided they want to move to a CCRC and are choosing which community best matches their preferences and goals. Others are still weighing whether to remain in their current home or move into a CCRC or another form of senior living.
No matter where you are in the process, certain questions tend to come up repeatedly when people explore CCRCs. Below are common questions to ask and the information you should expect from a community’s staff so you can make a well-informed decision.
Can I use my long-term care insurance?
In most cases, yes—but it depends on your policy and the community’s policies. Review your long-term care insurance to understand what services it covers and how it classifies CCRCs. The policy type and CCRC contract type can affect where and how much of your coverage can be applied. Some residency contracts limit the portion of your monthly community fee that can be paid with insurance. Ask a knowledgeable staff member to explain any restrictions so you know how your coverage will work in practice.
What happens if I run out of money?
Many senior living providers—particularly not-for-profit communities—state they will not force residents to leave if they deplete their funds. Contract language on this topic can be cautious, using phrases such as “the community may offer financial assistance” and noting that assistance is conditional on the community’s ongoing financial stability. Request a clear explanation of the community’s policy and the conditions under which financial assistance would be provided so you and your family understand the protections in place.
Which services and amenities are included in my monthly fee?
Understanding what is covered by the monthly fee is essential for budgeting. Depending on the contract type, you might pay additional monthly amounts for services such as assisted living, skilled nursing care, or a private room in the healthcare center. Ask for a detailed list of included services and typical out-of-pocket charges, and speak with current residents to get a realistic sense of what monthly expenses look like.
If the entry fee is refundable, how and when is it paid?
Refundable entry fees are commonly paid only after the residence is re-sold or after a specified maximum period (for example, two years). This practice helps protect the community’s financial stability by avoiding large, sudden cash outflows if many units are vacated simultaneously. The trade-off is that a resident or their heirs may wait longer than expected for a refund. Review the community’s refund timetable and historical turnover rates so you and your heirs understand what to expect.
How do I know my money is safe with your community?
This is one of the most frequent questions, especially when an entry fee or portion of it is refundable. While no one can guarantee the future, a financially sound community should provide both qualitative and quantitative evidence of its stability—examples include an experienced management team, audited financial statements, and favorable financial ratios. Ask to see relevant financial information or summaries that demonstrate the community’s long-term viability.
Will my monthly fees increase over time?
No one can predict the future with absolute certainty, but reliable communities will share historical fee increase trends to help you plan. Look at annual fee increases over the past five years; this usually offers a reasonable guide unless the community faces unusual circumstances. In the industry, annual increases of 3 to 4 percent are common. Keep in mind that healthcare-related costs often rise faster than general inflation, and those costs can affect fee adjustments at CCRCs.
How is your contract structure different from other communities?
CCRC contract types—such as lifecare, modified, and fee-for-service—have important differences. Communities should be able to explain how their contracts compare to others in the market and outline the trade-offs of each option. Understanding these differences in advance helps ensure you compare similar offerings and avoid surprises about what is included, what triggers additional charges, and how decisions about long-term care are handled.
How can I be assured I’ll receive the best care possible when I need it?
Access to a continuum of care is a primary reason people choose CCRCs. To assess care quality, tour the on-site healthcare center if possible, ask whether the center is Medicare-certified, and request the community’s CMS rating if applicable. You can also consult the local long-term care ombudsman about complaints or quality concerns. Speaking with residents and family members who have experienced the health services firsthand will provide valuable perspective.
When two people live together, how do monthly fees change if one or both need to move into the healthcare facility?
Fee adjustments for double occupancy when one or both partners require assisted living or skilled nursing care can be complex. Residency contracts typically describe how costs change for temporary versus permanent stays and for private versus semi-private rooms. Ask the CCRC representative to walk you through scenarios that reflect your situation so you understand the financial implications for each partner and for the household overall.
Make an informed CCRC decision
Choosing a CCRC involves more than amenities and location; it requires clarity about ongoing costs, care quality, and what will happen if your health or financial circumstances change. Use the questions above when you visit communities and request clear, written explanations of policies and contract terms. Gathering this information will help you make a confident, informed choice about the community that best fits your needs and priorities.