There are many advantages to living in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. Beyond social activities, amenities, and services, one of the primary reasons people choose a CCRC is having accessible healthcare on campus when it’s needed.
By definition, a CCRC provides a continuum of care: residents can live independently, use assisted living support, or receive skilled nursing care in an on-site healthcare center. Because these services are available in one setting, a CCRC can offer continuity and peace of mind for residents and their families.
The healthcare center at a CCRC—often called a nursing home—employs licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), registered nurses (RNs), and nurse’s aides. Quality of care is influenced by the mix of staff and the number of RN hours per resident per day, as well as the experience and professionalism of the team. A community might have impressive buildings and amenities, but if it cannot recruit and retain compassionate, skilled caregivers, residents’ health and quality of life will suffer.
Researching a CCRC’s healthcare center
When evaluating CCRCs, assessing the quality of care in their healthcare center should be part of your research—much like you would when choosing a hospital or stand-alone nursing facility. Consider the following areas:
CMS ratings
If the CCRC’s healthcare center is Medicare-certified, check its Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rating. CMS uses a five-star system to rate nursing homes and provides detailed information about quality measures, safety inspections, staffing levels, and any penalties. Staffing data reveal average daily RN time versus time with nurse’s aides, which can be an important indicator of clinical care. Private-pay-only communities that are not Medicare-certified will not have CMS data available.
Records of complaint
Contact the long-term care ombudsman program in the state where the CCRC is located. Ombudsmen are advocates for people living in care facilities and can provide information on complaints or regulatory violations filed against a facility. While complaints against CCRCs are not common, the ombudsman can be a valuable resource when you want an independent perspective.
Observe
Visiting the healthcare center in person is crucial. Look for engaged, attentive staff and a clean, odor-free environment. Modern nursing centers often feel residential rather than institutional, so note whether the space seems warm and comfortable. Observe whether residents appear well cared for—clean, appropriately dressed, and comfortable in their rooms. Check whether rooms are private or semi-private and whether there is adequate space for personal belongings.
Ask management
How open community representatives are about their healthcare services can be revealing. Are they willing to discuss staffing, turnover rates, and what differentiates their care? Ask about staff turnover (the industry average is roughly 30 percent) and whether the community maintains a record of complaints. Transparency is a positive sign. Also ask about future plans: are they moving to person-centered models such as household or small-house approaches, renovating to remove institutional nursing stations, or making other changes to improve resident experience?
Talk with current residents
Residents can offer candid perspectives on daily life and the quality of care. Even if they haven’t personally used the healthcare center, they likely know neighbors or friends who have. Conversations with current residents can provide unbiased insight into how the community operates and cares for people.
Understand your CCRC contract
Many CCRC contracts do not promise guaranteed immediate access to on-site healthcare. Typical contract language may state that residents are offered lifetime use of their residence and priority access to the healthcare center, but if the on-site center has no available beds when you need care, the community will usually arrange placement at an alternate facility until space opens. Ask how often that happens and which alternate facilities are used. Costs for care in an alternate facility will depend on the terms of your residency contract, so review contract provisions carefully.
Why a quality healthcare center matters
Choosing a CCRC is a major decision that affects your daily life, health, and finances. Because skilled nursing availability is a key reason many people select a CCRC, it’s important to gather all relevant facts about the healthcare center’s quality, staffing, and policies. A thoughtful evaluation helps ensure you select a community that meets your needs now and in the future.
To find CCRCs in your area, consider using online search tools that include community profiles and details about services, amenities, and care options to help you compare choices and make an informed decision.