While curiosity is common across the animal kingdom, human intelligence drives us to learn about the world through questions—and that begins early. Researchers in Britain have found that children ask an average of 73 questions a day. If you’re exploring continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities), you might find yourself asking nearly as many questions as you weigh this important life decision.
Choosing a CCRC affects your finances, daily life, and future care needs, so it’s natural to want clear answers. You’ll want a community that matches your budget, lifestyle goals, and potential healthcare requirements. The more questions you ask, the better equipped you’ll be to choose the right place for your next chapter.
Even after reading brochures and contract details, it’s easy to overlook issues that matter or forget to ask specific questions. You may wonder whether you’ve covered everything important, or whether there are less obvious concerns that could affect your comfort and security down the line.
>> Related: How Do I Know If I’ll Be Happy Living in This CCRC?
Questions and answers
Below are some of the less obvious questions to consider when touring or evaluating a CCRC:
- Does outdoor lighting around the property shine into bedrooms at night?
- Is there adequate parking for residents, guests, and people with disabilities?
- Are there planned expansions or developments that could negatively affect your residence?
- Is the front desk or concierge consistently staffed and responsive?
- If applicable, will you be eligible for an entry fee refund after vacating your independent living residence, or only after leaving the community entirely?
- What written policies and procedures exist for various emergency situations?
- Have there been complaints of sexual harassment or elder abuse involving staff or other residents?
These questions and additional insights were originally discussed in our post, “Why Didn’t I Think to Ask That?: The Less Obvious CCRC Questions,” which explores the context and significance of each item.
Introducing The Ultimate CCRC Checklist
Many of the questions above are included in The Ultimate CCRC Checklist, our new printable resource. This free download from myLifeSite gathers these items plus 80 more to guide your evaluation and help you organize conversations with community staff and current residents.
The checklist is organized into 10 practical categories to help you think broadly and compare communities:
- Living Area
- Common Areas/Grounds
- Safety and Security
- Healthcare Services and Accessibility
- Residency and Care Contract
- Entry Fee and Refund Details (if applicable)
- Financial Viability
- Policies and Protocols
- Wellness and Preventative Health
- Dining
Each section includes space for notes so you can record answers, impressions, and any follow-up questions that arise during visits or calls.
>> Related: 8 Questions to Consider Before You Decide to Age in Place
More about The Ultimate CCRC Checklist
This checklist was developed with input from prospective residents, current residents, community staff nationwide, and firsthand observations from nearly 100 retirement communities. While no checklist can cover every situation, this resource offers a strong starting point to ensure you consider issues that aren’t always top of mind.
We purposely excluded questions that many people will naturally ask—such as pet policies—so the focus remains on less obvious matters that could affect your daily life and long-term well-being. Some items call for simple yes-or-no answers, while others invite deeper conversations with staff or can be confirmed through observation during a visit.
Above all, remember there are no silly questions when evaluating a CCRC. Asking detailed, thoughtful questions now can save stress later and help you choose the community that best fits your needs and priorities.