Many advantages come with moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life plan community. Services like housekeeping, home maintenance, lawn care, and access to health care when needed are frequently included in the monthly fee. For many independent and healthy residents, though, one of the most important features is a high-quality meal plan and dining service.
Taking meal prep off the table
Residents who live in cottages or condominiums at a CCRC typically have fully equipped kitchens and can cook for themselves. Still, many seniors appreciate not having to plan, shop for, and prepare three meals a day. Cooking for two can be a hassle and often results in leftovers; having meals provided removes that daily chore.
If your image of dining at a CCRC is a cafeteria serving bland “hospital food,” that perception is changing. Many communities now emphasize food quality and nutrition, with menus developed under the guidance of registered dietitians and meals prepared by culinary-trained chefs. CCRCs are also following broader food trends by sourcing more ingredients locally to enhance freshness and flavor. Some kitchens offer organic options, gluten-free choices, and a wider selection of vegetarian dishes.
>> Related: 5-Stars: Dining Options Evolve at Many CCRCs
How meal plans work at a CCRC
Meal plans in CCRCs are similar in concept to the plans many people had in college cafeterias, but they tend to be more flexible and tailored to older adults’ needs.
Most CCRCs use one of two main structures: fixed meal plans, where the community specifies the number of meals included, and voucher or credit meal plans, where residents receive a set amount of money or credits to spend on meals each month.
Contracts vary from one community to another, but generally independent residents receive at least one meal per day as part of the monthly fee. Independent residents can often upgrade to a plan with additional meals for an extra monthly charge. Meals beyond the plan or meals for guests are commonly added to the resident’s monthly bill.
CCRCs with fixed meal plans frequently offer meal credits for residents who are away for a certain number of days—such as during vacations or hospital stays. Daily credit values typically range from a few dollars up to about ten dollars, depending on the community.
If a resident moves into the community’s health care facility for short- or long-term care, the handling of meals will depend on the contract type; meals may be included in or added to the monthly fee.
The value of meal plans also depends on how many dining venues a community has. Communities with multiple dining options—such as a main dining room plus a casual bistro or café—give residents more choice. Less expensive venues can help residents stretch their meal credits further.
>> Related: Live to 100 With These Blue Zone Diet Tips
Food and fellowship
Dining in the CCRC dining room offers more than nutritious meals. Mealtimes are a prime opportunity for socializing, reconnecting with friends, and meeting new people—especially important for new residents. Dining rooms typically offer a variety of table arrangements to accommodate couples, small groups, and larger gatherings.
When considering a CCRC, it’s a good idea to dine in the community’s dining room several times. That firsthand experience helps you assess the atmosphere, menu variety, and level of service provided by the kitchen and dining staff.
Understand the CCRC dining options
Whether you love gourmet food or simply prefer not to cook, having meals prepared and dishes cleaned up for you is a major attraction of CCRCs. Ask detailed questions about dining when you tour communities. Useful questions include:
- Do you offer fixed meal plans or credit/voucher plans?
- Are meal times flexible, or are there designated meal hours?
- How many meals are included in the monthly fee for independent residents? Can I add more meals?
- What are the costs for meals outside my plan?
- Are special dietary needs accommodated (gluten-free, diabetic, vegan, etc.)?
- Are meal credits issued if I’m away for an extended period? What is the minimum absence to qualify?
- If I require full-time care in the health care facility, how are meals charged?
To learn more about CCRCs, explore the community resources and use available search tools to compare specific communities and their dining options. Many communities provide detailed information to help you decide which dining plan and lifestyle best fit your needs.