Comparing CCRC Costs vs Resident Benefits: Is It Worth It?

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A few weeks ago I published a blog post discussing why it can be smart to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community) sooner rather than later. Moving earlier can make it easier to settle in, allow you to take advantage of wellness programs that support long-term health, and help … Read more

Top CCRC Services and Amenities That Add Real Value

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There are many reasons people choose to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. For many, the primary attraction is access to a full continuum of on-site care if needs change. Equally appealing for others are the wide range of services and amenities that make daily life … Read more

Will a CCRC Move Residents to Assisted Living Too Early?

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I welcome comments and feedback from readers who follow our blog and use myLifeSite tools. These responses provide important insights about choosing senior living options. Recently, a reader emailed me saying she and her husband are set on moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC, also called a life plan community) in the coming … Read more

LTC Insurance Claims: 3 Common Questions Answered

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This guest post on long-term care insurance claims is by Aaron Skloff, AIF, CFA, MBA. 1. What should I know about the long-term care insurance claims process? Background A study funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asked policyholders about their experiences filing long-term care (LTC) insurance claims. Only about 4% reported … Read more

Why CCRC Communities Should Welcome Neighboring Residents

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I recently read a heartwarming article about Three Crowns Park, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Evanston, Illinois, and their long-standing relationship with the children’s summer sports camp across the street. Historically, when camp ended each day, the children walked over to Three Crowns to enjoy ice cream with the community’s residents at the … Read more

Long-Term Care Planning: Comparing Strategies and Options

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In last week’s post, I highlighted an article that collected advice from caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease. Much of the guidance focused on the emotional and financial strains of caregiving and emphasized the importance of prioritizing self-care for those who take on this role. Coincidentally, a family friend sent an update about her … Read more

Should We Stop Saying Hospice Has Been Called In?

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So often, in church or in conversation, I’ve heard someone say, “Hospice has been called in” about a sick or elderly friend or family member. It sounds ominous, as if the last grains of sand are slipping through the hourglass. But what does “called in” really mean? What are palliative care and hospice care? Caregiving … Read more

Why a Strong Support Network Matters in Retirement

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For New Year’s many people resolve to improve their health—whether by eating better or going to the gym more regularly. Those are valuable goals, but equally important for long-term wellbeing is a commitment to build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships. Strengthening social connections can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health well … Read more

CCRC Move Prep: How to Sell Your Home Faster and Maximize Value

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Selling your current home is often one of the biggest obstacles for people considering a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community. In our Consumer Survey, more than one in three respondents said “putting off dealing with all my stuff / hassle of moving” was a main reason for delaying a move to … Read more

New Medicare Appeals Ruling: What It Means for Skilled Nursing Coverage

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As of October 11, 2024, important changes were implemented to create appeals processes for certain Medicare beneficiaries who were admitted to the hospital as inpatients but later reclassified as outpatients receiving observation services during their stay and who meet other eligibility requirements. Below is a clear summary of what these changes mean and how they … Read more