Deciding to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, is a proactive step to prepare for the uncertainties of aging. Such communities offer a continuum of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing—so residents and families can plan ahead and access the support they may … Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound hardship. Tens of thousands of Americans have died and millions have been infected. Countless people have lost their jobs, and many face the threat of losing their homes. The resulting stress has touched nearly every family and community. Caring for CCRC residents, physically and emotionally Seniors living in continuing … Read more

“Don’t EVER put me in a home. Promise me!” Many people have had this conversation with an aging parent or partner — and many have said these exact words to their own adult children. With holidays and family gatherings, you may notice an older loved one you haven’t seen in a while. Pay attention: has … Read more

I’m a planner by nature; I prefer to be prepared for whatever the future may bring. That inclination led me into a career as a financial advisor and later to become an advocate for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities. These communities offer residents assurance that they will receive appropriate care … Read more

The following is an excerpt from the revised second edition of my bestselling book, “What’s the Deal with Retirement Communities?”, available on Amazon.com. Geared toward retirees-to-be and their adult children, the book is intended as a practical first step in researching senior living options—offering clear, concise answers to common questions. Attitudes toward aging are shifting, … Read more

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration on Aging, about 70 percent of people over age 65 will need long-term care services at some point. Needing long-term care generally means requiring assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, or bathing; some individuals will … Read more

It seems every time the news is on, there’s another report about the climate crisis and the accelerating trends of global warming. With future generations in mind, an increasing number of retirees are choosing senior living options that reflect their environmental values. In my book, What’s the Deal with Retirement Communities, I examine how environmental … Read more

“When moving into a retirement community, seniors now dig into the facility’s ins and outs, instead of settling into the nicest campus.” –Kevin Keller, Denver Post, Researchers Learn about Senior Citizens by Staying at Boulder Retirement Home, June 3, 2016 Prospective residents of retirement communities are more diligent than ever before. This is especially true … Read more

Since the 2008 recession — an event that remains influential in discussions about senior living — financial oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) has become a central concern for both prospective residents and regulators. Many people are unsure whether CCRCs are subject to formal financial regulation, so it helps to clarify how oversight works … Read more

If you follow our blog, you may recall past posts explaining the different types of contracts offered by continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities. Understanding these contract types in theory is one thing; interpreting an actual CCRC pricing sheet is another. Pricing sheets vary widely, and deciphering them is essential … Read more