Top Senior Living Articles from 2020: Our Most Read Posts

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As 2020 comes to a close, many of us are glad to put the year behind us and look forward to 2021. Before we move on, here’s a look back at the five myLifeSite senior living blog posts from 2020 that gathered the most attention. #5: 4 Ways to Know You’re Ready to Consider a … Read more

How Life Plan Communities Help Couples Stay Close

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It was a heartbreaking story out of Alberta, Canada that recently made headlines. Terry and Alma Bonnett, married for 66 years, have been forced to live apart because they require different levels of care. Alma, 89, suffered a hip fracture last year and now needs assistance in a long-term care (LTC) facility. Terry, 84, needs … Read more

CCRC Living Options for Introverts and Extroverts: Find Your Fit

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Have you ever taken a Myers-Briggs personality test? If so, you likely discovered where you fall on the spectrum between introversion and extroversion. The introvert/extrovert distinction in that test draws on the theories of psychiatrist Carl Jung and can be a helpful window into how people prefer to interact with the world. Introverts aren’t simply … Read more

Independent Living Centers Explained: Services, Benefits, and How They Help

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When considering retirement communities for those aged 55 and older, there are several distinct options available. Some providers focus on residents who can live fully or mostly independently, while others are designed for people who need help with daily activities or higher levels of medical care. A third group of providers offers a full continuum … Read more

Guide to Assessing a CCRC’s Financial Viability Quickly

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Deciding to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, is often like purchasing an insurance policy against uncertain future needs. You may worry about being unable to maintain your home, living safely on your own, or needing care your partner cannot provide. CCRCs offer a continuum of … Read more

Moving into a CCRC: What New Residents Feel and Why It’s Normal

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In last week’s blog post, I shared another study finding that people who choose to move to a retirement community, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community, tend to be healthier and happier overall than those who remain in their long-time homes. I noted then that these benefits don’t always … Read more

3 Ways to Finance a Life Plan Community Entry Fee

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So you’ve researched options, visited several communities, and picked the life plan community (also called a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) that feels right for you. One remaining hurdle for many people is how to pay the entry fee. Most life plan communities require an entrance fee to fund the range of services available … Read more

Why Choosing a Medicare-Certified Senior Care Center Matters

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The terminology used in senior living and healthcare can be confusing. Many terms sound similar but carry different meanings. One phrase that often puzzles people is “Medicare-certified” when applied to senior care providers. Below is a clear, practical explanation of what that designation means and how it affects care and costs. What is a senior … Read more

Refundable Entry Fees: Why It’s Time to Reform Event Pricing

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I am a strong supporter of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities, especially those that are well-managed, financially stable, and prioritize residents and staff. Compared with the many challenges and uncertainties of aging at home—especially when mobility or cognitive abilities decline—CCRCs offer peace of mind for residents and their families, along … Read more

What Does a Continuum of Care Mean in Senior Living?

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As people age, their health and lifestyle needs change, and the support they receive should adapt with them. If you’re researching senior living options—especially continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities—you’ve likely encountered the phrase “continuum of care.” It describes the range of services a community may provide as residents’ needs evolve. … Read more