When choosing a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, it’s natural to have many questions. At MyLifeSite we regularly cover contract types, financial considerations, healthcare services, and other key topics to help you make an informed choice.
There are also less obvious but important questions to ask when evaluating a CCRC. I’ve learned this from conversations with prospective and current residents and from staying as a guest in nearly 100 different communities. (If available, using a community’s guest suite is a valuable way to experience daily life there; note that availability may be limited due to Covid-19 precautions.)
>> Related: How Do I Know If I’ll Be Happy Living in This CCRC?
Questions to ask the CCRC
Below are several questions many prospects overlook but that can meaningfully affect your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind when choosing a community and selecting a specific independent living residence.
- Will outdoor lighting shine into my bedroom at night? Good exterior lighting is vital for safety, but it’s easy to miss how lights affect a particular unit unless you visit it after dark. Check whether outdoor lights illuminate the bedroom and whether window treatments or other options can block unwanted light. Also ask if exterior lights operate on timers or sensors that could change at different times of year.
- Is there adequate parking for me, visitors, and people with mobility needs? Although public transit is improving in many areas, most residents still rely on cars. Confirm there is convenient, nearby parking for your vehicle, guest parking, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities.
- Are there plans for future expansion that could affect my residence? Many CCRCs own undeveloped land reserved for growth. Learn whether your unit faces potential construction or new buildings, how expansion could change your view or privacy, and the likely timing. Expansion can be positive by signaling demand and supporting long-term financial health, but it’s important to understand possible impacts before you commit.
- Is the front desk or concierge regularly staffed and responsive? Observe whether someone is typically available at reception when you visit and whether staff appear helpful and attentive. The receptionist or concierge often shapes the atmosphere of common areas, and residents benefit from consistent, face-to-face access to staff when questions or needs arise.
- When is an entry fee refund paid if I permanently vacate my independent living residence? If your contract includes a refundable or partially refundable entry fee, clarify the conditions and timing of refunds. Ask whether refunds are issued when you move to another residence in the community, when you transition to full-time nursing care, only after the unit is resold, or only after you leave the community or pass away. Many communities require the residence to be resold before a refund is released, so get the details to avoid surprises.
- What written policies and procedures exist for emergencies? Ensure the community has documented protocols for emergencies relevant to your region—hurricanes, earthquakes, severe storms—along with plans for active shooter scenarios, infection prevention, and outbreak containment. Ask how staff are trained on these procedures, how often drills are conducted, and how residents are notified and assisted during an emergency.
- Have there been complaints of elder abuse or sexual harassment by staff or residents? Ask about any history of harassment or abuse within the community, including both healthcare and independent living areas. If incidents occurred in the past, inquire how long ago they happened and what corrective actions and safeguards were put in place. Ask about current policies for reporting, investigation, and resident protection. Your local ombudsman can also be a useful resource for complaint history and oversight.
>> Related: The Great Debate: Rental or Entry Fee Retirement Community?
Coming soon: The Ultimate CCRC Checklist
At MyLifeSite our mission is to make sure you not only get answers to the questions you already know to ask, but that you also know the right questions to raise in the first place. Some concerns are obvious, while others only become apparent after you move in—so advance planning matters.
To help you cover all the essentials, we are finalizing our Ultimate CCRC Checklist. This comprehensive checklist has been a year in development and will be available as a free downloadable resource. Watch for an announcement in the coming weeks with details on how to access it.