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 to making a clear comparison between communities.
One major source of confusion is the lack of a consistent, industry-wide format for presenting pricing. The CCRC field does not follow a single standard for how fees and contract options are displayed, so comparing two communities directly can be difficult for prospective residents and their families.
3 communities, 3 different pricing sheets
To illustrate how pricing can be displayed differently, I randomly reviewed pricing information from three CCRCs. Below is an overview of the formats I encountered and what to look for when researching communities.
Community 1: Separate pricing grid for each contract type
In this format, each contract type has its own pricing grid. This makes it easy to identify the entry fee and monthly fee by floor plan and by occupancy (single or double).
| Name of Floorplan | Single Occ. Monthly Fee | Double Occ. Monthly Fee | Single Occ. Entry Fee |
Double Occ. Entry Fee |
Note that if the community offers a fee-for-service contract (Type C), the rates for assisted living, memory care, and healthcare are often shown on a separate page. Even communities that offer an all-inclusive lifecare contract (Type A) may include a separate list of potential ancillary charges.
If multiple residency contract options are available—each with a different level of entry fee refundability—expect to see a separate sheet for each contract type with its own pricing grid.
Community 2: All contracts in a single grid
Some communities consolidate all contract types into one pricing table. This single-grid approach can simplify comparison across refundable contract options but may omit occupancy distinctions.
| Name of Floorplan | Entry Fee for Traditional Contract | Entry Fee for 50% Return of Capital Contract | Entry Fee for 90% Return of Capital Contract | Monthly Service Fee |
When single versus double occupancy isn’t shown in the main grid, look for a footnote that lists the additional monthly or entry fee for a second resident. Sometimes entry fees remain the same across refundable contract options while monthly service fees vary instead; other times the reverse is true.
As with the previous example, fee-for-service (Type C) pricing for care services will usually be detailed separately.
Community 3: Separate tables for entry fees, monthly fees, and second-resident charges
Another common layout separates the components into distinct tables: one for entry fees and another for monthly service fees. This forces you to consult multiple grids when calculating total costs for a particular floor plan and contract type.
| Name of Floorplan | Entry Fee for Traditional Contract | Entry Fee for 50% Return of Capital Contract | Entry fee for 90% Return of Capital Contract |
Typically there will be a footnote that specifies any additional entry fee required for a second resident (double occupancy). A separate table then lists monthly service fees, often with single and double occupancy shown side by side.
| Name of Floorplan | Single Occ. Monthly Fee | Double Occ. Monthly Fee |
Additional costs
The examples above focus on entry fees and base monthly service fees, but there are often additional or optional charges you should consider. These are usually listed on separate sheets or in a detailed fee schedule.
Most CCRCs include a sheet that clarifies which amenities and services are covered by the monthly service fee and which extras incur additional charges. Common optional costs include garages or parking, extra meals, beauty or barber services, additional housekeeping, private home health services, and other add-on amenities.
Because some communities include many services in their base fee while others include much less, it’s essential to compare the lists of included services when evaluating value. A lower monthly fee does not always mean lower overall cost if fewer services are included.
The numbers game
Deciding to move to a CCRC is a significant financial choice. To make an informed decision, learn how each community presents pricing and contract options, and request complete fee schedules and lists of included services. Understanding the different ways pricing is displayed will help you compare communities accurately and choose the community that best matches your financial situation and care expectations.