When I speak with residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, I frequently hear how pleased they are with their decision to move. Residents often praise wellness programs, a strong sense of community, helpful amenities that simplify daily life, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a continuum of care is available if needed.
Occasionally, however, I hear about dissatisfaction. Recently a resident told me about a friend who loved everything about their CCRC—until they had to move into the community’s healthcare center. Once there, the experience changed dramatically, and that person ultimately chose to leave the community.
Keeping a promise
Care in a CCRC healthcare center—commonly still called a nursing home—is delivered by licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), registered nurses (RNs), and nursing aides. The quality of care often depends on how much time residents spend with RNs versus LPNs/LVNs or aides, and on the skills and dedication of the staff.
Many CCRC healthcare centers offer excellent care, and disappointing stories like the one above are relatively rare. When problems do arise, they usually relate to staffing levels or the nature of care residents expected to receive when they moved in.
That expectation matters. Moving into a CCRC is a significant financial and emotional commitment, and residents deserve to trust that the community will deliver the level of care promised when it’s needed.
How to research the CCRC healthcare center
It’s understandable that many people prefer not to focus on the healthcare center until it becomes necessary. Still, because the healthcare center is a distinguishing feature of CCRCs, its quality should influence your decision. To evaluate the care you can expect, do some targeted research ahead of time. Consider these steps:
CMS rating
If the community accepts Medicare, you can check the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) five-star ratings for nursing homes on Medicare.gov. The CMS information includes quality measures, safety inspection results, fines, and staffing ratios that show average daily RN time versus aides. These staffing details are useful indicators of the level of clinical care a facility can provide. Note that private-pay-only communities that are not Medicare-certified will not appear in this database.
Records of complaint
Each state has a long-term care ombudsman program—often an underused but valuable resource. Ombudsmen are advocates who help residents and families file formal complaints and can provide information about regulatory violations or grievances lodged against a facility. You can also ask the community directly whether it keeps and shares a record of complaints; how openly they respond is itself informative.
Observe for yourself
Arrange a visit to the community’s healthcare center. Even a brief tour can reveal a lot: whether staff appear engaged and content, whether the facility is clean and free of unpleasant odors, whether common areas feel welcoming, and whether residents look well cared for. Pay attention to room arrangements—private rooms versus semi-private rooms—and whether there’s adequate space for personal items.
Staff pride…and turnover
Employee satisfaction and tenure often reflect how a facility is managed. Ask about average staff tenure and turnover rates. While caregiving jobs can be demanding and the industry typically experiences substantial turnover, unusually high rates can indicate workforce dissatisfaction or management problems, which can affect resident care. Also, notice whether management speaks proudly and confidently about their healthcare services and innovations, or if they seem reluctant to discuss them.
Ask others
Firsthand accounts are invaluable. If you know residents or family members who have used the healthcare services at the facility, ask about their experiences. These personal perspectives often provide an honest sense of day-to-day care quality.
Get what you paid for
A CCRC can boast beautiful buildings and upscale amenities, but those advantages matter less if the community cannot recruit and retain skilled nursing staff. Moving to a CCRC typically involves a substantial entry fee and ongoing costs; part of that investment is meant to secure future care. Do your due diligence when researching a community’s healthcare center to ensure the care you may eventually need matches the promise the community makes.
To explore CCRCs in your area, use your preferred community search tools and ask specific questions about their healthcare centers, staffing, complaint history, and resident experiences before making a commitment.