When deciding whether to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, there are many factors to weigh. Financial details and contract terms matter greatly, but another consideration—one you won’t find in a brochure—can be just as important: your day-to-day happiness living there.
Happiness applies to anyone choosing a retirement community, but because moving to a CCRC is often a larger financial and lifestyle commitment, it’s especially important to make sure you’ll feel at home. Careful research and on-site observations can help you avoid surprises and ensure you’ll be glad you made the move.
Finding your “home, sweet home”
Here’s a real example: someone selected what they believed was the perfect corner apartment, then after moving in discovered early-morning delivery trucks passed right by the unit, with loud beeping and noise. They regretted not visiting at different times of day. Most people who move to a CCRC are happy with their choice, but some do have second thoughts before or after the move. While contracts sometimes allow an exit, doing so can be costly depending on timing.
With proper research and careful visits, though, you can increase the chances that your chosen community will truly feel like home.
What to look for and ask
How can you know if you’ll be happy in a particular CCRC? Consider these practical steps and questions as you evaluate communities.
Stay on site for a few days. Visit your top choices multiple times and at different times of day. Many communities offer guest suites—fully furnished independent-living units where prospective residents can stay overnight. Use that chance to see daily life firsthand. Is the guest suite clean and well maintained? Do appliances, HVAC, and plumbing work properly? If the short-stay experience doesn’t meet your standards, the long-term experience may not either.
>> Related: Guest Suites: A Chance to Shine (or Not)
Look at upkeep. Observe the general condition of the grounds and buildings. Are walls, floors, and common areas kept in good repair? Are carpets clean or worn? If maintenance seems lacking, ask whether renovations are planned; if not, poor upkeep could signal deeper issues.
Talk with other residents. Firsthand accounts are invaluable. Speak with current residents, and if possible members of the residents’ council, about how the community handles complaints and service requests. You want to live somewhere where concerns are addressed promptly and respectfully. Surveys of prospective residents often show that having a voice in the community is a top priority.
Understand the on-site healthcare services. CCRCs offer a continuum of care—from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing—but the scope varies. Confirm exactly which services are available on campus and where they are provided. Not every community includes comprehensive memory care, for example; if residents require specialized care later, they may need to move elsewhere.
>> Related: What is a “Continuum of Care”?
Eat several meals. Dining is a central part of CCRC life. Try the main dining room and any additional options such as bistros or cafés. Is the food appealing and varied? Are menu options flexible and suitable for special diets? Can you get takeout or off-hour meals? Since many residents rely on community dining regularly, food quality and service are important.
>> Related: Food for Thought: How CCRC Meal Plans Work
Understand the transportation options. Check what transportation services are available. Are rides scheduled only at set times, or can residents request individual trips to appointments or shopping? Is there an extra fee? Reliable, flexible transportation affects independence, especially for residents who no longer drive.
Consider your unique happiness needs
Beyond practical concerns, think about the personal aspects of happiness that matter to you and whether the community can support them.
If you love gardening, are there private yards, patio areas, or a community garden? If you enjoy cooking, are kitchen layouts and amenities suitable for preparing meals? If you have a pet, check the community’s pet policy. These lifestyle details can make a big difference in your daily satisfaction.
Practical factors—cost, amenities, financial stability of the community, and availability of care—are essential and should be clearly understood before signing a contract. But because you will be living in this community for years, also make sure it supports the routines, interests, and comforts that contribute to your long-term happiness. Don’t settle for a place that falls short of what you need to enjoy life every day.