The array of retirement living options available to individuals 55 and over is one reason that finding the right community to enjoy the coming years can take some time and research. However, choosing a Life Plan Retirement Community or CCRC like Arbors of Hop Brook helps simplify and streamline this search. Why? If you are looking for a setting that both supports a current independent lifestyle and offers levels of care that may be needed in the future, a continuing care retirement community provides this continuum of care. To help, the following guide offers more about this retirement living opportunity including its benefits, common services and amenities.
What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
A popular type of senior living community, a continuing care retirement community offers a place to call home for all of your retirement experiences. CCRCs provide older adults the freedom to live life on their own terms and access to various levels of care as their needs change. Consequently, you can travel the world and let the building handle residential maintenance. Or, in the event of a fall, you can recuperate on-site without having to leave your retirement community. On the same campus, residents enjoy independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing as fits the needs that each of their years in the community may bring. For a single living environment that offers flexibility and adaptability both now and in the future, a CCRC may be the perfect option for you or a loved one.
What are the Benefits of Continuing Care Retirement Communities?
In addition to freedom and comprehensive care coverage available in a CCRC like Arbors of Hop Brook, there are even more benefits that accompany this senior living choice. As further explored in the Arbors of Hop Brook Senior Living Magazine, here are 5 advantages you might find in a CCRC that may or may not be available in another retirement setting:
- Priority: While your senior exercise routine certainly aids in fall prevention, learning to surf during this year’s tropical getaway was a choice accompanied by this potential risk. If you need some rehab following a recent adventure or the less glamorous trip over that crumpled throw rug, generally current CCRC residents have priority admission to rehab facilities. For example, at Arbors, patients who need rehab have priority admission to the Manchester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. For post-hospital rehabilitation or long-term or skilled nursing care, all of these tiers of care are available at a CCRC, like Arbors of Hop Brook.
- Customized support: In addition to priority care, CCRCs often work with individuals and families to formulate custom care plans suited to the specific levels of resident care. For example, the Arbors Advantage is designed for residents intending to age in place. From greater levels of personal care to coordinating treatments, the help of a knowledgeable support team can provide security and comfort during these years. At Arbors, we even have our own moving coordination program, Moving Made Simple.
- More predictable care costs: Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community streamlines the search for senior living and financial planning. Instead of loved ones having to negotiate unexpected health needs or home maintenance expenses, predictable care costs help alleviate budget uncertainty. As a result, instead of worrying about how to negotiate the nursing bills or transportation fees, residents (and their loved ones) can focus on living their best lives or restoring themselves to their best health, if needed.
- Expanded opportunities and included services: Have you had your fill of cleaning out the gutters or doing home improvements? Are you excited to have a greater breadth of activities and events available to you and even designed especially for you? Enjoy a more carefree life, new experiences and a variety of services and amenities right on-site when you live at a CCRC.
- Peace of mind for you and your loved ones: People often move into a CCRC with their spouses or may choose one where they already have some longtime friends. Since any possible care that may be needed is available, this benefit gives older adults peace of mind that their loved ones won’t need to make hard decisions about relocation or other arrangements on their behalf should their healthcare needs change as they age.
What Services & Amenities Do Continuing Care Retirement Communities Provide?
This comprehensive approach to care is further supported by extensive wellness programs designed to nourish the mind and spirit, as well as the body, and even more services and amenities. Like the experiences at different types of senior living communities, specific services and amenities can also vary. However, some of the common offerings are listed below:
- Dining services
- Personal raised garden beds
- Transportation
- Emergency services
- Exercise programming and game rooms
- On-site barber shops, beauty salons, and manicurists
- Massage therapy
- Activities rooms and arts & crafts rooms
- On-site and off-site events
- Wellness centers and healthcare services
- On-site storage units
- Private dining options
- 24/7 security
- 24-hour emergency services
- Personal care services
- Accessible laundry facilities
- Maintenance services such as trash removal, water and sewer, and more
The cost of a continuing care retirement community can vary based on the services and amenities offered. A CCRC that offers fewer services and amenities may cost less than one that offers a full suite of services and perks. In choosing the best senior living community for them, older adults can weigh the costs against their desired services and amenities in making their final selection.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about CCRCs
Are there different types of CCRCs?
Yes, there are two types of CCRCs: rental CCRCs and life plan CCRCs (as mainly discussed here). Life plan CCRCs like Arbors of Hop Brook guarantee their independent living residents’ placement in their assisted living or skilled nursing communities if the need arises. There are also differences in costs and fees.
How much does a CCRC cost?
As explained by U.S.News, the costs vary depending on a multitude of factors. Additionally, some services are included in the base cost of a CCRC and others may require fees or other payment methods.
Are there different types of CCRC contracts?
Yes, there are, and this guide from Sensible Financial Planning further explores the contracts that you may encounter. Remember, the specific terms may also differ from contract to contract, so it’s best to review each contract thoroughly and consult an experienced elder law attorney before signing.
Continuing care retirement communities are an increasingly popular option for older adults who want to maintain their independence as long as possible while having the peace of mind that their needs will be met as they grow older. CCRCs like Arbors of Hop Brook offer an array of services and amenities to provide a carefree, enjoyable, and convenient lifestyle for older adults who want to maintain a vibrant and active lifestyle long into their golden years. If you are looking for a continuing care retirement community east of the Connecticut River, come visit the award-winning Arbors of Hop Brook today. Experience all that our community has to offer in person or start with a virtual tour and these glimpses into our experience. For a senior living option that fits you today and through your many tomorrows, schedule a tour today!