The Vista Blog

Choosing the right senior living community is an important decision for older adults and their families. As you explore your options, you may come across the term continuing care retirement community, or CCRC. These communities offer a unique approach to retirement living by providing a range of services, amenities, and care options designed to support residents as their needs change over time.

If you are considering a CCRC for yourself or a loved one, you likely have questions about how these communities work and what type of lifestyle they provide.

What is a CCRC?

A CCRC, also known as a life plan community, is a senior living community that offers multiple levels of care within one campus or organization. Depending on the community, residents may have access to independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.

The goal of a CCRC is to provide a supportive living environment where residents can maintain their independence and vibrant lifestyle now, with on-site services and amenities, while having access to additional care if their health needs change.

What type of care is offered in a CCRC?

While services vary by community, common options include:

• Independent living: Designed for older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with opportunities for social engagement, recreational activities, and convenient services
• Assisted living: Provides help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and personal care
• Memory care: Offers specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
• Skilled nursing: Provides a higher level of medical supervision and nursing services for residents who require more comprehensive care

What are the common types of CCRC contracts?

CCRCs offer a variety of contract types with varying financial stipulations, depending on how inclusive of a package you are looking for. Typically, a one-time entry fee is paid (often funded by the sale of a current home), and then a monthly service fee is charged for routine maintenance, included amenities and services, and depending on your contract type, access to a continuum of care services should you end up needing them in the long-term, such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.

Common contract types include:

• Fee-for-service contract: Often chosen by those who would like to self-insure or who have long-term care insurance, with a fee-for-service contract you will pay the then-current rate for whatever care services you need when you need them.
• Life-care contract: This contract type includes access to care services in the monthly rate, so if you, your spouse, or both of you require assisted living, memory support, or long-term skilled nursing care, you would continue to pay the same monthly fee, plus charges for ancillary services. This option may save you significant money if you require long-term care for an extended period.

Be sure you understand the financial terms of your CCRC agreement before signing.

Who is eligible to move into a CCRC?

Most CCRCs are designed for older adults who can live independently when they first move in but want peace of mind for their future. CCRCs allows you to age in place, so it’s really never too early to consider making the move. Because there is so much to do and so many opportunities for enrichment and social connection, moving into a CCRC can help you stay fit, active, and independent for as long as possible.

What amenities and activities are available at CCRCs?

CCRCs often provide a variety of amenities and activities designed to support residents’ physical, social, and emotional wellness and help them continue to live fulfilling lives.

Depending on the community, these may include:

• Fitness centers, swimming pools, and exercise classes
• On-site dining
• Clubs, educational programs, and hobby groups
• Live music and entertainment
• Arts, crafts, and cultural events and programs
• Social events and festive themed parties
• Outdoor walking paths, gardens, and recreational spaces
• Scheduled transportation for off-site trips and excursions
• Health and wellness programs

When touring a CCRC, ask to see the activity calendar, explore the common areas, and speak with residents about their experiences. This can help you determine whether the community’s lifestyle aligns with your interests and preferences.

What questions should I ask during a CCRC tour?

Touring any prospective community gives you a chance to experience its culture, services, and environment firsthand.

During your tour, consider asking the following questions:

• What types of contracts are available and how do they work?
• What are the different floor plans that are available?
• Which levels of care are offered (such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehab)?
• How does the transition process work if I need to move to a different level of care?
• What daily activities, fitness classes, and social clubs are most popular here?
• What services (like housekeeping, utilities, and transportation) are included in the monthly fee?
• Can you explain how the dining plan works and show me the different menu options?
• Can I speak with current residents about their experience with life in the community?
• How do residents have a voice or say in campus decisions and community life?
• What safety and security measures are in place?

Taking notes during each visit can make it easier to compare your options later.

Is a CCRC right for me?

If you’re looking for a community that provides a robust, vibrant lifestyle with the security of knowing you’ll be cared for in the future, a CCRC may be right for you. The biggest benefit of moving to a CCRC is the convenience of being able to live independently for as long as possible, and if the need for additional care arises, the transition is easier because you are already comfortable and at home in the community. This type of senior living community is also ideal for couples who may have differing independence levels so that you may remain near one another even as your care needs change.

Learn More About Life at The Vista

If you think a CCRC might be the right choice for you, we would love to tell you more about The Vista. At North Jersey’s premier CCRC, residents enjoy stunning amenities, diverse on-site dining options, a robust calendar of social events and activities, and a close-knit community atmosphere. With everything you need just steps from your door, you’ll be free to live your life your way: stress-free, full of possibility, and with certainty about tomorrow.

To learn more or to schedule a tour, please call (201) 848-4200 or fill out our simple form.