Shopping for a CCRC: 10 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself and the Community

Choosing the right CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to, if you do your homework and start planning now. Knowing what questions to ask not only a community, but also yourself, is crucial on this journey that is both deeply personal and nuts-and-bolts practical.

Let’s explore 10 key questions to ask when shopping for a CCRC, also known as a Life Plan Community.

So much goes into this question, as today’s older adults can —and often do—have it all. Still, narrowing it down to one or two major criteria can provide a useful starting point for those considering a move to a senior community. Some of these might include:

• Lifestyle – Are you seeking a vibrant, active social calendar with new friends and opportunities, or is low-key more your style?
• Healthcare – Bearing in mind that your needs are apt to change over time, are tiered levels of care your top priority?
• Affordability – How much does your budget determine where you can realistically live now and in the future?
• Location – Is being near family, climate or the surrounding area top on your list of considerations?

You may find that many of today’s CCRCs check all the boxes on your wish list (how great is that?), so let’s dig deeper into further considerations.

There are few people for whom this question does not loom large. Senior communities vary greatly in cost and pricing structure and knowing what you can afford now and for the rest of your life is paramount. Here are some important things to consider when determining financial feasibility:

• What kind of contract(s) does the CCRC offer? Typically, there are three types: A) Life Care, with higher costs upfront but more predictable future costs; B) Modified, where some healthcare is included but there is limited coverage; and C) Fee-for-Service, whereby there is a lower entry fee but market rates are charged for additional care.
• Other things to ask or do when determining affordability are:
  • What is included in the monthly fee?
  • Are fees refundable to my estate after I pass away?
  • How often, and by how much, do fees increase?
  • What happens if I outlive my savings?
  • Review your insurance to see if long-term care or other benefits are covered.
  • Consult with a financial advisor to assess how a CCRC fits into your extended economic picture.
  • Use a personalized pre-qualification tool to assess affordability.

As the name suggests, most continuing care retirement communities offer a full range of care, beginning with independent living on up through assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. But it’s important to clarify what exactly each level entails, as care services can vary from community to community. Also, be sure to ask how changing needs are assessed as well as how easy it is to transition from one level of care to the next without leaving the campus.

This is a major consideration for couples moving to a CCRC. Even if you are both able to live independently when you first move into a community, chances are one of you will need more care before the other. Find out in advance how a community is structured in the case of differing needs. Ask if all care levels are on the same campus, and if so, how far each area is from another. Ask how often and easily you can visit with your partner. Can you dine together, go on outings together?

Often, a campus tour will show and tell a lot about a community’s team members, but here are some questions you can ask to give you a fuller picture of the care residents receive:

• What specific health care professionals are on staff?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Is the healthcare team available 24/7?
• Is there a dedicated healthcare center on campus?
• What safety features are in residents’ rooms?
• How are medical emergencies handled?

6. Are There Choices of Living Options?

A quality community should never follow a “cookie-cutter” approach. Ask if there are a variety of housing options, such as cottages and apartments. Are different floor plans and sizes offered among housing arrangements, and can they be customized to residents’ individual tastes? Can residents have their own garden, or is there a community garden(s) on campus? Are housekeeping and maintenance services available?

7. Can I Bring My Pet(s)?

Many CCRCs understand that Fido and Fifi are family but be sure to verify that your beloved pets are welcome, and how many. Ask too about special accommodations or amenities for pets, such as a dog park, walking trails or green spaces (enjoyed by people, too!)

There is no better way to explore a community than by getting a first-hand look, up close and in person. Plan a visit and soak in every detail of the personalized experience. Specifically, be on the lookout for:

• Cleanliness and maintenance, inside and outdoors
• Friendly, respectful exchanges between residents and team members; team members should know residents by name
• Robust resident engagement in activities; no one seems isolated
• Friendly, inclusive interactions among all residents; lack of “cliques”
• Fresh, healthy, tasty-looking menu items and clean, stylish dining areas 
• Attractive, ample common areas (dining rooms, fitness center, library, trails, green spaces, gardens, etc.)
• Transparency from staff; it’s a red flag if team members avoid tough questions or are evasive.
  
  

Baby Boomers are coming into retirement, and demand for senior housing far outweighs supply.  Indeed, the gap between available housing and older adults is widening exponentially. It is literally never too soon to start shopping for a CCRC, as wait lists for some communities can be as long as five years or more. It’s essential to ask any community of interest how long their waiting list is and how you can get on it if the fit is right and you are ready to join the community. 

Despite long waiting lists for many communities, there are steps you can take now to prepare for a move to a CCRC. A crucial one is downsizing. Regardless of the size of your eventual accommodations, you will inevitably have things you cannot fit into your new space and no longer need. Use this time to decide what those things are and begin to let them go. Consider hiring a move manager when transitioning to a senior community. Senior move managers can significantly reduce stress and ensure a smooth, organized move tailored to the unique needs of older adults. 

Having the luxury of time also allows you to explore multiple CCRCs, even those in different regions, at your own pace. What’s more, it gives you the opportunity to begin the decision-making process before a crisis arises, helping you avoid rushed choices and limited options.

Start planning your move today.
Use MoneyGauge, our free, secure affordability calculator!