Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a senior living community providing a continuum of care for older adults. CCRCs allow seniors to “age in place” over time and move from one housing option to another without changing where they live or losing friends and activities they enjoy.

Man and women living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Typically CCRCs offer several facility options on the same campus, including:

  • Independent Living.
  • Assisted Living.
  • Memory Care.
  • Skilled Nursing Care.

This allows seniors to seamlessly move to the level of care they need as their health and abilities change over time. In addition to housing and care services, CCRCs often provide a range of amenities and services, such as dining, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.

Benefits of living in a CCRC

  • Aging in place:

    By offering a range of housing options and care services, seniors can remain in the same community, even as their needs change over time. They can maintain social connections, retain familiarity with the community and its grounds, and avoid the stress of moving to a new location.

  • Peace of mind:

    Many older adults worry that as their needs change, they’ll have to go through the challenging task of finding a new senior living facility. By offering a range of options, CCRCs provide residents and their family members with peace of mind, knowing that they will receive the care they need, even as their health and abilities change over time.

  • Amenities and services:

    CCRCs often provide a range of services, including housekeeping, dining, transportation, social activities, and assistance as needed, which can enhance residents' quality of life and promote social connections.

  • Access to primary healthcare services:

    Some CCRCs have on-site healthcare providers or clinics to help with basic medical needs. They also provide transportation to local healthcare service providers. A top priority is assisting seniors to maintain their health and independence, avoiding hospitalizations or emergency room visits.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) FAQs

What’s the difference between a CCRC and other senior living options?

A CCRC houses a variety of living options, each of which may also exist independently. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, and Memory Care facilities may exist as standalone entities. Any of the options will provide the same or similar benefits, whether or not they are part of a CCRC. The main difference is that a CCRC facilitates the seamless transition from one to the next. This provides peace of mind for residents and their families, knowing that their changing health or requirements can be handled with minimal stress or inconvenience.

How do I know if a CCRC is the right choice for me or my loved one?

When considering whether it’s time for you or your family member to move into a CCRC, take into account the following criteria:

  • Are you ready to move to Independent Living or Assisted Living and anxious to find a solution that will let you move seamlessly to the next level of care when needed?
  • Are you looking for a safer environment with additional security?
  • Are you seeking a greater sense of community, with peers nearby to share interests, activities, and social engagement?
  • Are you ready to delegate the chores of maintenance and repairs, housekeeping, and other home-owning responsibilities?

With so many questions and factors to consider, connect with one of our Senior Living Advisors, who can help you evaluate the best options to meet your needs. Our team is ready to help you assess CCRCs and other options to ensure you find the right solution for your situation.

Return to Senior Living Options

Let’s discuss how we can help.

Contact Us