Moving to a CCRC is a BIG decision!
I spoke with someone recently who is a resident of one of the Continuing Care Retirement Communities in our area (sometimes referred to as “CCRC’s” or “Life Care Communities”). I asked him why he chose that particular community and he responded that it was because of a golf package they offer with membership. I have to say that his answer caught me a bit off guard. Okay, I completely understand that for someone who really enjoys golf this is a nice benefit but surely there was more to his decision, right?
A couple of weeks later I met with a local elder care attorney to tell her about our business and how we help people make the right decisions when it comes to choosing a CCRC. When I told her about the gentleman who said his decision was based on the golf benefits offered she quickly exclaimed, “What happens when he can’t play golf any longer?”
Her response was spot-on. As an elder law attorney she has seen what can happen when poor decisions are made or, perhaps, when a lack of thought and planning goes into making big life decisions. If you have ever visited a Continuing Care Retirement Community you know that most are very nice. I have heard them described as living at a country club or a resort hotel and they offer wonderful amenities. It is easy for a prospective resident to get caught up in these amenities, and all of the exquisiteness of the independent living stage, without thinking through the really important details that need to be considered.
Ultimately, the main purpose of the CCRC is, as the name implies, to provide continuing care as the resident progresses through stages of care. CCRC’s are unique from other retirement communities primarly because they operate under this “continuum of care concept.” Yet, it seems that very few prospective residents think about the care that will be available when they need it when, in fact, this is probably where most of the attention should be given.
Consider a situation where a couple moves in to a CCRC in their early 70’s. They are very active and still very healthy. However, 10 years later the husband begins developing dementia and the wife is no longer able to get around without assistance. At that point, the exquisite amenties will not matter nearly as much. What will matter is that the couple payed several hundred thousand dollars, plus monthly fees, to make sure the appropriate level of care would be there for them when they needed it most. Neither they, nor their adult children, would want anything less than the best level of care. If it turns out that the care provided is not what they hoped they may be stuck in a situation where they cannot move without losing their entire entrance fee.
Moving to a CCRC is a big decision. It is a significant financial and lifestyle commitment that is probably unique from any other decision you have ever made. Please be sure to do the appropriate research and think through the long-term aspects of your decision.If you desire to have professional guidance from a totally objective resource about the details you need to consider please contact us at 877-699-2272 or locally at 919-773-2386. You may also send an email to info@carolinacontinuingcare.com or visit our website at www.carolinacontinuingcare.com.