What is a CCRC Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Many people have never heard of a CCRC Continuing Care Retirement Community.  In fact, I had no idea that they existed until just a few years ago when my mother and father in-law needed a little more care and I had to figure out the best way for them to continue to have an active lifestyle but still have the care they needed.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC is a community where you live independently in your apartment or villa with the knowledge that if you need more help (nursing care, etc.) it's right there in your community...you don't have to move away from your friends.  Aside from that the communities have a similar atmosphere to a cruise ship.  There are activities all day ranging from crafts to dance to learning a language or learning to use the computer or playing cards or other games with a group.  There are also healthy living classes for aerobics, water aerobics and a gym.  There are usually community parties every month with dancing and parties for all holidays.

On property there will be a clubhouse, gym, pool, restaurant, party room, craft room, healthcare facility and walking trails all within easy walking distance from your condo.  If you have trouble walking all communities offer pick-up service to drive you in a golf cart to the clubhouse.  There are always people around to help you and all condo's have call buttons if an emergency arises and you need help immediately.  I've also noticed that residents are checked in on if they don't leave their condo in any 24 hour period.     

One of the ways I determine which community is best for me is to eat in their restaurant, you can tell a lot about a place by the food they serve.  If there are frozen fish sticks on the menu, I would probably look elsewhere.  Also, if the aroma coming out of the kitchen doesn't make your mouth water there is another reason to look at another community.     

Another great thing about CCRC's is that most will refund most of the initial buy-in back when you move out.    There are now some communities that don't require a buy-in they just charge a monthly fee.  Your monthly fees usually covers all on-property activities, housekeeping and 1 meal a day in the restaurant.  

All communities offer bus service to doctors, grocery shopping, church and off property events such as concerts, theater, trips, etc.