September 2008 - I don’t know how many readers are familiar with the term “Continuing Care Retirement Community” (CCRC), but I want to take the opportunity to provide some definition and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such a community.

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

A CCRC often provides, in a campus-like setting, comprehensive services for seniors that include housing for independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all in one community.  Many CCRCs are private, non-profit organizations, and many have religious affiliations.  According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, about 350,000 residents currently live in approximately 1,200 CCRCs across the United States.

The number of residents in a CCRC varies, but the average is about 300 per community.  Initially, residents typically lead an active lifestyle while living in independent housing residences.  If additional services or health care is ever needed, residents have priority to the higher levels of care – assisted living and skilled nursing.

Residents commonly pay an initial entrance fee and an on-going monthly fee thereafter.  These fees vary considerably depending on factors such as the level of financial risk for long-term care services, the size of the residential unit chosen, whether fees are for single individuals or couples, and the type of additional services and amenities provided.

How is the quality of living in a CCRC?

The quality of living at a CCRC is generally very good. Statistics show that CCRC residents have a life expectancy which is longer than other elderly individuals.  It has also been found that CCRCs reduce the risk of disease and disability and improve the health and functioning of their residents.

What causes the noticeable health benefits of living in a CCRC?

Many have attributed the improved health of residents to the more active approach that CCRCs take towards health care.  CCRCs combine a variety of services that may affect the overall wellness of their residents.  These services, along with a clear strategy of health promotion by the communities, encourage residents to be more involved in maintaining their own health.  Other practices common to CCRCs may also help to explain the healthier lives of their residents.  These include the continuous care offered by an on-site nursing staff and social workers, and the removal of the responsibilities for the care and maintenance of a private home, reducing overall demands on residents.

CCRCs promote good health for their residents by encouraging exercise, proper nutrition, and social involvement.  Many CCRCs attempt to maintain their residents' health and functioning through disease prevention and early detection of health problems.  The key difference between a Continuing Care Retirement Community and an Assisted Living Facility is that a CCRC is committed to managing a resident’s needs regardless of changes in health for life.  An Assisted Living Facility is not committed to meeting an individual’s needs for their entire life.  As an individual’s health declines, the Assisted Living Facility setting may no longer be appropriate and another setting in a separate physical location, such as a skilled nursing facility, could become a more appropriate option.

What are the advantages of living in a CCRC?

Unlimited Access to Health Care.  Residents are able to obtain all forms of care necessary through the continuum of care provided.  Movement between the three levels of care is made while attempting to keep the resident as independent as possible, making the increasing need for extensive health care less disruptive and difficult.

Supportive Environment.  CCRCs offer support and caring, not only from residents, but from staff as well.  The focus on social interaction and involvement encourages residents to develop family-like ties to their community.

What are the disadvantages of living in a CCRC?

Perceptions of Affordability.  Many CCRCs are not affordable for the average elderly individual.  However, some like Heritage Village (see below) are very affordable and offer a surprising range of affordable living options.

Change in Lifestyle. Moving into a CCRC may be difficult for certain individuals because of the apprehension that many have about leaving their homes, but also because of the adjustment process that is often necessary for a move to group living.  New residents often find some communities to be very friendly and supportive environments and make the transition quite smoothly.

Heritage Village (Gerry, New York)

Heritage Ministries Management Company provides administrative services to both Heritage Village Retirement Campus and Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing in Gerry, New York.  Together, Heritage Village would be defined by New York State as a “Look-Alike” or “Independent Market Rate Continuing Care Retirement Community”.  Since 1971, Heritage Village has offered the advantages of a CCRC with independent living housing in both cottages and apartments at Heritage Village Retirement Campus, assisted living apartments and services in Bergquist Memorial, and rehab and skilled nursing services in Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing.

Because of demand for more independent living housing and larger residences, Heritage Village Retirement Campus is currently constructing Hillview Cottages on its spacious Gerry campus.  These cottages are now available in a one or two-bedroom floor plan.  As with current residents, new residents will take advantage of all the benefits associated with continuing care.  To schedule a visit and learn more about the Hillview Cottages call Sandy Ahlgren at (716) 985-6839 or click here .