A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community, is a senior living option that provides a full continuum of care — from independent living through assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — all on one campus. Residents move in while still independent and have guaranteed access to higher levels of care as needs change, without having to relocate.
54 steps across 9 sections
1. Assess Your Readiness
- Are you willing to sell your current home and relocate?
- Do you have the financial resources for the entrance fee and monthly costs?
- Are you attracted to maintenance-free living with built-in social activities?
- Do you value having guaranteed access to higher levels of care on the same campus?
- Is your current home becoming difficult to maintain or isolating?
- Are you ready to make this commitment while still healthy (most CCRCs require health screening)?
2. Understand Contract Types
- Type A (Life Care/Extensive) Highest entrance fee; predictable monthly costs regardless of care level; includes unlimited nursing care at little or no additional cost
- Type B (Modified) Moderate entrance fee; includes a set amount of health care services; additional care at discounted rates beyond the included amount
- Type C (Fee-for-Service) Lower entrance fee; you pay market rates for healthcare services as needed; most financial risk on the resident
- Rental/Type D No entrance fee; monthly rent with services available at market rates; most flexible but no care guarantee
3. Research Communities in Your Area
- Use the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or eldercare.acl.gov
- Contact the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for accredited communities
- Visit LeadingAge.org for member communities
- Ask friends, family, and financial advisors for recommendations
- Attend virtual or in-person information sessions offered by communities
4. Evaluate Financial Stability of the Community
- Request audited financial statements (communities should willingly share these)
- Check for CARF accreditation (indicates quality standards and financial health)
- Review the community's occupancy rate (healthy communities maintain 90%+ occupancy)
- Ask about reserve funds and how they handle unexpected expenses
- Inquire about the history of monthly fee increases (typical: 3-5%/year)
- Check for any outstanding lawsuits, regulatory actions, or financial difficulties
5. Visit and Experience the Community
- Take a detailed tour of ALL care levels: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing
- Stay for a meal in the dining room to evaluate food quality and social atmosphere
- Attend an activity or event to experience the community culture
- Stay overnight if the community offers trial stays
- Talk to current residents — ask about their experience, complaints, and what they love
- Visit at different times of day and days of the week
6. Evaluate Services and Amenities
- Healthcare On-site clinic, physician visits, pharmacy, rehabilitation services
- Dining Number of venues, menu variety, special diet accommodations, included meals
- Activities Fitness centers, pools, classes, clubs, educational programs, arts
- Personal services Housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, transportation
- Outdoor spaces Walking paths, gardens, grounds maintenance
- Location Proximity to hospitals, shopping, family, cultural activities, and public transit
- Technology Wi-Fi, emergency call systems, telehealth capabilities
7. Review the Contract Thoroughly
- Have an elder law attorney review the contract before signing
- Understand the entrance fee structure:
- Is any portion refundable? Under what conditions? (0%, 50%, 90% refundable options)
- What happens if you leave or pass away within 1, 5, or 10 years?
- Is the entrance fee amortized over time?
- Clarify monthly fee details: what is included, what costs extra, how increases are determined
- Understand the healthcare guarantee: how is the transition to higher care levels handled?
- Review the discharge/transfer policy: under what circumstances can the community ask you to leave?
- Check for arbitration clauses and resident rights protections
8. Plan the Financial Strategy
- Determine how to fund the entrance fee (home sale, savings, bridge loan)
- Calculate ongoing monthly costs against income and assets
- Understand tax implications: a portion of CCRC fees may be deductible as medical expenses
- Evaluate long-term care insurance coverage and how it applies to CCRC costs
- Project total costs over 10, 15, and 20+ years under each contract type
- Consider the opportunity cost of the entrance fee versus investing that money
9. Make Your Decision
- Compare at least 3 communities using a standardized evaluation checklist
- Weight financial stability and care quality above amenities
- Consider the culture and social fit — you will be part of this community for years
- Get on waiting lists early if interested (popular communities have 1-3 year waits)
- Make the decision with your spouse/family and advisors
Common Mistakes
- Choosing based on amenities over financial stability
- Not having an attorney review the contract
- Ignoring refund policies
- Not talking to current residents
- Waiting too long to apply
Pro Tips
- CARF-accredited communities must meet rigorous financial and quality standard...
- Ask for the community's "benevolent care" or "financial assistance" policy — ...
- Request the community's most recent actuarial study or financial audit
- Type A (Life Care) contracts offer the most predictable costs but highest ent...
- The tax deduction for medical expenses at a CCRC can be substantial — ask the...