Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community & Why It’s Important Now

a male and female figurine walking down a timeline of age

As retirement approaches, you need to consider future living arrangements, including the option of continuing care retirement communities (CCRC.) In previous blogs, we have discussed what a CCRC is and how it offers various levels of care and services, including independent living, personal care, and skilled nursing care. Choosing a CCRC now, while you can still enjoy independent living in our community, rather than later in life, can significantly benefit your current and future well-being.

One of the many benefits of selecting a CCRC early is the certainty of a secure living arrangement. By choosing a CCRC when you are fully able to, you are securing a guaranteed level of care and services for the rest of your life. Additionally, you are helping your family and other loved ones from making that decision on your behalf later down the road.

In this blog post, we will talk about the benefits of making this decision right now versus later on, who this decision helps, and how to secure your place in a CCRC.

Why It’s Important To Choose Your Continuing Care Retirement Communities Before You Need One

Many things benefit you when you choose a life plan community before you need to make the choice out of desperation. While many might think this is an unnecessary decision early on in life, others might think it is a thoughtful, financially considerate move. There are some compelling reasons why you should make this senior living decision while you are still able to live independently.

Planning for Senior Living Communities Provides Security and Stability

Choosing a CCRC now can provide you greater security and stability in your later years. By definition, continuing-care retirement communities are senior housing options that offer various levels of care to residents as their needs change over time. It’s not always possible to join a waitlist for CCRCs when you’ve gotten to the point of really needing that medical care. It’s better to plan early and move into the independent living community and then transition into the part of the community where you can get more medical care later on as new needs arise.

From independent living situations to nursing care, continuing care retirement communities offer a sense of comfort for you and your loved ones knowing you are receiving the right type of care. By choosing a CCRC for when the time comes, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered should your health care needs increase unexpectedly.

Planning For The Future Is Planning For Care

This type of life plan community can offer several tiers of care, including independent living, skilled nursing, and personal care. Additionally, you might need other services, such as memory care or speech therapy, which help you in your rehabilitation.

Essentially, this means that if your health declines and your needs change, you can seamlessly transition from independent living to the appropriate level of care without having to leave the community. This continuity of long-term care can provide you with a sense of stability and comfort, as you won’t have to worry about finding a new place to live or starting over with a new care provider.

The Emotional Benefit of Peace

Besides the practical advantages of arranging for a life plan community, there are also emotional benefits. Having a plan ready can give you and your loved ones a sense of calmness. Moreover, it can save the time and effort that would have been expended in making impromptu decisions and arrangements.

It Allows You To Take Time Doing Your Research & Choose What’s Best For You

When you take the time to consider how a CCRC could be best for your needs as they change over time, it becomes apparent that access to different levels of care is crucial. Taking this time to research also allows you to figure out what each community has to offer in terms of residential options, what works best for you and your family financially, and other careful planning that may be involved.

When you are in the middle of health issues or require a little extra support through something like nursing care or personal care with similar features as assisted living, putting that planning on those around you can be a difficult task. That’s why we suggest coordinating these efforts ahead of time so that you get the care you need when you need it, and you can get your new home set in stone before it’s really necessary.

Research Gives You Time, Knowledge, And Space To Make Decisions

an older retired male and female couple hugging in a kitchen

Researching a retirement community before you need it ultimately allows you to find the right facility that meets your needs and preferences. However, it also gives you more time to weigh your options correctly.

Taking into consideration things like what types of care you might need later on in life, what daily activities each place has for residents, what amenities you might like to have in a retirement community, and other active lifestyle factors can make doing this research easier for you and your family.

At The End of The Day, CCRC Decisions Are Personal Ones

Ultimately, this research is crucial in finding the right fit for you, and doing it ahead of time enables you to take control of your future. The decision to plan for a CCRC is a personal one that requires careful consideration and research. By taking the time to explore your options, you can make an informed decision that fits your individual needs and goals.

Having A CCRC Arrangement Before You Need It Can Help You Financially

In addition to you not feeling rushed when making a move to a CCRC, the financial benefits of planning for this type of retirement living later on in life are immense. Choosing a CCRC beforehand allows seniors to evaluate each community’s financial stability and healthcare services.

Unlike other retirement communities, CCRCs allow you to leverage your assets, account for future fees related to types of rehabilitation or other nursing care, and adequately plan for what’s to come.

Taking A Look At The Viability of The CCRC

It’s essential to consider the CCRC’s financial and long-term viability to ensure that, as a resident, the difficulties that arise within the facility are not related to consistency with the quality of care. You should also look at the different points of continuing education for facility staff, such as staff training, staffing levels, and medical resources on-site.

An Overlooked Financial Benefit: Care No Matter What

One financial benefit of continuing care retirement communities that most people overlook is the certainty of care. Like many older adults, your healthcare costs will inevitably rise as you age. However, with a CCRC in place, you never have to worry about how to pay for your retirement living and potential care, which can lead to peace of mind and the ability for your family to know you are well cared for.

Your Retirement Living Journey Starts Here at Calvary Fellowship Homes

When you and your family are looking for the right retirement community for your care needs and lifestyle in Lancaster, PA, turn to us at Calvary Fellowship Homes and know that you are in good hands. To call us home or learn more, contact us today.

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