When weighing retirement options, you should consider a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). CCRCs offer a wide range of services for your current lifestyle as well as your future needs. With independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing all on the same campus, seniors have the services and amenities they want right now and a plan in place for the future.
The Lifestyle
Independent living is perfect for continuing to live your life as you do now, but without the concerns of maintaining a house and with the assurance of future care, if needed. You have your own home, can entertain when and how you want, have guests visit and pursue your favorite hobbies.
When you live at a CCRC, you also have access to an extensive list of services, events and amenities for an active lifestyle. These might include art and education programs in a cultural center, a wellness and fitness suite, game rooms, and a fully-equipped salon and spa. In addition, interior and exterior home maintenance is included.
Higher Levels of Care
If, at some point, you need more assistance on a daily basis, you can transition to assisted living. You’ll still have your own home, but you’ll also have additional help, which can include assistance with personal care, medication monitoring, dressing, personal mobility, cleaning and laundry, and other daily activities, as needed.
If an illness or injury temporarily sidelines you, you can receive inpatient short-term rehabilitation services, and long-term skilled nursing is also available on campus.
CCRC Contract Options
CCRCs offer several different contract options that allow you to make the best financial decision for your unique situation. The two most popular contract options are Life Care and Modified contracts. Life care contracts – also known as Type A contracts – cost a bit more up front and monthly, but provide guaranteed access to unlimited healthcare services on campus for life. Modified contracts – also known as Type B contracts – are similar to Type A contracts in that they offer access to care, however, these services are for a set number of days at no cost, not lifetime. After the number of days has been met, residents pay for services as needed, often at a preferential rate to the general public. These contracts cost a bit less up front and monthly.
Why Choose a CCRC?
CCRC residents give a variety of reasons as to why they choose a CCRC. For many, it is the security of having a plan in place for the future and knowing that long-term healthcare needs are taken care of, should any arise. They don’t want to be a burden to their family and want to make their important healthcare decisions for the future well in advance. Others choose a CCRC because of the maintenance-free lifestyle, ample opportunities to explore new interests and the strong social network.
CCRCs can be the perfect option for those who are looking for a vibrant lifestyle in the retirement years that has the added of assurance of a full continuum of healthcare services immediately accessible when and if it is needed in the future.
Fountaingate Gardens, Gurwin’s proposed senior independent living community, will be located on the Gurwin campus in Commack, Long Island. You can reach the sales and information center at (631) 881-4343.
