Supporting Information

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

CCRCs are retirement communities that offer more than one kind of housing and different levels of care. In the same community, there may be individual homes or apartments for residents who still live on their own, an assisted living facility for people who need some help with daily care, and a nursing home for those who require more care.

Residents move from one level to another based on their needs, but usually stay within the CCRC. If you are considering a CCRC, be sure to check the nursing home at the CCRC. The nursing home’s quality information is on Nursing Home Compare and the nursing home’s inspection report should be posted in the nursing home.

Your CCRC contract usually requires you to use the CCRC’s nursing home if you need nursing home care. Some CCRC’s will only admit people into their nursing home if they have previously lived in another section of the retirement community, such as their assisted living or an independent area.

Many CCRCs generally require a large payment before you move in (called an entry fee) and charge monthly fees. Find out if a CCRC is accredited and get advice on selecting this type of community from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CARF-CCAC) by calling 1-202-587-5001. You can also visit www.carf.org.