Healthcare Options in Retirement Neighborhoods

Access to quality healthcare is nonnegotiable in retirement neighborhoods. It gives you peace of mind that your health is a priority when transitioning to newfound independence. When considering independent living for older adults, you should research various healthcare options to ensure a continuing care retirement community such as Frederick Living adequately meets your needs. 

What Is a CCRC?

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a 55-and-over living community that encourages active lifestyles in the fellowship of like-minded individuals. As one’s needs change over time, a CCRC offers several services and housing options to help transition to varying levels of care. As Patty Retzlaff, a resident since August 2022 says, “Frederick Living is such a warm, welcoming community. We take care of each other; my neighbors keep me connected to the community.”

At Frederick Living, we accommodate your needs by providing the following:

• Various home choices: We offer fully equipped homes, including cottages, villas, patio homes and apartments to suit your budget and living requirements.
• Diverse healthcare options: At Frederick Living, we offer memory care, Cedarwood Health Center and rehab services for varied healthcare assistance.
• Community engagement: We promote Christ-centered community involvement by serving local neighborhoods and engaging meaningfully with the wider community.
• Micro-communities: Connect with similar hobbyists and maintain your passion or talent by joining a micro-community, which includes artists, train enthusiasts, quilters and choral singers.
• Volunteer: We encourage residents to volunteer their time to enrich the lives of our community members through basic healthcare support, envolvement in promoting events and other services.
• Wellness: Stay fit with our Body Shop fitness center, which offers a SeniorFITness program, exercise classes and advanced equipment.

Levels of Healthcare Provided in Retirement Neighborhoods

A suitable CCRC provides different levels of healthcare, and some offerings may vary between retirement neighborhoods. 

• Independent Living: Promotes independent living in a secure community with access to quality healthcare and varied amenities.
• Personal Care: Provides support with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing and dressing while encouraging independence.
• Skilled Nursing Care: Ensures 24/7 medical care for injury recovery or chronic illness, such as rehab services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy.
• Memory Care: Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia receive specialized care in a safe environment, with tailored activities to maintain some form of autonomy.

Benefits of On-Site Healthcare Services in CCRCs

Most continuing care retirement communities share several common visions and goals. One is ensuring the highest quality of healthcare for improved living standards. Below are some benefits of on-site healthcare services in a CCRC like Frederick Living.

• Access: You have immediate and ongoing access to professional caregivers and medical staff.
• Care continuity: As your health needs change, the healthcare specialists adapt and continue providing specialized care.
• Convenience: You don’t have to move to a different healthcare facility as your medical needs change. All levels of care are available in one location and convenient.
• Personalized care: Healthcare professionals tailor care to your needs. They get to know you personally to understand and manage your health.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Healthcare Options

When evaluating healthcare options at a CCRC, consider the following factors that may impact your decision about long-term care services for older adults.

• Emergency response procedures: Evaluate emergency responsiveness, such as the availability of emergency medical services and response times.
• Costs and insurance coverage for various care levels: Determine the pricing structure and which insurance plans are accepted for the different types of care.
• Types of care offered: The community should offer comprehensive and specialized care at all levels, such as rehab services and memory and respite care.
• Quality of healthcare services: Healthcare staff should have the required licenses, qualifications, and experience and ideally receive accreditation from health organizations and regulatory bodies.

How CCRCs Support Preventive Healthcare

An established CCRC such as Frederick Living supports preventive healthcare in different ways, helping you maintain your health and well-being. We promote the following:

• Active lifestyle: Staying healthy involves body, mind and spirit. We promote a holistic approach to health, focusing on your physical and spiritual wellness. This includes joining the Body Shop fitness center, engaging in educational and biblical programs, attending musical events, and more. Social activities support mental health, especially in group and community settings like a CCRC.
• Routine checkups and screenings: Regular checkups and screenings help monitor your health, especially if you have a chronic condition. They also detect potential risks and ensure correct treatment.

Planning Ahead for Healthcare in Retirement

Planning ahead for healthcare in retirement is crucial to ensure you’re financially prepared and informed of the best options. Consider the following factors:

• Current and future healthcare needs: Assess your health and lifestyle and how this may impact your future healthcare needs.
• Estimate future healthcare costs for budgeting: Estimate the potential costs of healthcare in retirement, including inflation, increasing medical expenses, emergency and out-of-pocket costs, long-term care insurance, and excluded medical services. Also, consider an emergency medical fund and supplemental insurance for full-spectrum budgeting.
• Ask questions: During an on-site interview, obtain all the necessary information and ask relevant questions to ensure you know what’s included or excluded with the care options. 

Join Our Frederick Living Community Today

In Alan and Nancy Kohr’s words, residents since December 2020, “When it was time to move, we didn’t look elsewhere. We knew we wanted to move to Frederick Living.”

If you live within ten to 15 miles of Zieglerville and are exploring retirement community healthcare options, look no further than Frederick Living. In addition to charming homes, engaging activities and liberal amenities, we provide excellent, comprehensive healthcare services so you’ll continue enjoying the quality of life you’re used to. Guided by care, compassion, love and other Christian values, we provide an independent living space you can call home.

Live with purpose in our community. Call us or complete an online contact form to schedule a consultation with a Frederick Living representative. 

You can also request pricing for our independent living homes, visit our campus or attend a Lunch and Learn for an interactive experience.