All of the major milestones in life start with a question: what career to choose, who to pursue as a romantic partner, or when to start a family.
How to choose a home for yourself or a loved one in their retirement years and beyond is another of life’s major questions. You have to consider the moving process, costs, medical care, and the amenities available.
Thankfully, you never have to walk through these choices alone.
Here at Frederick Living, we’ve been helping families like yours make these decisions for more than a century.
We understand that many aging adults are at a different place in their journey, from couples who want a vibrant 55+ independent living setting all the way to loved ones who need the sanctuary of 24/7 memory care.
This comprehensive guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through common questions like “What is Continuing Care?” and share a checklist of the retirement community tour questions you should ask during your visit.
We believe that the right information can make the transition smoother and help you to prepare well for life’s next exciting chapter.
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is an opportunity for community for adults anywhere in the season of life beyond age 55. These campuses embrace holistic wellness by offering an unbroken system of care.
Independent living is designed for active individuals and couples, while various levels of medical support from personal care to memory care are available if and when you or a loved one needs greater assistance.
In the Type C model of continuing care, you pay as you go, depending on the level of services you request. You set the tone and pace that works for you and seamlessly transition through supportive care options all in the same community.
Empathy and kindness are at the heart of every great community. Finding the right home in the next chapter of your life is all about living in an environment where you feel welcome, safe, and included. The greatest amenity of all is caring.
“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
— Theodore RooseveltThe foundational question to ask a CCRC representative is regarding entrance fees.
Most communities require an entrance fee to cover long-term housing as well as a lifetime of medical services. The entrance fee can vary widely, depending on the location, housing, and level of care.
It’s important to clarify the pricing schedule before signing any paperwork to make a commitment.
Monthly CCRC fees are all-inclusive for the cost of living expenses for residents. They typically include meals, housing, utilities, maintenance, and amenities. In most cases, these charges usually cover community entertainment and recreation.
When you or your family transition from the community, a portion of the upfront entrance fee you invested is often returned to you or your estate. Depending on the terms of your contract, this refund either gradually decreases over your first few years living in the community or has a guaranteed minimum return.
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is an option to cover the cost of CCRC living. An LTCI policy may cover the cost of care if an individual cannot perform at least two common activities related to daily living, such as eating or personal hygiene. We recommend reviewing your personal insurance to see if it might offset the cost of living.
Unlike traditional home ownership, continuing care communities offer maintenance-free living. Maintenance issues like appliance repair, routine HVAC checks, electrical needs and fire safety are covered under your monthly service fee. You can have peace of mind knowing the community’s team will handle everything from mowing the lawn to replacing a water heater.
Eating is more than just a daily necessity: it’s a unique opportunity to connect with family and friends. That’s why many CCRCs offer a variety of dining options, from quick grab-and-go snacks to casual bistros and finer dining.
It’s also common for CCRCs to offer dining packages, letting you choose the level of plan that best fits your daily habits and lifestyle.
Wellness begins with consistent exercise, preventative screening services, and prompt access to healthcare when you or a loved one needs it most. An all-inclusive campus will offer an on-site gym, pharmacy delivery, doctor’s office, and therapy center so you can manage routine care without leaving the grounds.
We also recommend asking about structured group classes like tai chi or balance training with certified instructors.
Hobby groups, sometimes called micro-communities, offer a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded neighbors and build long-lasting friendships. You’ll also want to ask what types of options are available for creative outlets like art or music.
The top CCRCs also offer an events calendar with lectures, classes, workshops, and theatrical performances to help residents stay engaged and socially active.
True peace of mind comes from knowing that help is only a moment away with 24/7 staff on-site. It’s vital that the residence also offers safety features like emergency call systems, bathroom grab bars, and smoke detectors to keep you or your loved ones safe at home.
You and your family have been navigating life’s major milestones together for decades. Asking honest, intentional questions during a tour shapes your experience and brings true peace of mind when making a final decision for your move.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
— Albert EinsteinWe’re a continuing care retirement community with a passion: we want to spark a pro-aging revolution as people 55+ embrace purpose-driven lives.
Tucked away in the scenic hills of Montgomery County, PA, we’re deeply rooted in a time-honored history of excellence. Since 1896, we’ve been helping families find retirement living options as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
From micro-communities focused on hobbies and creative outlets to dining and convenience amenities, we’ve developed an all-inclusive campus for easy living.
As a continuing care community, we offer everything from the freedom of 55+ independent living to advanced medical care all at the same location. Once you join our community, you can seamlessly transition between levels of care while maintaining friendships and routines.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team, take a tour, and experience purposeful living in community throughout all the seasons of your life.
Betsy Natter, storyteller, brings a wealth of marketing and storytelling experience to Frederick Living’s community.