If you’re considering a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) as a senior living option for you or your loved one, how can you be sure when you’ve found the right one? Knowing what criteria to look for can make your search go a lot smoother and a lot less nerve-wrecking. One very important point to keep in mind is that while most CCRCs are typically non-for-profit, some of them today are for-profit. For-profit CCRCs can be sold, and this could affect a resident’s contract.
Once you have found a CCRC that looks interesting, arrange for a visit. Have a notepad and pen handy to jot down questions and notes. Ask as many questions as necessary. During your visit, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the CCRC clean, well-maintained and safe?
- Does the staff appear knowledgeable and well trained?
- Has each staff member undergone a criminal background check?
- Does each living setting have a good staff-to-patient ratio?
- Do residents participate in the organization’s decision making?
- Is it a formal or casual atmosphere? Does the atmosphere fit the residents?
- Does the CCRC have an Alzheimer’s unit or memory impairment services?
- Does the CCRC have a reciprocal agreement with nearby communities?
- What happens when assisted living and nursing home facilities are full?
Depending on your answers to the above questions, you will know if you’ve found the perfect CRCC or if you need to continue your search.
