Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Dealing with the aging process is something all of us face. While facing the inevitable changes that come with age can be difficult, making realistic plans for our future care and wellbeing provides a level of security today. Whether you are contemplating plans for retirement and the potential need for more comprehensive care, or you are responsible for caring about these needs for a loved one, knowing the choices available in terms of nursing home and retirement care can ensure you make an informed decision. Continuing care retirement communities may be a way for you or a loved one to experience freedom and independence, while ensuring long term needs for more extensive care will be provided for.
What Are Continuing Care Retirement Communities?
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) provide residential alternatives for older Americans, a tiered approach to standard nursing home care. Residents can live independently in their own home or apartment within the community, taking advantage of community-based recreational and social activities, while knowing more supportive services are there when they need it. For residents, knowing they can stay in one particular place and get levels of care to meet their evolving needs provides tremendous security. According to the New York State Department of Health (DOH), requirements for CCRCs generally stipulate that residents must:
- Be aged 62 or over;
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B;
- enroll in and maintain a Medicare supplement insurance policy;
- Be able to live independently and meet the community’s health standards; and
- Have sufficient resources to pay the entrance fee, monthly fees, as well as additional living expenses.
Fees associated with CCRCs vary and depend on the type of living quarters, the location of the community and the type of resident contract they enter into with the community. They will be required to pay an entrance fee comparable to the average value of homes in the area, as well as a monthly fee for services. For the State of New York, the DOH estimates entrance fees for CCRCs starting at $115,000, and monthly fee beginning at $2,100.
Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community
If you are considering a CCRC for yourself or a loved one, begin by researching the options in your desired area and scheduling visits. You will be able to meet a representative who can walk you through the facilities and answer any questions you have. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a checklist for CCRCs to ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision. Some of the questions you will want to ask include:
- Is there a waiting list?
- Is there a hospital nearby?
- Is there mass transit available?
- What credentials are the staff required to hold?
Be sure and talk with residents about their experiences living there, and observe how the staff interacts with both residents and guests. Do not feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Take the time to discuss all your options with your family, as well as with trusted advisors.
Contact Our Experienced Medicaid and Nursing Home Attorneys
When planning for your future, you want the security of knowing your needs will be provided for. At Cavallo & Cavallo, our experienced New York Medicaid and nursing home attorneys can help guide you through process of making choices regarding long term care and financial planning. With offices in the Bronx and Westchester, we’re your neighborhood law firm, providing efficient and effective legal service to handle all your estate needs.
