What is a CCRC?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, is an age-restricted, amenity-rich place where you live independently with additional services available should the need for care arise.

In plain terms, CCRCs are retirement living communities with an important added benefit: lifetime care, which ensures that you can “age in place,” having planned ahead in terms of access to and the cost of long term care.

How it works financially

When you choose a CCRC, you will likely pay an entrance fee, which also is considered an investment because most CCRCs allow you, your estate, and/or your family to gain back a large percentage of this fee (at The Mather it’s 90%). You will also pay a monthly fee, which will vary depending upon the size of the home you choose, that covers daily living expenses and services.

An agreement between you and a CCRC can assure you that you will have a residence and access to assisted living, Alzheimer’s or dementia care, or skilled nursing, should you need it. Costs for higher levels of care are determined by the type of agreement you choose.

More about financial plans offered by The Mather

Financial security and peace of mind

Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that in the years ahead:

• You have a plan in place, and you’ll continue to be in control of your lifestyle no matter what happens?
• You won’t be a burden to family or friends because of unexpected health or financial issues?
• If you do experience health issues, you know you will have the best of care right where you live?
• You’ll never have to worry about unexpected changes in living expenses and healthcare?

Financial security and peace of mind are big advantages of CCRCs. But beyond that, research has demonstrated that CCRCs:

• Promote a dynamic lifestyle
• Support social involvement
• Help ensure proper healthcare
• Provide good nutrition

Mather LifeWays believes that the modern, well-operated CCRC should include great places to dine, interesting programming, and a fitness and day spa to keep you feeling wonderful and most importantly, aging well. To discover even more lifestyle advantages offered at The Mather, check out The Details section of this site.

While some people feel that moving to a “retirement community” is something you need to do, people who move to The Mather are moving there because they want to!

Making the right choice: questions to ask yourself

As you can probably see, with the benefits we’ve mentioned, a Continuing Care Retirement Community is an option worth looking into. Below are some questions you may want to ask when touring and researching CCRCs, including The Mather. Also be sure to seek trusted counsel as well, or speak with residents themselves.

• What services are included in the monthly service fee?
• How much are the monthly fees adjusted if more services or care are required?
• What is the CCRC’s history of monthly fee increases?
• What happens if the fee increase is greater than the ability to pay?
• Is the entrance fee refundable and if so, how much and when?
• Who manages or owns the CCRC and what’s their experience and reputation?
• What types of employee training programs are implemented?
• Is there a resident handbook outlining policies?
• Is there a residents’ association and how does it function?

Levels of care available

A CCRC typically includes independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s or dementia care, rehabilitation services, and skilled nursing care. The agreement you enter into with a CCRC addresses the costs of various levels of care for life (for more information about levels of care at The Mather's Life Centre, see Details: The Mather Life Centre). The result is that you can receive lifetime protection for a predictable cost.

To find out all the details of what life at The Mather has to offer, and how CCRC living at The Mather fits your lifestyle needs, call us today, at (847) 492.7400.