CCRCs: What They Are—and What to Look at Before You Sign Anything
A CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) offers multiple levels of care in one setting—typically independent living, assisted living, and/or skilled nursing/memory care—so residents can “age in place” without moving again.
On paper, it sounds ideal.
In real life? It depends on the details.
BODY CONTENT
Why CCRCs appeal to many people
One campus, multiple levels of care
Predictability as care needs change
Social connection and built-in amenities
Fewer major moves later in life
For the right person, at the right time, with the right contract—CCRCS can work very well.
What to look at before choosing one
Do your homework—then go deeper.
Contract type: What’s included? What’s extra? What happens if your care needs increase?
Financial stability: Ask for audited financial statements and occupancy rates.
Care access: How easy is it to move between levels? Are there waitlists?
Staffing: Turnover rates matter more than brochures.
Healthcare coordination: Who manages care decisions when things change?
Learn more about long-term care settings from the National Institute on Aging.
Things you should always do in person
Talk to current residents (not just the ones staff introduce you to)
Eat the food — more than once, at different meals
Walk the campus without a guide
Ask residents how problems are handled, not how activities are planned
Residents will tell you what marketing never will.
Red flags 🚩
Vague answers about costs or future care
Pressure to “sign now”
High staff turnover
Residents who seem hesitant to talk
Contracts that are hard to explain in plain language
“We don’t usually share that” when you ask reasonable questions
If it feels rushed, unclear, or too good to be true—pause.
Reports and documents you should ask for
Audited financial statements
State inspection or survey reports
Disclosure statements required by the state
Policies on transfers between care levels
Refund and exit policies
If they can’t—or won’t—provide these, that’s your answer.
If you’re thinking:
“This looks good, but I want a second set of eyes”
“I don’t know what questions I should be asking”
“I don’t want to make an expensive mistake”
👉 Assisted Living & CCRC Review Package
I help you compare options, review contracts, spot red flags, and make sure the choice fits your health, finances, and future—not just today’s needs.
✨ Stay confident. Stay informed. Stay Taylormade.