What is a CCRC? Continuing Care Retirement Community Explained
What Is A CCRC? Continuing Care Retirement Community Explained
When researching retirement plans for you or a loved one, you may have encountered the acronym CCRC during your search. You may be wondering: “what is a CCRC?” and “what CCRC options are there in the Seattle retirement community market?”
CCRC stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community, which is defined as a residential living option for seniors that affords the ability to age in place if their care needs increase. If you are looking for independent living with a full complement of social, educational and recreational programs, access to high acuity assisted living and a comfortable place to retire and receive support as you age, a CCRC may be the right choice for you.
CCRC Meaning: What’s Involved
CCRCs, or Continuing Care Retirement Communities, are residential communities for seniors that offer the flexibility to age in place should their resident’s care requirements change.
The hallmark of a CCRC, an entrance fee is a one-time fee for independent living residents based on the apartment size, location, building and size. While the entrance fee and monthly service fee do not signify ownership, they typically afford access to common areas, programs and amenities.
Entrance fees contribute to capital improvements, avoiding special resident assessments and ensuring a well-maintained community for years to come. The peace of mind afforded by an entrance fee cannot be understated as access to high acuity assisted living and case management for off-site skilled nursing is invaluable.
What does a Continuing Care Retirement Community offer?
Entering a CCRC adds value to your life by keeping you engaged in hobbies and wellness activities with other residents in your new community.
Some popular benefits and amenities that are offered include:
- Social networking events and spaces
- Wellness programs
- Fitness centers and classes
- Restaurants
- Business centers
- Libraries
- Arts and crafts studios
- Gift shop
- Salon
- Outdoor recreation
- Chapels and faith-based groups
- Performing Arts
- Transportation
Since every CCRC is unique, it is best to weigh the pros and cons on whether or not a CCRC is right for you. When considering a CCRC, it’s important to understand what is included.
What is the Key Advantage of a CCRC?
The primary advantage of a Continuing Care Retirement Community is the continuum of care. The ability to transition between levels of care without ever having to leave the community one calls home means that residents don’t have to worry about finding a new community if their health needs change; the support they need is already in place around them.
For couples, this is especially meaningful. If one spouse’s needs change before the other’s, both partners can remain close, sharing meals, common spaces, and daily life, while each receives the appropriate level of support.
What Levels of Care Does a CCRC Offer?
In addition to independent living, CCRCs offer high acuity assisted living and support for residents with cognitive impairment.
The peace of mind afforded by the continuum of care offered by CCRCs is invaluable for individuals who want access to assisted living if the need arises.
At The Hearthstone at Green Lake, independent living residents in any of our buildings are afforded the opportunity to access levels of care across the continuum including assisted living and memory support.
Independent Living
Independent living refers to residential options exclusively for persons who are seeking retirement and senior living. Minimum age thresholds may vary across the industry, however, The Hearthstone’s minimum age is sixty-two. We help transition residents into our independent living community as we understand it can be a daunting experience.
Assisted Living
Assisted living refers to help with daily activities of living such as medication management, dressing, hygiene, toileting and mobility.
The goal of assisted living is to afford residents as much independence as possible while also offering them invaluable help with essential daily activities.
Cognitive Support
Cognitive support is offered to individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Engagement, stimulation and safety and the pillars of the Hearthstone’s cognition services.
What Types of Living Are Available in a CCRC?
There are a variety of community-oriented living options in the CCRC industry. Factors that depend on the type of residential situation chosen include location, levels of care offered and number of units across a given campus.
Types of living options may include:
- Condominiums
- Duplexes
- One and Two Bedroom Apartments
- Studio apartments
The Hearthstone offers apartments from 336 square feet to 1,600 square feet.
Entering A Continuing Care Retirement Community Process
At The Hearthstone at Green Lake, the process of becoming a resident typically follows these steps:
- Contact us to schedule a tour or inquire about availability.
- Tour The Hearthstone community, common areas and independent living apartments
- Apply to join the Parkside Club waitlist
- Apply for residency when your desired apartment becomes available
- If approved, a reservation agreement is executed and a deposit is made to secure the apartment of your choice
- Select a move-in date and start downsizing
At The Hearthstone, in addition to a monthly service fee, residents pay a one-time entrance fee for independent living based on the apartment size, vertical location, view, building and remodel status. While the entrance fee and monthly service fee do not signify ownership, they do afford access to all The Hearthstone’s common areas, programs and amenities.
The entrance fee also affords priority access to high acuity assisted living, if and when it is needed.
Independent Living Options At The Hearthstone
The Hearthstone campus offers three buildings from which to choose: The Lakeside, Cove East and Cove West.
Life in the Lakeside building puts you in the community’s epicenter. Living in the Coves, which are one block from the Lakeside building, affords a quieter environment. No matter where you live in the community, a common area anywhere is common area everywhere.
Continuing Care Retirement Community Near Me
The Hearthstone at Green Lake is Puget Sound’s leading Continuing Care Retirement Community offering independent living, high acuity assisted living and access to third party skilled nursing via case management when prescribed by a Doctor. Located in Seattle’s beloved Green Lake neighborhood, the campus is surrounded by Seattle’s most beloved walking path, stunning vistas, nearby retail, the renowned Woodland Park Zoo and best-in-class medical care.
Our mission is to provide a true sense of comfort and belonging to all who join The Hearthstone community. For more information on life at The Hearthstone, call us at (206) 517-2216 or complete this form.
Frequently Asked Questions About CCRCs
Assisted living provides help with daily activities and is one component that may be offered within a CCRC. A CCRC is a broader model that begins with independent living and offers access to assisted living and other health services if needed. You can read more in our post on assisted living vs. independent living.
An entrance fee is a one-time payment made when a resident moves into a CCRC’s independent living community. At The Hearthstone, the entrance fee is based on the apartment’s size, location, building, and remodel status. It affords priority access to assisted living and contributes to ongoing capital improvements to the community. Learn more on our pricing page.
When it comes to planning for a CCRC, starting your research early is key to finding the best fit for your needs. Beginning the process ahead of time ensures a smoother transition when the time is right. Additionally, many CCRCs have multiple years-long waitlists. Learn more about when you should begin planning for retirement living.
Yes. The Hearthstone at Green Lake is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community. That means revenue is reinvested into the community rather than distributed to outside shareholders. Learn more about the difference between non-profit and for-profit retirement communities.
