Is a continuing care community right for you?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs, also known as Life Plan Communities) can be a wonderful solution for older adults who are independent and active today but looking for peace of mind for the future. That’s because continuing care communities like Newton Presbyterian Manor, provide their residents the option to move to assisted living or receive health care services if and when needed.
How do you know if such a community is right for you? If you answer yes to most of these introductory questions it may be worth exploring this option further:
• Do you want to downsize your homeowner responsibilities? (interior and exterior maintenance and repairs)
• Do you like to plan ahead to control, reduce or eliminate the uncertainty about future housing and health care costs?
• If you ever need assisted living or advanced healthcare services, do you want assurance that such services are provided by the community in which you live?
• Would you prefer a social and active community environment—with various services and amenities available to you—that also affords you privacy and independence?
• Are you interested in having easy access to a variety of wellness programs and other activities?
• Would you like to reduce the number of meals you prepare by having access to a meal plan and possibly bistro-style dining options?
• Do you want to reduce the chance that your adult children or other family members will be responsible to provide or coordinate assisted living or nursing care if you need it?
• Are you prepared to possibly pay an entry fee and monthly service fees in exchange for the above?
There are almost 2,000 continuing care retirement communities in the U.S. and Kansas is among the top 10 states with the most CCRCs. Many of them are owned by non-profit organizations like PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®), the parent company of Newton Presbyterian Manor.
Continuing care retirement communities differ from other senior living arrangements because they provide residents with a continuum of care -- most often including independent living, assisted living, and long-term care with skilled nursing services.
• Independent Living is for seniors who are ready to give up home maintenance and other household chores for more freedom to enjoy life.
• Assisted Living is for those who can still live independently but need help with some daily tasks such as with bathing and dressing or managing their medications.
• Long-term care is intended for seniors who need more medical attention, provided by skilled and licensed staff.
Unlike most other housing settings, where you may eventually need to move again (or even a third time) as your healthcare needs increase, moving to a continuing care community should be the last residency decision you ever make.
If you’d like to start exploring this option, we’d be happy to guide you towards the right decision for you. Contact us online or call us at 316-283-5400.
The above article was written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.
