What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

By definition alone, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) must offer various levels of senior housing and supportive services, including independent and assisted living options, skilled nursing care and memory support all on one campus. These types of communities provide a more complete and holistic approach to what many people think of as “aging in place.”

Back in 2015, senior advocacy group LeadingAge announced a new name for CCRCs: Life Plan Community. The reasoning for the change is that today’s older adults prefer to think of having a plan for their lives, rather than dwell on the fact that they may need some level of care and assistance down the road. Regardless of which name you personally prefer, the definition remains the same. Continuing care retirement communities offer residents a way to transfer seamlessly through the various levels of living and healthcare options should their needs ever change.

Senior Housing for Active Older Adults

When you think about the term aging in place, you might think it means to remain in your current home for as long as possible, only receiving help as it becomes necessary. However, continuing care retirement communities are becoming an increasingly appealing option to active seniors who are ready to downsize and enjoy all that this stage of life has to offer.

Seniors today have a variety of housing options available, from 55 and older neighborhoods, independent living apartments, assisted living communities and so on. And, many senior living communities may only offer one or a few levels of care onsite. The benefit of a continuing care retirement community is that residents enjoy a true continuum of care, and can rest easy knowing that should their health needs ever change, the level of supportive services they require can adjust to those needs.

The Comfort of Having a Plan for Life

When you move into a CCRC, you’re free to come and go as you please, all while enjoying maintenance-free living and a variety of amenities to keep you as healthy and as engaged in life as possible. In fact, studies show that seniors who move to a continuing care retirement community are more likely to remain active and healthier than those who reside alone in their home. Additionally, you and your loved ones alike will have peace of mind for your future, knowing that if you require a higher level of care in the future, you’ll receive it in the location you already call home.

Some of the benefits continuing care retirement communities provide residents include:

Services and amenities for carefree living.

You’ll enjoy a private, personalized living space without having to worry about any of the maintenance involved with home ownership. Leave the leaf-raking and snow-shoveling to someone else, while you take part in regular social activities, scheduled transportation to off-campus events, daily meals and 24-hour security. Basically, these services and amenities allow you to spend more time on the activities you find most important.

Wellness programs for a healthy lifestyle.

CCRCs provide programs that ensure wellness in all six dimensions: physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually and occupationally. You’ll often find onsite fitness centers and a variety of life-enriching events and activities, as well as nutritious dining options to ensure you stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

A connection to others and the world.

Continuing care retirement communities recognize that social wellness is crucial to a healthy lifestyle, and for this reason make offering engaging social activities a top priority. Research shows that adults who continue to build and maintain relationships well into their later years provides a variety of health benefits, such as an improved memory, decreasing the impact and risk of many chronic conditions, and reducing the risk for depression.

Relieving future family caregiving burdens.

It’s all too common for an adult child to become the primary caregiver to an aging parent, and moving into a continuing care retirement community provides your loved ones with the comfort of knowing any of your future healthcare needs will be met through a comprehensive continuum of care. Or, for those who don’t live geographically close, adult children feel guilty they can’t be there to assist their parent as much as they may need.

Staying close to your spouse if needs change.

If you are still independent and need no assistance with daily activities, but perhaps your spouse needs some help with bathing or dressing, you can rest easy knowing that you can stay together, living in close proximity on the same campus, all while receiving just the right level of care. The staff will provide services to ensure both of you are enjoying the highest quality of life possible.

Live Your Best Life at Winchester Gardens

Enjoy an enriching lifestyle at Winchester Gardens, where you’ll spend your days living life to the fullest. We welcome you to experience our CCRC for yourself – please contact us today to schedule a personal tour.