Settling Into a CCRC

If you watched our previous video on picking the right CCRC, you know there’s a lot to think about when making a decision. But finding the perfect fit for yourself or your parents isn’t as simple as trying on a new pair of shoes. What if you don’t like it once you’re there? What if you’re not satisfied with the care your parents are receiving? Sometimes hearing about it from someone you trust who’s “been there, done that” is much more helpful than internet research. So, with that in mind, here are some of the things our team has learned through their own experiences with choosing a CCRC.

Anticipate Future Costs

Understanding the cost of continuing care retirement may not be as simple as house hunting. Unlike a traditional living arrangement, many CCRCs offer a range of care options. You’re likely aware of upfront fees and monthly fees, but what happens if your situation changes? Say you or your parents move in as a couple, and one individual has a medical situation that requires transitioning to the assisted living part of the facility. What will the reduced rate for downsizing the independent living apartment be, and how much more will the assisted living facility cost? These costs often don’t even out, potentially leaving you or your loved ones in an unexpected financial scenario.

Traci’s family recently encountered this very situation when her dad had a health issue. After a stay at a rehab facility, thankfully, he was able to return to the apartment he and Traci’s mom share in their CCRC, but it was a valuable learning experience for the whole family as they explored potential additional costs. The most important takeaway? Understand the costs of your CCRC, both for anticipated needs and unexpected circumstances. Before you start touring facilities, start with our downloadable list of questions to ask before you choose a continuing care retirement facility.

What if it Isn’t a Good Fit?

If you or your parents feel like the CCRC you chose just doesn’t feel like home, it may be a good idea to dig a little deeper. What don’t you or they like about it, and is that something that can be changed? A little loneliness or unfamiliarity is natural with any move, and building new relationships takes time. While it may be tempting to rely completely on nearby family for social interaction, it’s important to supplement your family relationships by finding additional healthy relationships to nurture (if you’re an adult child who struggles with this, check out our upcoming blog on how to handle being the on-call kid). Explore new or old hobbies and get involved with the facility’s social calendar. If there aren’t any gatherings for the type of activities you enjoy, why not blaze a few trails? You might be surprised to find some kindred spirits.

If you’ve given it some time and you still don’t feel like this is the right care facility for you, it might be time to look elsewhere. This is much easier if you’re still healthy and mobile, which leads to our next piece of advice.

An Earlier Move is an Easier Move

It’s easy to put off moving into a CCRC. After all, many people are understandably reluctant to be uprooted from their homes or communities, especially if the facility is in another state. However, making this move is far easier to navigate when you’re healthy, instead of when you’re in a health crisis.

Moving, and all of the little details that go along with it, are enough to stretch anyone’s mental capacity. Can you imagine trying to transfer your medical records, get familiar with new healthcare providers, potentially update your driver’s license and register your vehicle in a new state, register to vote, or change your mailing address while in a time crunch? Transitioning to a CCRC while these tasks are relatively easy can go a long way in helping you or your parents minimize stress and retain independence.

Along those same lines, moving to a CCRC before it becomes absolutely necessary makes it easier to establish a supportive network of rich relationships. Making the move while you or your loved ones are healthy means there will be time and energy to make friends, get involved in clubs or activity programs, and establish routines. Finding “your people” not only makes life more fulfilling and enjoyable, but studies have also shown it can have a host of health benefits, like increasing physical mobility and decreasing cognitive decline. All the more reason to move to a CCRC while you’re able to actively engage in and build community.

Prioritizing Your Care and Your Finances

While putting down roots at a CCRC might feel emotionally complicated, many senior citizens find their new living situation fosters deep, rewarding connections while alleviating the stress of late retirement challenges. Change is rarely easy, but caring for yourself or your loved ones doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take it from us! We’re here to help you make the best choice for your needs so you can be smart about money and live your life to the fullest.