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“CCRC?” “IL?” “AL?”

Written by Gene Goodwin

Saturday, 03 March 2007

“CCRC?” “IL?” “AL?”

A Primer in Senior Living Terms
Gene Goodwin

Seniors considering future living arrangements are faced with a bewildering variety of choices. Acronyms add confusion that often extends to the senior’s support system of children and relatives. To better understand terms, read—and clip-- this primer of common acronyms used in senior housing: CCRC: A CCRC is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that can provide independent living, a variety of services, and nursing care when needed through a contract that generally involves an entrance fee and a monthly maintenance fee or rental charge. Many CCRCs also offer Assisted Living Services and Dementia Care Services as part of their contracts. Other services can include housekeeping, linen and dining programs.

IL: An Independent Living Community or Retirement Community can be very similar to a CCRC except that there is generally no contract or guarantee for nursing care if it is needed. The monthly fees in an Independent Living or Retirement Community are often lower than CCRCs because of the absence of the nursing services.

Many CCRCs and IL Communities offer a variety of housing choices, including cottages and apartments with surprisingly ample square footage and amenities such as gourmet kitchens, fireplaces and two car garages. Swimming pools, fine and casual dining options, exercise rooms, relevant cultural and social activities, 24-hour emergency communication services and health services can be among the offerings, too. The monthly or rental fee often includes the full maintenance of residents’ housing units and all common areas, both inside and on the grounds. The entrance fee for CCRCs and IL Communities can be partially refundable or non-refundable dependent upon the terms of the contract. Recent trends indicate that refundable or equity-based entrance fees are becoming more attractive to seniors.

AL: An AL is an Assisted Living Facility that can provide housing, assistance with daily living needs, health care management, social activities and support services such as meals, cleaning, laundry and maintenance services. The fees for Assisted Living are typically based on a daily or monthly fee and can be subsidized through various benefit programs in some states. In addition some long-term care insurance policies offer Assisted Living coverage plans.
   Dementia Care or Alzheimer Care can be part of some AL facilities or can be freestanding. Many of the more recent Dementia Care AL facilities have been specifically designed for these residents and staff have been specially trained to aid clients with dementia or Alzheimer diagnoses.
   AL facilities can be located in a private home and have 3-4 residents, or they can be larger and house up to 200 residents. Some AL facilities have amenities similar to high end CCRCs or ILs and may be located on the same campus with a CCRC or IL. Almost all states require ALs to be licensed and inspected regularly. Prospective residents or family members should always inquire about the results of recent state inspections to assess the quality of care provided by the facility.

The search for senior housing should not be initiated until a basic knowledge of the options available and their costs are understood. It is never early enough to start this type of investigation so that informed choices can be made before a crisis strikes.
   The senior housing industry is changing as more baby boomers enter the market. Leading edge providers will stay focused on the quality of their operation, continuing to benefit seniors making choices now.

Gene Goodwin
		About the author:
		Gene Goodwin has worked for 25 years in long-term care, assisted living and retirement communities and is currently Executive Director of Sugar Hill Retirement Community in Wolfeboro, NH.

Last Updated ( Monday, 05 March 2007 )