How to evaluate a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

Healthy, active older adults may find continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) appealing because these communities offer multiple levels of care in one place. 

From independent living to specialized memory care, you can find different types of support within a single community. Here’s what to know as you explore your options and prepare for a community tour. 

What is a continuing care retirement community? 

CCRCs are a newer option for older adults who like the idea of “aging in place,” and The New York Times reported that there are around 2,000 CCRCs across the United States for older adults to choose from today. 

CCRCs can be private or nonprofit. With no national, government-sponsored rating system available for CCRCs in 2023, comparing communities and assessing their differences can be difficult. 

This guide can help you ask the right questions when evaluating a continuing care retirement community, so you can gather the information you need and make a more informed decision. 

How to plan your CCRC and senior living tours 

Choosing the right retirement community matters. You can start your search by researching CCRCs online to find options in your preferred geographic area with the services and amenities you want. This initial research can help you narrow your choices before arranging tours. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also provide a list. 

Once you have a short list of communities you want to visit, schedule in-person tours on your own or with help from a local aging care advisor. 

Why visit in person? A tour gives you a chance to experience the campus and its atmosphere for yourself. Reviews and community photos can provide useful information, but they can only tell you so much about what living there might feel like. 

Moving to a CCRC is a significant step, and it’s worth approaching the decision carefully. Before choosing a community, give yourself time to gather as much information as possible about each option. 

What to look for during a CCRC tour 

Research, planning, and preparation are important, but choosing a senior living community often comes down to how the place feels when you’re there. During your CCRC visit, pay attention to your first impressions, your instincts, and whether the environment feels comfortable and welcoming to you. 

Does it feel like home? Could you see yourself living there and feeling comfortable and happy? Are transportation, health care, and personal services available? Do you or your loved one need skilled nursing care, and can the community provide it? 

Make the most of your tour by exploring every part of the CCRC rather than limiting your visit to one area. Look closely at the available accommodations, shared spaces, services, and amenities. 

If the dining areas are open, review the menu and try a meal to see what you think of the food. Ask whether the community accommodates any dietary restrictions and whether it offers a wide range of food options. 

Learn about community events and recreational activities, including what’s available, how often programs take place, and how many residents participate. This can help you get a clearer sense of daily community life. 

Talk with staff members and residents 

Many CCRCs provide a staff member to guide your tour. This is a useful time to ask plenty of questions, but don’t limit the conversation to your guide. 

Look for opportunities to talk with current residents because they can share an inside perspective on the benefits and possible drawbacks of living there. These conversations may also help you decide whether you’d feel comfortable having the residents as your future friends and neighbors and becoming part of the community. 

Important questions to ask about CCRCs 

Preparing a list of questions before your tour can help you cover what matters most without forgetting an important concern. Ask your guide during the visit, or follow up with a representative afterward to make sure every question is answered. Consider asking these questions as you evaluate each CCRC:  

Who lives in this CCRC, and what types of programs are offered? The average age of new CCRC residents is around 80, but many communities focus on attracting younger older adults. Ask about the average age of current residents and the types of activities and programs they enjoy. If you’re a younger resident with different interests, a CCRC with programs designed mainly for an older age group may not appeal to you as much. 

• What services do the monthly fees include, and what costs extra? When reviewing a community’s monthly fees, ask exactly which services and amenities they include and which ones require an added payment. Extra charges could make your actual monthly costs much higher than the published fees suggest. This is especially important when comparing an all-inclusive CCRC with one that charges for individual services separately on an a la carte basis. 

• How have fees changed over the past five years? In most cases, you can expect monthly fees to increase at least once a year to keep pace with inflation. Ask how the CCRC’s fees have changed over the past several years, rather than focusing only on the current amount. The answer may help you understand what to expect and assess the CCRC’s financial viability. The average annual fee increase generally runs about 3–4%. Pay close attention to real estate trends in the surrounding area because they may also influence possible monthly fee increases. 

• Does the CCRC offer refundable entry fees, and what are the requirements for receiving a refund? Ask whether entry fees are refundable and, if so, what conditions apply before you can receive that refund. Find out whether your residence must be resold before the money is returned and whether the CCRC has a maximum repayment timeline. 

• What happens if you run out of money and can’t pay the monthly fees? Many CCRCs, especially nonprofits, will do everything possible to help residents remain in place and continue receiving services if they can no longer pay their fees. CCRCs may have special endowment funds or financial assistance for residents who face financial difficulties in the future. However, some CCRCs may ask you to leave if you’re unable to pay. Ask each community what assistance or other options it offers if money becomes a concern. 

• What is the CCRC’s occupancy rate? A CCRC’s occupancy rate can be a useful measure of its financial viability. Ask about the occupancy rate at every community you’re considering so you can compare your options. Kiplinger encourages older adults to be cautious about communities with occupancy rates below 90%, unless the community is new. 

• What transportation is available? Forbes recommends checking what transportation the CCRC offers and whether you’re permitted to keep your own vehicle. Ask whether the community is close to public transportation and whether it provides transportation services for residents. If transportation is available, find out where it goes and whether using it costs extra. 

• How safe is the community? Many CCRCs are gated and have security guards who help keep the grounds secure, but every community is different. Ask about security and all the precautions the community uses to protect residents. Find out whether individual units have security features, such as alarms or door cameras. The CCRC may also have a policy of closing certain entrances or doors after a set time, so ask how access works throughout the day. 

Other questions to ask a CCRC 

What different housing options are available, and do service packages vary by housing type? Do those packages include housekeeping services and meal plans, or do those services cost extra? 

• What are the added costs of memory care, if needed? 

• How well are the buildings and grounds maintained? 

• Is the campus easy to navigate with mobility devices? 

• Is the community near places that interest you, such as parks, theaters, museums, and shops? 

• Is Wi-Fi available throughout the community? 

• What changes can you make to your unit if you prefer different decor? 

• What are the community’s rules about smoking and drinking? 

• If utilities are covered, which ones are included? 

• What are the CCRC’s rules about visitors and overnight guests? 

• Are meal plans available? If so, are special menus offered, including vegan and vegetarian options, and are menus reviewed by registered dietitians? 

• Does the community have libraries, exercise rooms, media rooms, or similar shared spaces? 

• Are wellness classes and clinics available on the campus? 

• What qualifications do CCRC staff members have? 

• How does the CCRC handle resident complaints? 

How to evaluate your CCRC options 

Once you’ve visited several CCRCs, recorded your observations, and asked your questions, it’s time to review everything you’ve learned. Collect materials from each community and take detailed notes during every tour so you can remember what stood out. You may also want to take photos or a few videos while touring the communities so you can more easily compare the accommodations, amenities, and other details you saw. 

After completing your research, compare all the information you’ve gathered with your own needs, priorities, and preferences. Taking the time to review each option carefully can help you make an informed decision about the right CCRC for your unique situation.