Continuing care retirement community also known as a life plan community allows older adults to stay in the center for a longer time. Some of the residents are healthy, however, they may want to stay in the community until they start needing assistance with daily living.
In this community, you can have access to different levels of care depending on your needs. Below are things you need to know about continuing care retirement communities in Maryland:
Contract Type
One of the things to understand about continuing care retirement communities is the contract. There are up to five contracts, however, the basic ones are only three.
- Type A
This is the most expensive as it covers all the services. The Type A contract offers access to unlimited assisted living, skilled nursing care, and medical treatment with little or no extra cost.
- Type B
This only includes limited services as selected by you. Any service out of this contract will lead to an additional payment.
- Type C
The initial payment for this contract is lower, however, it only covers certain services like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing as required.
- Other Contracts
The additional contract offered in this center is a rental contract (Type D). Here you purchase a share of your suite instead of paying an entry fee. Irrespective of the contract you are signing, ensure you have a legal advisor before signing.
Senior Living Options
- Independent Living
Independent living is mostly for healthy older adults who can effortlessly engage in activities without help. You have access to amenities in continuing care retirement communities unassisted with free maintenance.
- Assisted Living
Once older adults start needing help with activities, assisted living is the suitable option. You are provided access to medical and custodial care all-round the clock. There are team members available to offer assistance with activities like bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management. The suite in assisted living might be private or semi-private.
- Memory Care
This is specialized care directed towards residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s condition, and other cognitive issues. This part of the community has trained team members who specialize in ensuring residents live a comfortable and secure life.
- Skilled Nursing Care
This level of care is similar to assisted living, skilled nursing care also covers 24/7 medical and custodial care. The care is short-term and focused on residents needing therapy or wound care after surgery or stroke incidence. This care also handles residents needing intravenous medication administration.
Entrance Fee
Transitioning to a continuing care retirement community is an expensive investment. You will need to pay an entrance fee serving as the down payment on a home. With an entrance fee, you will have lifetime access to housing and medical services.
The fee can differ according to location, size, and type of suite you want. As mentioned earlier, the fee is always expensive therefore some residents will need to sell their homes to pay the fee. It can range between $10,000 to $500,000
Type of Services
There are various healthcare services available in this community. Depending on where you belong, the services may include laundry services, housekeeping, counseling, and social work. Other services offered are assistance with daily activities, nutrition plan, skilled nursing, transportation, and meal assistance. Your level of care will determine the type of service you will be offered.
The services are not limited to basic things, resident can also have access to wellness programs, and learning opportunities. The goal is to ensure residents live comfortably.
