The Allure of Maintenance-free Living
For many people, the time comes when the burdens of maintaining a private home become overwhelming and the idea of maintenance-free living is increasingly attractive. If your loved ones are feeling that way, your role may be to help them find the right option, or simply support and encourage their decision. If they need convincing, however, you may want to start the conversation.
If health care isn’t an immediate or near-term concern, you may be thinking an active adult community or age-restricted residential community is the right choice. However, the need for health care often arises sooner than we think. Choosing an option that provides independent living now and a plan for care in the future, if ever needed, is a good idea. That option is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which includes Life Care retirement communities like Santa Marta.
Why choose a CCRC for Independent Living?
The decision to move from a family home to a retirement community packs an emotional punch for most people. So it makes sense to choose a community that suits your loved ones now – and also offers care services they may need in the future. Experts say about 70% of Americans who reach the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point. With its full range of living and care options, a CCRC offers the most flexible, long-term choice for both active independent living and future quality health care.
What does a CCRC offer?
Communities vary in many ways, but all CCRCs offer a full range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Additional care services may also be available, such as respite care and rehabilitation.
How can I tell if independent living is right for my loved ones?
If you or your parents have been living independently, are healthy and have been managing minor medical concerns, independent living is the right choice. If you have any doubts, there are signs to look for that can help you assess the situation before calling on expert help to determine the level of care needed.
What does it cost to live at a CCRC?
Costs vary from one CCRC to another, and among various contract options at a single CCRC. Where available, contract options are designed to fit different situations and desires, so it’s a good idea to sit down with a community counselor for an explanation and cost comparison.
Typically, residents who join at the independent level pay an upfront entrance fee based on choice of residence, and a monthly fee that covers services and amenities. Entrance fees can vary from nonrefundable up to 100% refundable, and rental options may also be available.
Some contracts include health care benefits that help offset future health care costs if residents need assisted living, skilled nursing or some other level of care in the future. When your loved ones become residents of a Life Care retirement community like Santa Marta, they can age in place with security and peace of mind, knowing they won’t have to move to receive higher levels of care. If they ever need assisted living, memory support or skilled nursing and rehabilitation, they have guaranteed priority access that care right here at Santa Marta, at predictable monthly fees well below the market rates. They’ll never lose their residence or their access to health care, even if their financial resources are depleted. It’s care for life – hence, Life Care.
For more information on residential options at Santa Marta, fill out a form here or call us at 913-323-7110.