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Care Guide

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

CCRCs — also called life plan communities — offer a full continuum of care on one campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. They provide the ultimate peace of mind that care will always be available as needs change.

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Understanding CCRCs

The Four CCRC Contract Types

Contract type is the most important factor in a CCRC decision. It determines your upfront cost, monthly fees, and what happens when care needs increase. Here's what to know:

Type A — Life Care

Comprehensive, all-inclusive contract. Entrance fee and monthly costs cover all levels of care (independent through skilled nursing) with little increase in monthly fees when care needs rise.

Advantage

Maximum security; predictable costs

Trade-off

Highest upfront entrance fee

Type B — Modified

Covers a defined number of days of higher-level care at no additional cost; after that, fees increase. A middle-ground between full life care and fee-for-service.

Advantage

Lower entry than Type A; some care included

Trade-off

Costs can rise if extended care is needed

Type C — Fee-for-Service

Lowest entry fees, but residents pay full market rate for any care beyond independent living. Access to all levels on campus is guaranteed, but costs are unpredictable.

Advantage

Lowest entry cost

Trade-off

Full market rates for any care needed

Type D — Rental

No large entrance fee. Residents pay month-to-month at market rates for their care level. Maximum flexibility but no long-term cost protections.

Advantage

No entrance fee; maximum flexibility

Trade-off

No protection against market rate increases

We strongly recommend reviewing any CCRC contract with an elder law attorney before signing. Our advisors can help you compare communities and contract types in your area at no cost.

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CCRC FAQ

What is a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community)?
A CCRC, also called a life plan community, is a campus that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and often skilled nursing care — all in one place. Residents can move through levels of care as their needs change without leaving the community.
How much does a CCRC cost?
CCRCs typically require an entrance fee (ranging from $100,000 to $1 million+) plus monthly fees ($3,000–$8,000/mo depending on care level and contract type). The entrance fee and monthly costs vary significantly based on contract structure and location.
What are the different CCRC contract types?
Type A (Life Care / All-Inclusive): covers all levels of care with little to no increase in monthly fees. Type B (Modified): covers some services with fee increases for higher care. Type C (Fee-for-Service): lowest entry cost but pay full market rate for higher-level care. Type D (Rental): no entrance fee; pay month-to-month at each care level.
Is my entrance fee refundable?
Refund policies vary by contract and community. Many CCRCs offer 0%, 50%, 80%, or 90% refundable contracts — the more refundable, the higher the entry fee typically. Some offer declining balance refunds over time. Review contracts carefully with an elder law attorney.
Is a CCRC right for my loved one?
CCRCs work best for seniors who are currently healthy (independent living eligible), have significant assets to cover the entrance fee, and want the security of knowing care is available on the same campus if needs change. They require careful financial planning.

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