Retirement Communities Respond to Housing, Market Drops

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One of the benefits of being in some CCRCs is the graduated care that residents receive. With the ability to move from independent living to dementia care if needed within the same residence community provide the senior and their family with a greater sense of security. Simply abolishing CCRCs is not the answer.

Joel Martin, PhD of AZ 8:08PM November 18, 2008

Older adults and their families in Illinois are fortunate that the State had the foresight to develop an innovative program enabling older adults of all incomes to qualify for residency in a supportive living facility should they need some help with activities of daily living.
Older adults who otherwise would be either struggling alone at home or living in a nursing home have the ability to live in a residential environment while receiving the personal assistance they need to maintain their dignity and independence. They also benefit from meals, housekeeping and laundry services and from opportunities for socialization and companionship.
Residents pay privately for as long as they have the financial resources to pay the monthly fee. If at the time of occupancy or at some point in time in the future, they do not have the financial resources to pay the monthly fee, the state provides financial assistance as needed. Older adults who only receive monthly Social Security benefits or who are on Medicaid can qualify for residency.
The state benefits from the program because it costs the state 40% less for the older adult to reside in a supportive living community versus in a nursing home.

Rick Banas of IL 3:32PM November 13, 2008

Yes it is time that the CCRC's entree fee model comes to an end. Using more marketing gimmicks or clever techniques to entice new residents to move in is really money out of their pockets for an already expensive product. Times like these are not only screaming for new/more options, they actually will force the industry to develop them. Consumers have been looking for moe options for many years but the need for change was not there from the providers point of view, why fix something that works well for them? There are many consumers out there and they need us so why change to something they might like better. These times are wonderful because new products are in the air.

Mach S of 11:42AM November 11, 2008

It is time that seniors realize that ccrc's are not a good investment in general. They are far better off living in a rental retirement community and consulting their financial planner as to investing their money and disposition of their assets.

Todd Harder of OR 9:38AM November 11, 2008