"I'm Not Ready Yet; Understanding Continuing Care Retirement Communities" by Nicole D. Muller Bill Gordon's typical day consists of several hours of vigorous physical training which may include 1 - miles of swimming, a six mile run and another 25 - 40 miles of biking in preparation for his next Triathalon competition. As if this isn't difficult enough to imagine, Bill is 72 years old and lives in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Obviously, Bill Gordon may not be your average retiree but he does set a perfect example of the active lifestyles found in today's retirement communities. Bill is contemplating whether to participate again in an upcoming Ironman Triathalon World Competition, a race which covers a total distance of over 140 miles, to be held in Kona, Hawaii. He has competed in this race six times and has finished first in his age group in several races including the Fairmount Park Classic, an olympic distance Triathalon race covering 24.4 miles of biking, 6.2 miles of running and nearly a mile of swimming. Gordon is representing the United States in the World Championship for this distance for the fourth time. Not only is the retired Judge physically active, but he remains very involved with the outside community and serves on a number of boards and committees. Why would someone so healthy and active choose to move to a CCRC? As Bill Gordon explains, "My wife and I feel secure in knowing that we will be taken care of no matter what happens to our health. We wanted to take control of our future and make our own decision about where to live." Bill and his wife Jean moved to Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, Delaware, nearly three years ago. The time to move to a CCRC is not when a crisis looms but rather when a couple or individual is healthy, active and young enough to enjoy the full benefits a retirement community can offer. It is far better for retirees and their families to plan ahead, research the various retirement options and make the right personal choice before a health crisis occurs. In fact, most CCRCs have some type of waiting list which can be a few months to several years long, particularly if you are interested in a specific type of unit. In addition, CCRCs require that residents be in fairly good health to move into independent living. These are all good reasons to begin exploring retirement housing options early. Continuing Care is just as it sounds, it offers a continuum of care which includes independent living, assisted living and nursing care so that your needs will be met as you grow older. The years of working hard and raising a family have passed and the focus in a CCRC is on feeling physically and financially secure, having fun and enjoying your retirement years to the fullest. Continuing care retirement communities in the Philadelphia area range from high rise apartments in urban settings to sprawling cottages in the suburbs. Some communities are luxuriously decorated while others are more relaxed and home like. With impeccable service and delicious meals, CCRC dining rooms can be comparable to five-star restaurants and the recreational opportunities are endless. As compared to living in a single home, a CCRC provides the added benefits of: 24 hour security, on-site and on-call health care, maintenance and housekeeping, daily meals, emergency response systems, scheduled transportation, and recreational and educational opportunities. A full range of amenities and services are offered to add to the convenience and enjoyment of community living which can include a beauty and barber shop, bank, swimming pool, fitness center, arts and crafts studio, library, gardening plots, and auditoriums for concerts, plays and special events. "We are able to pursue our life long interests and talents because there are numerous recreational facilities available to us here and we have more free time to enjoy them," explained Wanda and John King, 77 year old newlyweds and residents of Meadowood Retirement Community in Worcester. Romance blossomed for the couple about three years ago when they met over a bridge table and later cruised on the Delta Queen up the Mississippi River. Last winter they drove across the country to California, stopping along the way to visit family, friends and places of interest like Las Vegas. "We are free to travel and not worry about the security of our apartment and belongings." Moving to a CCRC relieves many worries and eases household burdens, allowing you time to really enjoy your retirement years. In fact, many residents feel that they became more active after moving to a CCRC. "I won't have to worry about cutting the grass, getting the heater cleaned, snow removal or a leaking roof," explained Dr. Charles Raker, a retired Veterinarian moving into a CCRC this month. "I will have more time to do what I want and not worry about the nitty-gritty." Dr. Raker plans to remain involved with veterinarian consulting and volunteer work as well as maintain his vacation home in Rehoboth, Delaware where he enjoys boating, fishing, and crabbing. Residents live as privately as they choose in independent living and continue to travel and enjoy activities in the outside community. Independent living accommodations in this area can range in size from small studios with a kitchenette and bath to deluxe two-bedroom cottages with a living room, dining room, kitchen, den, two baths and a garage. Assisted living, also known as personal care, is available for residents who need assistance with bathing, dressing, taking medications or other activities of daily living. These residents have difficulty with some facets of independent living but do not require nursing care. Assisted living accommodations in this region range from semi-private rooms to studio and one-bedroom apartments. Nursing facilities within a CCRC can offer short-term and long-term care with round-the-clock nursing staff. These facilities are ideal for an independent living resident who for example breaks a hip and needs some rehabilitative time before going home to his apartment. Some residents may eventually require full time nursing care in which case they would move into the on-site nursing center with the smoothest of transitions. A retirement community may be more manageable than you think. Start by listing all of the housing expenses that you would no longer incur including rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utility bills, insurance and housekeeping and household maintenance charges. Add to that the cost for food, medical care, transportation, entertainment and activities, and security system costs. After calculating your current expenses, you will be ale to compare them with the fees of the CCRC's you are considering. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service may allow you to claim a percentage of your entrance fee and or monthly fee as a medical deduction. Don't forget that by moving to a CCRC, you will be gaining many intangible items such as new friendships and the security of knowing you will be taken care of in the future, regardless of your health. Whatever you individual preference, there are many CCRC's to meet your social, medical, and financial requirements. Not only do CCRCs differ in character, there are many types of CCRC agreements. The two major differences concern the amount of health care included in the agreement and how services and housing are paid for . Health care coverage can range from all-inclusive to fee-for-service. There are three major financial arrangements: entry fee and monthly fee, rental, and ownership or equity. "There are so many choices that it becomes a challenge for consumers to compare apples to apples," explained Leslie Homer-Catell, Director of Community Relations for Tel-Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, PA. "Consumers are becoming more sophisticated shoppers and providers are responding by offering a variety of options." Most CCRCs in the Philadelphia area offer life-care contracts and require you to pay a substantial entrance fee, which may or may not be refundable, and thereafter pay a monthly fee. The entrance fee is considered an investment and an insurance policy on your future care. These all inclusive agreements are guaranteeing that your health care needs will be met for the rest of your life in any level of care within the retirement community. For many, this option gives the most peace of mind because if the need arises, you will be guaranteeing that your health care needs will be met for the rest of your life in any level of care within the retirement community. For many, this option gives the most peace of mind because if the need arises, you will be guaranteed nursing care without paying a higher fee. These contracts can vary form community to community so be sure to read the resident agreement carefully. Some CCRCs charge an entrance fee and offer a fee for service agreement. These communities would offer flexible monthly fees and allow the resident to select eh services he wants or needs. A rental community requires no up-front entrance fee and therefore monthly fees may be higher with this plan. Health care services in these two types of CCRCs are considered fee-for-service meaning that for each level of nursing care needed, the monthly fee will increase. The least common type of CCRC payment involves the purchase of real estate or membership. Based on a resale value, some of the up-front "entrance fee" would be refundable. Questions to Ask Because there are so many choices and options among CCRCs, it is important to ask questions and find out everything possible about a community. Feel free to visit the communities often, eat in the dining rooms, participate in special events and even stay overnight. Who owns and manages the CCRC? Non-profit or For-profit? Sponsorship of the CCRC is important. Many CCRCs are affiliated with non-profit church groups and fraternal organizations while others are owned by large for-profit corporations. You will want to know about the financial security of the community and about the experience and stability of the corporation. What is the current occupancy rate? A low occupancy rate could indicate some type of problem. Sometimes, however, occupancy rates will appear low for a newly built community or one who has undergone recent expansion. Most communities strive for at least 95% occupancy. Also ask how long the waiting list is for the type of unit you are interested in. Do residents serve on the Board of Directors? If residents serve on a community's Board of Directors, you can be assured that the residents take an active part in their living environment. What services are included in the monthly fee? Know up front exactly what services and amenities are included in the monthly fee for each level of care and which items are charged additionally. Is the entrance fee refundable and under what circumstances? For CCRCs with an entrance fee, understand the differences between refundable and non-refundable fees. If the entrance fee is refundable, ask under what circumstance and what proportion of the fee will actually be returned by you. What happens if I need to go to the nursing center and there is not a bed available? Some CCRCs offer a guarantee that a bed will be available should you need assisted living or nursing care while others state that you will be given priority. For your own peace of mind, you should know exactly where you will be cared for in this case. Remember choosing a retirement community is a major decision. It will probably be your home for the rest of your life.