Let’s face it: Learning the difference between the various senior living options can be confusing. Before we begin comparing Life Care with rental senior living communities, let’s make sure we understand how each of these is situated within senior living options.
First of all, when we refer to Life Care we are talking about a type of contract between you and a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A CCRC is a community that offers independent living, myriad services and amenities, and a range of senior care services if residents require such care. A CCRC is sometimes referred to as a Life Plan Community.
You can also enter a rental contract at a CCRC, but unlike Life Care, these contracts are not as comprehensive. There is much variation between the services, care, cost and amenities you receive when you rent at a senior living community. A major advantage of Life Care is that it provides you with predictable expenses as you age.
While there are a lot of options for renting in senior living, Life Care is a little harder to come by. The fact is, though, choosing Life Care could make a meaningful difference in your retirement experience.
1. Life Care Offers a Continuum of Care
Life Care provides its residents with a rich and engaging independent living community with access to a continuum of care. The range of care can vary but often includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With a Life Care contract, you are guaranteed access to care and living accommodations as your needs change.
The peace of mind that these Life Care services provide often extends to residents’ family members too. In fact, many choose Life Care so that their loved ones have peace of mind knowing they are safe and taken care of by trained, compassionate professionals – for life.
Rental senior living communities sometimes offer senior care too, but it is less comprehensive and can cost you more. In some cases, needing health care services in these communities will require that a resident move to a new facility. You might also find that health care services are provided by outside agencies and your monthly fees increase when you require new or more advanced services.
2. Life Care Costs Are Protected from Market Rate Increases
The Life Care (Type A) contract ensures that your monthly fee is stable across all stages of life. For example, if you transition from independent living to assisted living, the health care services you receive will be more intensive, but they will not increase your monthly service fees. While charges related to things like dining may shift over time, the fees that residents pay for care are not at the whim of market changes.
When a resident enters a Life Care contract, they pay an entrance fee that ensures long-term care, accommodations and community life. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll receive the care you need without a financial disruption or change of community makes Life Care appealing to many.
A rental contract can be understood as a fee-for-service contract. You will not have to pay an entrance fee to enter a rental senior living community, but you are subject to increases in your monthly fee. Whether this is because you require a more advanced level of care or due to market rate increases, a change like this can cause significant stress.
Another difficult transition you might face when under a rental contract is having to move into a different community if your needs change. When you choose Life Care, you won’t have to face leaving people you love and a familiar environment in order to get the care you need.
3. Life Care Provides a Vibrant Community and a Maintenance-Free Life
Senior living communities that offer Life Care are dynamic and accommodating, offering residents a full spectrum of activities, services and amenities. They give seniors an inviting home where they can live the way they want and not worry about home maintenance, landscaping or other chores. Residents can foster relationships and experience personal growth with recreational, cultural and wellness activities.“Our services are designed to give residents the opportunity to take full advantage of every opportunity they are presented with. They can participate in continuing education through Canterbury University, attend a fitness class, or join a special interest club,” said Canterbury Woods Gate Circle’s Marketing Director, Lynda Marino.
These wrap-around services, activities and amenities are not typically offered under a rental contract. Additionally, neighbors are more likely to come and go, and you will likely have fewer housing options to choose from. This turnover and lack of housing diversity make renting feel less community-oriented than Life Care.
Canterbury Woods Gates Circle. You’re Going To Love It Here.
Canterbury Woods Gates Circle offers contract options for every preference, honoring your unique circumstances and needs. At Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, our goal is simple: provide seniors with the best possible living experience. We’re a Life Care Community offering a full continuum of care. This includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
