Question: More seniors in Hawaii are moving into continuing-care retirement communities, or CCRCs. Generally, what is a CCRC?
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PROFILE
Steve Tam
>> Position: Director of advocacy
>> Organization: AARP
>> Career history: Joined AARPas a legislative consultant in 2011 after spending 20 years in management positions with Prudential Locations and Verizon
>> Educational background: Master’s degree in business adminstration from the University of Hawaii and bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern California
>> Personal connection to continuing-care retirement communities: Mother lives at 15 Craigside in Nuuanu. Father-in-law lives at the Hawaii Kai Retirement Community.
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Answer: CCRCs give seniors the option to live in one location for the duration of their life, with more assurance that their future care needs will be met. An older adult can initially enter a CCRC and live independently, much like living in a condo or single-family home. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can transition to assisted living, where someone may come into their apartment to help with bathing, dressing, etc. When they need more help, they can move into the nursing care facilities on the property.
Q: Comparing costs and features of these communities can be like comparing mobile phone plans. Are the differences and options among CCRCs important to understand?
A: CCRCs are different, and seniors need to shop and compare, as they would if they were looking to rent an apartment. Costs will differ depending upon the size of the unit, just like living in any other apartment, condo or single-family home. Other considerations include a senior’s monthly budget, area preferred and lifestyle amenities desired.
Q: Renting or owning a residence in a CCRC are the two basic options, but are there different formats for how someone pays for their residence?
A: Typically a CCRC in Hawaii involves payment of an entrance fee, as well as a monthly charge. Some seniors may have the mistaken impression that they own the apartment and can therefore resell it or pass it on to other family members. However, it is more like a rental. The entrance fee is not to purchase the unit; rather, it gives them the assurance that they can stay in the facility for as long as they live, regardless of their physical condition or financial circumstances, that they can get help with assisted living or eventually move to the nursing care part of the facility.
Q: Can there be other costs involving residing in a CCRC?
A: Seniors comparing CCRCs need to ask about extra costs that may be charged: housekeeping; meal programs; transportation; social activities; utility costs — Internet, cable TV, phone, etc.; and personal services — hairstylists, laundry, physical therapist, exercise classes, etc.
Q: What are other important things worth researching for someone considering moving to a CCRC?
A: Other considerations include 1) cost to live at home if help is hired compared to moving to a CCRC; 2) the grounds and facility location; 3) impression of the staff and residents; 4) housing floor plans; 5) meal programs; 6) social life and recreation; and 7) the application process.
Q: Where can consumers go to learn more about CCRCs and answers to more questions about how such communities operate?
A: Seniors interested in living in a CCRC should visit different CCRCs with their families so they can shop and compare. They should meet with the facility representative who can walk them through the different housing options, costs and contract choices. Seniors can request to stay a night or over the weekend to ensure that it is the right choice. Additionally, seniors should attend care-giving and long-term care meetings held periodically by AARP Hawaii or visit the AARP website at www.aarp.org.
