WHY CHOOSE A LIFECARE COMMUNITY?

A Lifecare continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers senior housing and on-site amenities for seniors who want to remain in one place as they go through the aging process. At a CCRC, you could start in Independent Living and later get expanded care or move into Assisted Living as the need arises. A CCRC provides services to residents for the full continuum of care.

CCRCs have many advantages for seniors, including carefree, maintenance-free living. No raking, no shoveling, no home repairs: We take care of it. Residents at a CCRC are surrounded by like-minded people, so there are stimulating social opportunities. Also, there are wellness and fitness programs, amenities, dining and access to a full range of health services.

Lifecare provides access to a continuum of care with on-site Assisted Living and Memory Care at a predictable monthly rate for life that is in accordance with what you pay for Independent Living. With the rising costs of long-term healthcare, this plan offers peace of mind for the future because if you ever need care, you will always know what you will pay and who will provide it. You will also know that once accepted into the Lifecare program, we will work with you on an appropriate payment plan if you have an inadvertent financial setback.

Another benefit of Lifecare is that if you and your loved one have differing care needs, your partner can receive the care they need, and you may stay in the Independent or Assisted Living residence. You will pay one monthly fee.

If you need care but your partner does not, your loved one can move to a different apartment home within the same campus where they may receive the care they need, and you may stay in the Independent or Assisted Living residence. You will still pay one monthly fee.

Residents must demonstrate adequate physical health to qualify for a Lifecare plan, so it is best to take advantage of Lifecare while you are still healthy and independent. Care coverage will begin as soon as you need it and will continue for the rest of your life.

All CCRCs offer residential housing and amenities, but the range and cost of on-site services vary widely. A Life Plan Community is a CCRC that offers access to full-service housing and a wide range of amenities and programs and access to long-term care, including Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing, should the need arise. Other plans may not offer the same comprehensive package, so understanding the differences in other options will help you make the right decision for you and your family.

There are three types of CCRCs: Type A, Type B and Type C. Each has different financial implications and levels of service, so it is essential to know the differences.

With a Type-A contract, you pay an entrance fee partially refundable to you or your estate when you leave. At The Commons, that refund is 90% of your entrance fee. There is also a monthly service fee. Care is available at predictable rates throughout the continuum of care. In short, when you choose the Type-A option at The Commons, we promise to care for you for the rest of your life, under most circumstances, without significantly increasing monthly fees.

These communities provide senior housing, services and amenities. Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care are typically offered in one of two ways: with a limited number of free days of care as part of the entrance fee with additional care billed at market rates per service, or an ongoing, minimally discounted rate for care services. Healthcare services may be available on or off site, and two monthly fees may be incurred if couples require different levels of care.

A Type-C CCRC is a fee-for-service community. Housing, services and amenities are provided under the resident agreement. Access to long-term healthcare, as needed, is typically guaranteed, but charged at fee-for-service market rates. If care is required on a short-term basis, to maintain the Independent Living residence, the resident would be required to pay the monthly fee on that residence plus the costs of housing and healthcare received in the Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing residence.

Waiting until a health crisis strikes forces you to move, limits your choices in retirement living and will cause you to lose the benefits of living in a Lifecare community like The Commons. Why not enjoy your retirement knowing you have planned well and taken control of your future? With Lifecare, you have access to a variety of healthy, active lifestyle choices and practically limitless opportunities for social, spiritual and personal growth.

Substantial tax benefits may be available. As always, you should consult with your tax or financial advisor to guide you through the details of potential deductions. Several rulings by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have established that a portion of your entrance fee and monthly fees may be deductible as a pre-paid medical expense, so you could take advantage of the tax benefits even if you live independently, requiring little or no healthcare.

Your monthly fee provides you with a package of services, including housekeeping, dining, transportation services, 24-hour response system, maintenance, repairs, snow removal, taxes, landscaping, all utilities except telephone, assigned parking, security and Lifecare. It also includes use of our many amenities, including a beauty salon, pool, library and more. Also, you will have access to all programs and activities, including lectures, functions, outings, classes and fitness classes.