Questions to Ask About Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Deciding whether to remain in your current home or move to a retirement community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during retirement. Understanding your options now can help you make a confident decision for the future.

This is where a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can help. These communities offer a full continuum of living and healthcare options—including independent living, personal care or assisted living, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care—all on one campus.

One of the greatest advantages of a CCRC is peace of mind. Residents can enjoy an active, independent lifestyle today while knowing additional support is available if their needs change in the future.

Not all retirement communities are alike, however. Before making a decision, it’s important to ask questions, compare options and understand what each community offers.

Benefits commonly include:

• Maintenance-free living
• Access to healthcare services
• Opportunities for lifelong learning
• Social and recreational activities
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Enhanced safety and security
• A vibrant community of neighbors and friends
• Peace of mind for you and your family

Many residents share that one of the greatest benefits of community living is the freedom to spend more time doing what they enjoy and less time worrying about home maintenance, repairs and future healthcare planning.

Understanding the financial structure of a retirement community is an important part of your decision-making process.

Many CCRCs require an entrance fee and a monthly service fee. Depending on the contract type, these fees may provide access to future healthcare services and other benefits.

When comparing communities, ask:

• What is included in the monthly fee?
• How are future rate increases determined?
• What healthcare services are included?
• Are there different contract options available?
• What expenses remain the resident’s responsibility?

Many retirees use proceeds from the sale of their home, retirement savings or other investments to fund their move.

A comprehensive cost comparison between staying in a current home and moving to a retirement community can often be eye-opening.

Communities with high occupancy levels often reflect strong resident satisfaction and sustained demand. However, occupancy should not be viewed in isolation.

Ask:

• What is the current occupancy rate?
• Is there a waiting list?
• How long is the typical wait for a residence?
• What are future growth plans for the community?

A consistently high occupancy rate is generally a positive sign that residents value the lifestyle and services offered.

Ask for:

• Audited financial statements
• Disclosure statements
• Information about debt obligations
• Reserve funding practices
• Occupancy trends

If the community is a not-for-profit organization, ask whether it maintains charitable funds or benevolent care programs to support residents who outlive their financial resources.

Cornwall Manor’s commitment to financial stewardship and resident-focused care is an important part of its long-standing reputation.

Some communities offer little or no refund, while others may offer partially refundable or substantially refundable options.

Be sure to ask:

• How much of the entrance fee is refundable?
• When is a refund paid?
• Are there conditions that affect the refund?
• What happens if I move out permanently?
• What happens to my refund upon death?

Because CCRC contracts are important legal and financial documents, many prospective residents choose to have an attorney or financial advisor review them before signing.

For couples, this can be especially valuable.

If one spouse requires additional support while the other remains independent, a CCRC may offer solutions that allow couples to remain close while receiving the care each person needs.

Ask:

• How are different care needs accommodated?
• What are the associated costs?
• How often can spouses visit one another?
• Are transitional care services available?

Having care available on campus often helps reduce stress for both spouses and family members.

Fortunately, many retirement communities now recognize the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership and offer pet-friendly accommodations.

Before choosing a community, ask:

• Are pets permitted?
• Are there breed or weight restrictions?
• Is there a limit on the number of pets?
• Are pet fees required?
• Are there designated pet areas and walking paths?

Cornwall Manor is proud to be a pet-friendly community.

Look for amenities that support wellness, convenience and social engagement.

Examples may include:

• Fitness centers
• Indoor pools
• Walking trails
• Transportation services
• Libraries
• Creative arts programs
• Meeting rooms
• On-site banking
• Salon and barber services
• Healthcare services
• Dining venues

When touring a community, ask how frequently you would use the amenities and how accessible they are from your residence.

Ask about:

• Clubs and interest groups
• Educational programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Fitness classes
• Musical groups
• Excursions and travel opportunities
• Cultural events
• Community celebrations

At Cornwall Manor, residents enjoy a diverse calendar of opportunities designed to support wellness, lifelong learning and meaningful social connections.

Ask about:

• Dining venues available
• Flexible dining hours
• Menu variety
• Dietary accommodations
• Takeout and delivery options
• Special event dining

The best communities provide residents with multiple dining experiences that promote convenience, wellness and social engagement.

One of the most valuable aspects of a CCRC is having support available when it is needed.

Ask what services are available at each level of care, including assistance with:

• Medication management
• Bathing and dressing
• Housekeeping
• Transportation
• Laundry services
• Home maintenance
• Rehabilitation services
• Skilled nursing care

Understanding available services today can help ensure your future needs are met without requiring another move.

At Cornwall Manor, we’re committed to helping prospective residents make informed decisions about their future. Our team is available to answer your questions, provide information about living options and schedule a personalized visit.

Contact Cornwall Manor or call 717-274-8092 to learn more about our community and discover whether Cornwall Manor is right for you.