What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are much different than your average assisted living facilities. When you hear the phrase “retirement community,” it might conjure up outdated stereotypes of drab nursing homes, but at UMC at Bristol Glen this is far from the case. Our CCRC in Sussex County is the ultimate senior living community for older adults who want to live in one thriving place for many years to come.

What Is a CCRC?

A CCRC is a neighborhood-style community that gives seniors access to various amenities and levels of care depending on their ever-changing needs. For example, seniors in their late 60’s may still be able to live completely independently, but they’d like to be around people their own age. They might also like to live close to medical care in case they need it. At a CCRC, older adults are able to build a home while having their medical needs accommodated, so they won’t have to uproot themselves and find a new location if their medical needs change.

The Benefits of a CCRC

It gives seniors access to a large social network and the opportunity to make new friends, try new activities, and explore new hobbies. There’s no need for older adults to drive to their local senior center when they live in a CCRC.
It allows couples who need different levels of care to remain living together, instead of having to live apart in different communities.
The floor plans are usually flexible, and including studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments with plenty of living space to have family visit.
It ensures on-site access to around-the-clock medical care, advanced medical support, memory care, and more.
It provides peace of mind to both residents and their families.
It eases the burden on residents, as things like cooking, cleaning, and housework are often handled by the CCRC.

Senior Care & Other Services Provided by CCRCs

Community services: Library, tennis courts, swimming pool, walking trails, fitness center, arts and crafts room, games room, music studio, greenhouses and gardens.

Professional health services: On-site pharmacy, dentist, memory care, assisted living care, skilled nursing care, physician care, mental health care, nutritionist services, assistance with daily tasks like cleaning, bathing, and cooking.

Commercial services: Housekeeping, security, laundry, coffee shops, banking services, beauty salon, postal services, home repairs and maintenance, transportation.

Types of Contracts

Independent living: Independent seniors who are able to live alone often start with a contract for an independent living community. It’s for people who don’t have any mobility limitations or complex medical needs, and who are essentially fully autonomous. An independent living contract is usually an older adult’s first step into community life.

Assisted living: This level provides 24/7 access to on-site medical staff, and while residents are often somewhat independent, associates frequently help with things like medication management, bathing, dressing, and other basic daily tasks. Most assisted living communities offer private apartment-style living arrangements.

Memory care: For older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments, memory care units have specially trained associates who provide personalized care to each resident, designed to keep them comfortable, safe, and engaged.

Skilled nursing care: In a CCRC’s skilled nursing care unit, you’ll find people who need around-the-clock medical care due to complex health conditions. This type of intensive care is appropriate for those with wound dressings, breathing rehabilitation, tube feedings, or those with rapidly changing health status’ or persistent health issues which cannot be managed at home or in other settings.

If you’d like more information about whether or not a CCRC is the best place for your senior loved one, or if you’d like to take a tour of our Continuing Care Retirement Community in Sussex County, please contact our team at UMC today and visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/