A 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. 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—based on what you pay for Independent Living. While all Lifecare communities are CCRCs, all CCRCs are not Lifecare communities. 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, if you have an inadvertent financial setback, we will work with you on an appropriate payment plan.

Senior long-term care—especially Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care—is expensive. Lifecare gives you an easy way to control future costs with a predictable monthly fee.

If you have a Lifecare contract and 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, you can move to a different apartment within the same campus where you can receive the care you need and your partner may stay in the current residence. You will still pay one monthly fee.

To be eligible for Lifecare, you must move to Meadow Ridge as an Independent Living resident. 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 continue for the rest of your life.

While we allow direct admittance to Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing at Ridge Crest Health Center, admittance is based on availability. If you wait until you need healthcare, space may not be available and, if it is, you will be required to pay standard rates. You also will have missed out on the opportunity to enjoy all the advantages and amenities that Independent Living residents enjoy.

All CCRCs offer residential housing and amenities, but the range and cost of on-site services vary widely. A Lifecare 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 have 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 Meadow Ridge, that refund is up to 80% of your entrance fee. There is also a monthly service fee that will remain predictable despite how your care needs change. Care is available at predictable rates throughout the continuum of care. In short, when you choose the Type-A option at Meadow Ridge, we promise to care for you for the rest of your life, under most circumstances, without significantly increasing monthly fees.

Type-B CCRCs 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 community 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 Meadow Ridge. Why not enjoy your retirement knowing you have planned well and taken control of your future? With Lifecare, you can access a variety of healthy, active lifestyle choices and practically limitless social, spiritual and personal growth opportunities.

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 prepaid medical expense, so you could take advantage of the tax benefits even if you live independently, requiring little or no healthcare.

Long-term care insurance generally covers the cost of long-term care not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. With Lifecare, the cost of higher levels of care such as Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation are already covered by your set monthly fee.

It’s important to note that most long-term care policies do not guarantee where you will receive care. Many well-respected healthcare centers have a waiting list, so you could end up receiving care at a less desirable location. With Lifecare at Meadow Ridge, you are assured of receiving care right here, in the community you’ve come to call home.

Another important factor to consider is cost. The average daily cost for nursing care in Connecticut is $357 per day for a semi-private room and $385 per day for a private room, but the average long-term care policy only pays $100 to $200 per day. You could end up paying $185 to $285 each day for a private room, which can add up fast. With Meadow Ridge’s Lifecare program, these services are already included in your monthly fee. The only additional cost you pay is to cover two extra meals per day, plus any special charges, such as prescriptions and medical supplies.

Long-term care insurance can be used to subsidize your cost in Independent Living or when you need additional services like Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing; while that depends upon your plan, we are happy to review it with you so you understand how you can leverage your plan to the maximum. So, while long-term care insurance isn’t necessary at Meadow Ridge, leveraging your long-term care policy instead of using your savings could provide an extra layer of security and financial savings.

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 the 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.