As individuals retire and grow older, they need to consider where they would like to live in future years, how they will ensure their healthcare needs are met, and how they will plan for a secure financial future. These important decisions often depend on factors such as their current health, personal preferences for living environments, budget, and family support systems. While some seniors may prefer to remain in their own home, others may wish to live in Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also known as Life-Care Communities, for the lifestyle, peace of mind and security they provide.
What is a CCRC or Life-Care Community?
A CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) or Life-Care Community offers active seniors a vibrant lifestyle, while having peace of mind that they will have access to a higher level of care if it is needed in the future. Residents in CCRC communities like Ginger Cove enjoy amenities like fitness centers, pools, pickleball courts, walking trails and physical therapy clinics, and have opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities to support their physical, mental and social well-being.
Residents typically pay an entrance fee that covers their apartment and healthcare costs for the duration of their stay, and a monthly fee that covers services and amenities. This structure allows seniors to live worry-free, knowing that if their healthcare needs change, they will receive the appropriate care to help them live their best lives—whether that’s assisted living, memory care or long-term care.
How Does Continuing Care at Home Combine the Best of Both Worlds?
Traditionally, accessing the benefits and amenities of a CCRC required seniors to leave their homes and move into the community. While many appreciate the lifestyle and peace of mind a CCRC provides, others wish to live in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes as independently as possible for as long as possible. Unfortunately, not all seniors who choose to stay in their homes have a realistic plan in place to ensure they will have the ability to access the care they may need in the future.
Recognizing this, many CCRC communities now offer Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) memberships. This innovative new model of care gives healthy, active seniors aged 60+ an opportunity to create a structured plan for the future while continuing to live in their own homes. Through CCAH, members can manage costs, coordinate care and access trusted providers instead of relying on private pay or waiting until a healthcare crisis occurs.
Benefits of Continuing Care at Home Memberships
Members of continuing care at home programs “buy in” to a membership plan, much like residents of CCRC communities. They enjoy the best of both worlds, remaining in their own private residences while experiencing the benefits of the CCRC community they are affiliated with, such as:
Socialization, Engagement and Cognitive Stimulation
Members have access to the activities, interest groups, and continuing education classes offered by the CCRC. Socialization and cognitive stimulation are critical for the mental health and well-being of seniors and can reduce the feelings of isolation and depression that can sometimes occur when seniors live on their own.
Better Health and Wellness
According to a study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, the preventative care, wellness, and rehabilitation programs offered at CCRC communities can help seniors live longer, healthier lives. Amenities like fitness centers, exercise classes, pools and pickleball courts also offer many opportunities to stay active.
Care Coordination and Healthcare Support
Care coordination teams help members identify potential healthcare needs early and will work with them, their doctors and the CCRC medical director to formulate a care plan that evolves with their needs. This proactive approach helps reduce risks for hospitalizations and falls and keeps seniors healthy and active so they can enjoy life to the fullest.
Ginger Cove at Home
Ginger Cove, Annapolis’ premier Life-Care community, offers Ginger Cove at Home, a CCAH membership program. Members become part of the larger Ginger Cove family and gain access to the community’s outstanding activities and amenities that promote health, well-being and an abundant life, such as a wellness center, walk-in clinic, rehabilitation therapy services, on-site restaurants, books clubs and hobby groups, fitness classes and social events—all while continuing to live in the comfort of their own home.
Members are free to choose their preferred healthcare providers, and our care coordination team ensures that each member receives the personalized care and support they need. As care needs or preferences evolve, members have the option to become a resident at Ginger Cove through our bridge program, which offers resources and support to ensure a smooth transition.
Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of Ginger Cove at Home: www.GingerCoveAtHome.com