In short: there isn’t one.
As you research senior living and retirement communities, you’ll uncover enough terms and acronyms to make your head spin. Let us break down the most common terms – “Continuing Care Retirement Community, “and“ Life Plan Community”, which are basically synonymous … not to be confused with the term “Life Care.”
-Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC. This is a specific, designated type of community that includes a full continuum of care that may be needed throughout a person’s life, starting with Independent Living and often resort-like amenities that include a maintenance-free lifestyle. A CCRC or “Life Plan Community” also have services designed specifically to keep seniors independent longer. To extend the continuum of care CCRC’s also offer Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing (SNF) and with some communities, even Memory Care — all available on the same campus. A CCRC includes this full range of continuing care (hence the name), addressing the requirements of services, amenities, and staffing. A CCRC accreditation is given by CARF International, a nonprofit accreditation agency.
-Life Plan. This is the same kind of community as a CCRC, and some professionals in the industry are moving towards using “Life Plan” because the term speaks more to the services and care a community provides: a plan for life! There is no difference between a CCRC and Life Plan community. Different terms, same community.
-Life Care. This is a specific contract that some CCRCs and Life Plan communities offer, which covers the full continuum of care. If one needs a higher level of care, the cost is included. It’s also known as a “Type A” contract, and it is often considered an all-inclusive model. Life Care is essentially a form of insurance against the future costs of health care services.
By focusing on continuing an active lifestyle, a CCRC can help residents build their next chapter based on their own roadmap and goals — all while leaving the responsibilities of homeownership behind (no more mowing, repairs, or even changing your bedsheets if you so desire). A CCRC is a place where people can enjoy a wealth of programs, time with friends and family, and all the possibilities their future has to offer — all backed by financial and health care peace of mind that comes through the specific Life Care contract.
At Glen Arden we offer a Life Care contract, residents gain access to the lifestyle, amenities and options offered in Independent Living. Should they require it, residents can also move to enriched housing or receive care from skilled nursing — without paying a higher monthly fee beyond small annual increases based on inflation.
Not just any retirement community.
Glen Arden has a fresh new look. We offer 6 different floor plans to call home. The beautifully renovated apartments are just a part of all Glen Arden has to offer. We are a modern Life Plan Community, offering a full continuum of care, amenities, and access to all the Hudson Valley has to offer.
Call today to schedule your visit.