There are so many different kinds of retirement communities: active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities, senior living community, independent living, and assisted living. What are the key differences and which one is right for you? Read on to find out.
Audrey Sellers
Audrey Sellers
Audrey Sellers is a Southern California-based contributor to 55places, offering insights into the vibrant communities that cater to active adults. With a diverse background including writing for Coldwell Banker and residing in dynamic cities like Houston and Dallas, Audrey brings over 20 years of expertise in publishing, journalism, and marketing to her work. Her passion for storytelling and keen understanding of real estate trends make her a trusted voice in the industry, providing readers with valuable information to make informed decisions about their next chapter in life.
Choosing where to live is a big decision, whether you are moving locally or exploring a cross-country relocation. Throw in a varied assortment of retirement communities, and the decision becomes even more complex. Active adults who are contemplating where to move next should pause and consider which kind of active adult community is best for them. Not all are the same in terms of amenities, services, entertainment, programming, and more.
As you begin your search, ask yourself a few important questions, such as how comfortable you feel managing your personal care needs, whether you can safely manage your medications, and if you intend to maintain your active lifestyle. Also, consider whether you enjoy spending time maintaining your yard or if you’d rather explore other pursuits.
If you aren’t quite sure how all the different communities stack up, it helps to know common terminology and the differences between each type of retirement community. A senior living establishment, for example, differs from an assisted living community.
Keep reading to learn more about the types of communities available for retirees and which is best for you.
What’s the Difference Between an Active Adult Community and a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Sometimes called life plan or lifetime communities, continuing care retirement communities, CCRC for short, provide accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care. Residents receive a full continuum of care, giving them peace of mind that they can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC and move between care levels as needed.
Like an active adult community, a CCRC typically includes social events, group outings, a common dining room, amenity centers, gyms, outdoor recreation opportunities, and swimming pools. A CCRC may also offer additional services to make life easier for residents, such as garbage and snow removal, transportation, gardening, and housekeeping. Though communities vary, retirees can often choose between single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, apartments, and cottages.
Active adults should know that when they choose to move to a CCRC, they sign a continuing care agreement, which stands as a legal contract between the individual and the CCRC.
What’s the Difference Between an Active Adult Community & a Senior Living Community?
