Arkansas Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Arkansas

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Arkansas have been developed to accommodate a growing senior population, and meet their needs for medical care and personal assistance. Even though Arkansas has a smaller population in comparison to other states, the senior population is on the rise and the demand for CCRCs has increased in AR.

A CCRC offers different levels of care in one location, including a wide range of services and amenities. Arkansas has up to one hundred CCRCs, welcoming active elderly adults over the age of 55. The requirements for admittance may vary slightly from one senior living center to the other, but generally speaking one should exhibit a good state of health and meet the criteria for financial eligibility.

Often times, Arkansas retirees choose to sell their homes and move into a CCRC, recognizing the benefits that come with such a decision. As part of such a retirement community, they will no longer have to worry about home maintenance and other challenging daily work. Moreover, they are given the possibility of increasing the level of care, should the need arise in the future.

Continuing care retirement communities available in Arkansas service locations such as Little Rock, Hot Springs, Bentonville, Mountain Home, Conway, Russellville, Fayetteville-Ft. Smith, Springdale, Roger and Pine Bluff. Seniors often have to be put on a waiting list, due to the increased demand for such services. It can take a long period of time before an empty spot will appears.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Arkansas - Financing and costs

The average monthly cost of assisted living in the state of Arkansas is around $3,175, below the national average. This cost is also lower than the one registered for neighboring states, such as Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, or Oklahoma. Private units are more expensive but still at the lower end of the scale, also under the national average. Nursing and memory care facilities are the most expensive, requiring over $5,000 in monthly fees.

CCRCs can be expensive, presenting strict eligibility criteria in terms of financing. Even though there are several financing plans to choose from, most senior living centers require a substantial entrance fee to be paid upfront (starts at $80.000). The resident will also have to cover the monthly fees, including the health care and personal assistance services. To meet these criteria, prospective residents might use assets, savings and retirement funds.

Even though the costs incurred can be high, seniors prefer living in CCRCs. Seniors have the freedom to choose a contract that suits their needs, being often prepared to cover the necessary fees. It makes sense for older adults to sell their current property and move into a retirement community that allows them to age in place. If you are considering moving to a CCRC in Arkansas, one of the first things you should do is get your financial affairs in order.

Arkansas CCRC - Different care levels and services

Within a CCRC, you will find different care levels, as well as a wide array of services and activities. Residents enjoy being part of such a community, one which offers a sense of stability. Retirees have the option to age in place, staying in an environment that is familiar as their health or abilities change.

The main levels of care in Continuing Care Retirement Communities include: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. It is for the best to inquire about the health care services offered with each level of care. For instance, Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Arkansas offer special services for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

You might also inquire if there is a pharmacy on site or if the center has qualified personnel to monitor medication prescribed for chronic conditions. Additional services that are offered within a CCRC cover: housekeeping, laundry and linen service, hair cutting, transportation. Care levels are assessed permanently, and residents are allowed to transition to a new level if their health changes. An evaluation is performed to determine the need for other types of care, and repeated for the eventuality the resident will return to the previous level.

CCRC in Arkansas - Amenities

Prospective CCRC residents can choose their living options before actually moving into the CCRC. If they have a spouse, there are senior living apartments available for couples. Those who are alone can choose individual units, selecting the level of care that fits their needs the best. All residents have access to the same amenities.

Most Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Arkansas include amenities such as: fitness classes and regular gym attendance, opportunities for religious worship, access to swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses. Fine dining, social clubs and specialized amenities for memory care complete the list. CCRCs offer plenty of opportunity for socialization and recreation, and some even organize off-site trips.

These are some of the things you should inquire about as you are choosing the most suitable Continuing Care Retirement Community:

Floor plans and multiple living options that are available

Appliances offered within each independent living unit

Safety features (nonslip floors, support bars)

Availability of outdoor space, gardens, etc.

Security features (in case of fire or other emergencies)

Meal plans (meal variety, special diets).

Is a CCRC the right choice for me?

To take an informed decision, consider the following pros and cons for Arkansas CCRCs.

Pros of moving to CCRC in Arkansas

One of the positives to living in a CCRC is that continuing care retirement communities offer a wide range of activities and services to their residents.

CCRCs present an opportunity to live close to friends and remain within the same community, even if your health or personal assistance needs change

Select the best level of care for your current needs

As part of a close community, you will have the necessary support to handle difficult situations, such as losing your spouse (grief recovery)

Less social isolation & ample opportunities for physical activity – these equal a better state of health

Cons of moving to CCRC in Arkansas

The entrance fee can be substantial, and it is often non-refundable in case you decide to move out

Monthly fees are often out of range for people who have a low or medium income

No vacancies, finding a spot can take a lot of time (long waiting list)

No ownership

It might be frustrating to adapt to an environment that has fixed rules and no age diversity.

As an active elderly adult, life in a CCRC might be an option to consider. In taking this decision, consider both the advantages and potential disadvantages. Think not only of your current needs but also about the type of care you might need in the future.