New York Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in New York

Continuing care retirement communities in the state of New York offer senior adults an alternative to other retirement opportunities. Retirees can choose between different types of contracts, opting for a level of living that suits their needs. Independent living is usually the first level, which includes housing and access to residential services and amenities. As the health and social needs change, residents can transition to a higher level of care.

To become a resident, one must meet the age requirement, which can vary between 55 and 62. It is also essential to meet the financial and health criteria. Each CCRC in NY sets its own health standards, but the general pre-requisite is that one has an acceptable state of health, with no chronic conditions. Residents must be able to live independently, with adequate financial resources to cover both entrance and monthly fees. Some CCRCs also require a Medicare supplemental insurance policy.

In New York, there are about 13 continuing care retirement communities, located in following areas: Erie/Rochester, Ithaca, New York. The list of CCRCs includes cities such as: Williamsville, Orchard Park, Rochester, Pittsford, Ithaca, Goshen, South Setauket, Sleepy Hollow, Greenport, Port Washington, Valhalla, Rye, and New Paltz.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in New York - financing and costs

To become a resident of a New York CCRC, you have to be willing to make a significant financial commitment. As mentioned above, there are both entrance and monthly fees to be covered, and residents have to make certain that they have sufficient financial resources for these. Financing options include retirement funds, personal assets, and other savings. Selling one's property can also be an option if you lack the necessary funds to cover the necessary fees.

The monthly fees vary between $2,000 and $5,000 – by comparison, the national average is $2,500. On the whole, these fees are dependent on the location of the CCRC, size of housing unit, type of contract, amenities and services offered.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in New York - care levels and services

Continuing care retirement communities are organized to offer a continuum of care, adapting to the ever-changing needs of the residents. The first level is called independent living, and it is reserved for retirees who are able to live and functional independently. During this period, these residents benefit from residential amenities and services, as they desire.

When the health and personal assistance needs change, the resident is encouraged to switch to a higher level of care. Assisted living is a level where residents benefit from assistance with daily living activities, as well as enhanced access to the required healthcare. Should rehabilitation and more complex care become necessary, they can move toward skilled nursing care. If the diagnosis of dementia is made, residents transition to a specific level known as memory care.

Transitions are decided by the on-site staff, in accordance to the needs of the resident. If a resident is no longer able to walk unsupported or the placement of a feeding tube becomes necessary, the transition is encouraged and pursued. Sometimes, transitions are required, as the respective resident needs constant supervision and 24/7 treatment monitoring. Senior adults get transitioned temporarily or permanently.

Aside from housing, senior adults who live in a CCRC benefit from a number of services. These may include: meal plans with dietary adjustments, scheduled transportation to/from medical appointments, housekeeping, laundry and linen services, general maintenance, security, emergency call system, etc. They may have access to physicians and other medical experts, on-site pharmacies for prescription drugs, and rehabilitation services.

CCRC in New York - amenities and options

If you are planning on moving into a New York CCRC, it might help to inform yourself about available options. For instance, did you know that you can choose between various housing units, such as one or two-bedroom apartments, townhouses, or cottages? You can live together with your partner and remain within the same community, including in the situation that you have different healthcare needs. There are pet-friendly retirement communities, which allow prospective residents to make the big move together with their pet friends.

Residential amenities can vary from one community to the other, but they all contribute to helping senior adults stay mentally and physically fit. Residents may have access to indoor/outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, fitness and wellness centers. They can take part in chess clubs, play pool, use the computer, or take a continuous education course. Some of the CCRCs have weekly religious services, social clubs, hiking/walking trails, landscaped gardens, libraries, movie theaters, art studios, and even performance halls.

There are special amenities dedicated to those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or dementia. For instance, they can take a walk in one of the guided gardens, work on their cognitive skills and memory at the learning center, or take a stab at painting. The on-site staff works hard to help such residents, offering access to amenities that slow down the cognitive decline.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in New York?

New York CCRCs offer you the possibility to live your golden years in peace, with access to the healthcare you need, as well as a wide range of services and amenities that promise comfortable living. If you are still on the fence about moving, here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in NY

Residential alternative to other retirement options

Continuum of care offered under life care contract or other types of contracts (fee-based service)

Access to an array of amenities and services

Transition to complex levels of care as needed

On-site physician, pharmacy, rehabilitation services, other therapies, etc.

Cons of moving to a CCRC in NY

Not all New York CCRCs offer life care contracts (check policy)

Residents must present a reasonable state of health; chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, can represent a reason for rejection

Residents must have sufficient financial resources to cover both entrance and monthly fees

Additional living expenses might apply in some cases

Not everyone is prepared to make such a significant financial commitment