Ohio Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Ohio

Senior adults are often worried about their future, considering their options in advance. Regardless of their former occupation and background, they all desire one thing: to live their golden years in peace. A continuing care retirement community can offer just that, allowing respective residents to benefit from a continuum of care. A wide range of services and amenities contribute to a high standard of living.

Continuing care retirement communities in Ohio welcome residents who meet the age requirement, which is 55 or 62, depending on each center. These senior living centers in OH also demand prospective residents to cover a rather substantial entrance fee, as well as monthly fees for healthcare, services, and amenities. Financial eligibility is determined in accordance to one's income and savings, and it represents one of the major factors considered. Additionally, you have to present a good state of health, without chronic conditions.

In Ohio, there are over 100 continuing care retirement communities. These senior living facilities can be found in the following locations: Akron, Aurora, Avon, Bellaire, Bellevue, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Delaware, Genoa, Middletown, Portsmouth, Springfield, Toledo, and Youngstown. These CCRCs can be divided into for-profit and non-profit communities. Some are developed by corporations, other are church-related. It is also possible to develop such retirement communities through private-public partnerships.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Ohio - financing and costs

If you are planning on moving into a continuing care retirement community in OH, it makes sense to think about your financial status. A specialized attorney can help you determine whether you can afford the move or not. You might decide to sell your property and use the respective funds to cover the equity buy-in. Many senior adults opt to use their retirement fund, but they might also rely on assets and other savings to cover the demanded fees. It is also important to consider whether your regular income/pension is enough to cover the monthly fees.

The entrance fee for Ohio-based CCRCs can start at $30,000 and go as high as $500,000. However, there are luxury retirement communities where the entrance fee can reach the significant amount of $1,000,000. As for the monthly fees, these usually vary between $3,000 and $6,000 - by comparison, the national average is of $2,500. In Franklin County, there are retirement communities where the monthly fees are $10,000 on average, but this is an exception.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Ohio - care levels and services

All continuing care retirement communities allow prospective residents to choose a contract that suits their needs the best. As part of the contract, they can select the desired care level, but most of them opt for independent living. This care level allows them to live on their own, with little or no assistance; at the same time, the access to services and amenities is unrestricted.

Assisted living is offered to those who can no longer live on their own, including assistance with daily living activities. For instance, a resident can receive help with feeding, dressing, or bathing. Healthcare is included, especially for those who need certain treatments, such as insulin shots. However, should the health needs become more complex, one can transition to skilled nursing care. Within this level, one can receive daily assistance and treatments, as well as rehabilitation. Memory care is the level reserved for those who suffer from dementia, and it always involves round-the-clock supervision.

How are transitions decided? The decision is taken after considering the health status of the resident, as well as his/her level of independence. The risk of self-harm or injury might weigh in on the decision. Transitions can be temporary or permanent, and the decision to a return to a previous level of care is taken only after a thorough assessment.

A retirement community will offer an interesting range of services to its residents, meant to offer a comfortable living style. From housekeeping to general maintenance, residents no longer have to worry about such matters, enjoying their golden years in peace. Other services offered on campus might include: linen and laundry service, 24/7 security, telephone, Internet, cable, meal plans, transportation to/from appointments, and guest admissions.

CCRC in Ohio - amenities and options

Options? Well, it might interest you to know that CCRCs have a lot of appealing options to offer. Prospective residents can check out the existent floor plans and select a living unit that corresponds to their needs. They can choose between apartments or condos, townhouses, and cottages. All residents are allowed to live together with their partners/spouses, but the fees to be covered will be higher and that is something to take into consideration. What about pets? Most CCRCs nowadays accept pets, but you will have to check the policy of each retirement community first.

General amenities include fine-dining restaurants and cafes, social clubs, communal areas, libraries, computer rooms, art studios, woodworking shops, tennis courts, golf courses, and swimming pools. Additional amenities might include: learning centers, weekly worshipping service, hair salons, cafes, pharmacies, etc. Some CCRS might offer hiking/walking trails, off-site trips, as well as special amenities for those who suffer from dementia (memory garden, speech/cognitive therapies).

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

How are you planning on spending your future? Do you want a life that is free of stress? If your answer to either one of these two questions is yes, then maybe moving into an Ohio-based CCRC is the right decision. Here are a few pros and cons for you to consider.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in OH

Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can make "old age" more bearable

A wide range of activities and amenities to occupy your time with

Access to fitness and wellness center for physical fitness

On-site healthcare access, including specialized medical advice

Round-the-clock supervision for dementia patients

Cons of moving to a CCRC in OH

Entrance fee for Ohio-based CCRCs is substantial

Monthly fees are difficult to cover on a lower income

Adjustment period can be longer than you expected

Physical stress of moving can be tough to handle

Anxiety and fear of losing your independence

Before committing to any Ohio-based CCRC, it might be a good idea to visit several retirement communities and research what they have to offer. You might ask your family or friends to help you with this significant decision.