Oregon Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Oregon

Continuing care retirement communities are quite popular nowadays, as more and more senior adults show an interest in alternative living options in the state of Oregon. These senior living communities offer lifetime housing, healthcare, services, and amenities – all in the same setting. Moreover, prospective residents have the possibility to increase the level of care as their needs change.

Those who want to live in a CCRC in Oregon must be prepared to meet the admittance criteria. For instance, most communities of this kind only accept people over a certain age, such as 55 or 62. Financial eligibility is equally important, as all residents must be able to cover the equity buy-in, which can reach a considerable amount. Monthly fees have to be paid as well, as they cover the access to healthcare and other benefits.

Depending on the type of contract, additional criteria might apply. Some CCRCs may require its residents to have a long-term insurance policy. In Oregon, there are 109 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in various locations, including: Madras, North Bend, Canby, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Portland, Newberg, Albany, and Salem. The majority of the CCRCs are located in the Greater Portland region.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Oregon - financing and costs

CCRCs can be expensive, as most of them require an entrance fee that varies between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Also known as the equity buy-in, this sum can be covered using retirement funds, savings, or various assets. It can also be a smart decision to sell your property and rely on the respective funds to ensure your admittance.

What about the monthly fees? You can use the same resources, as well as your regular income. With Oregon-based CCRCs, the fees vary between $3,000 and $5,000; these are usually influenced by the type of contract. By comparison, the national average is $2,500; it is safe to assume that Oregon is one of more expensive states.

While the entrance fee is used to cover the operating costs, as mentioned above, the monthly fees will cover your access to services and amenities. It might be useful to remember that a number of other factors will be considered, including your health status, type of housing unit preferred, and contract facilities. Generally, contracts can be divided into: life care/extended contracts, modified contracts, and fee-for-service contracts.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Oregon - care levels and services

All CCRCs offer a tiered approach to care, accommodating the changing needs of its residents. Care levels commonly include: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. When moving for the first time into a CCRC, residents can live independently, opting for a housing unit that matches their needs. They can choose between single-family residents, townhouses, and cottages.

As their needs change and they begin to require assistance with daily living, residents move to the next level of care. Within the assisted living setting, they can benefit from both health care and personal assistance. Skilled nursing care is a level suitable for those who require added supervision and care, as well as rehabilitation. Memory care addresses the very specific needs of those who suffer from dementia.

The transition from one level of care to the other is decided by medical specialists, considering the needs of the resident, as well as the demand for personal assistance and supervision. These can be temporary or permanent, and the decision to transition is always made in the best interest of the resident. Often times, the decision is taken to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries, especially in residents who can no longer live or function independently.

Such communities provide a wide range of services, so as to accommodate the demand for an excellent standard of living. Commonly-offered services include: maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, security, emergency calling system, Internet, cable, telephone, and guest accommodation. Additional services can include, but are not limited to: custom diets, medication administration and supervision, doctor appointments, access to therapy, etc.

CCRC in Oregon - amenities and options

With most CCRCs, you are allowed to choose a housing unit that matches both your budget and your needs. As previously-mentioned, common choices include garden homes, such as townhouses and cottages, but also one or two-bedroom apartments. Residents are allowed to live together with their partners, remaining in the same community, even when their care levels are different. It might also be possible to live with your pet, but you have to check each CCRC and inquire about the pet-friendly policy.

The amenities you will find within a retirement community promote physical health, strengthen the mind, and encourage residents to explore new/existent hobbies. They might also contribute to social wellness and self-fulfillment. The list of potential amenities includes: swimming pool, fitness classes, outdoor recreation areas, libraries, performance halls, common social areas, woodworking, painting studios, beauty salons, restaurant-style dining, weekly worship services, continuous education classes. Amenities specific for memory care residents include: guided walks, memory gardens, learning centers.

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

Oregon-based CCRCs provide prospective residents with everything they might need to live their golden years in peace. If you are not certain about your move, take some time to consider all the pros and cons. Ultimately, you can also discuss the matter with your family, asking for assistance with the research process.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in OR

Alternative living option with a reduced risk of depression or isolation

Level of care increases accordingly to your needs

Memory care facility for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease

Can live in the same location for the duration of your life

Different housing units available, in accordance with the needs of each resident

Cons of moving to a CCRC in OR

Most CCRCs require a large entrance fee, as well as substantial monthly fees (hard to cover on a lower income)

Admittance can take months or even years, so it might be a good idea to apply early

Life care contracts are beneficial but they can be quite expensive

With fee-for-service contracts, the monthly fees are considerably higher

One cannot enter the community at a higher level of care, all prospective residents must present a reasonable state of health (capable of living and functioning on their own)