Texas Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Texas

In Texas, there are over 170 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Bay City, Bedford, Beaumont, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Longview, Red Oak, San Antonio, and Spring. All the CCRCs in this state are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. According to the law, each continuing care retirement community must file an annual disclosure statement, which includes a financial statement.

Continuing care retirement communities, which are also known as CCRCs or life care communities, welcome senior adults over the age of 62, even though in some cases the age requirement might be as lot as 55. Prospective residents must be financially independent, with sufficient funds available to cover both entrance and monthly fees. They must also present a reasonable state of health, with no chronic conditions. Someone who suffers from Parkinson's disease, for instance, might be rejected.

When it comes to senior age, many adults decide to sell their property, as they can no longer handle everyday chores. They often decide to move into a continuing care retirement community, as such a place allows them to maintain an independent and active lifestyle, while having the capacity to cater to future healthcare needs.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Texas - financing and costs

For those who plan on moving into a CCRC, financial eligibility is a matter of uttermost importance. The entrance fee, which covers the housing cost, as well as services and amenities, varies between $130,000 and $500,000 in Texas. According to the contract, it will also cover the access to health care. If the respective community offers life care, the entrance fee can be considerably higher.

In most cases, the resident must present assets and savings that are two to four times the entrance fee. The monthly fees vary between $2,250 and $4,800 – the most expensive locations are Dallas and Austin, while Fort Worth seems to have the lowest fees. By comparison, the national average is of $2,500, which makes it safe to assume that Texas is not one of the most expensive states in terms of continuing care. Residents must have a monthly income that is two to four times the monthly fees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Texas - care levels and services

The main idea behind a continuing care retirement community is that residents begin with independent living, transitioning to higher levels of care when the situation requires it. Residents of CCRC can maintain the independent lifestyle for as long as they are able to, with immediate access to healthcare in case of major events.

When elderly can no longer handle everyday tasks or their healthcare needs have changed, the transition toward assisted living is encouraged. For residents with complex health needs, as it usually happens in advanced age or in case of a major health issue, the skilled nursing care is the best level. Last, but not least, there is the memory care levels, where residents diagnosed with dementia are taken care of.

The transition to a new level of care is decided with careful consideration to the resident's needs. Assessments are performed on a regular basis, with the campus personnel checking the health status and level of independence of each resident. If there are major changes, for instance a resident can no longer walk alone or he/she needs a feeding tube, the transition is made without delay. In recommending a transition, the staff might also consider how dangerous it is for the respective senior adult to keep living alone.

In the interest of offering the best possible living standards, CCRCs offer a myriad of services. The list of services might include but is not limited to: housekeeping, general maintenance, transportation to/from medical appointments, emergency call system, Internet, telephone, cable, 24/7 security, laundry and linen service, meal planning, guest admissions. Each community might offer additional services to its residents.

CCRC in Texas - amenities and options

Residents can choose between several types of housing units, such as condominiums, townhouses or cottages. The apartments can have one or two bedrooms, and some CCRCs also offer other garden homes, such as villas. Prospective residents can live alone or with their spouses, and they have the advantage of remaining on the same campus, should their care levels become different. Most of these communities are pet friendly, so furry friends are welcomed to tag along.

An interesting array of residential amenities is available at continuing care retirement communities, including: fine-dining restaurants, cafes, learning center, art studio, woodworking shop, billiard room, computer room, common activity areas, social events and clubs, gardening area, weekly worship service with chaplain, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, hiking and walking trails. Those who suffer from dementia benefit from specific amenities, such as memory gardens, speech and occupational therapy, guided walks, etc.

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

By taking the decision to move into a continuing care retirement community, you might find yourself starting an exciting new chapter in your life. Texas-based CCRCs are equipped with everything you might need for a high standard of living, and they offer a continuum of care, which can be of great help during your golden years. Here are a few more pros and cons for you to consider.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in TX

A fresh change of scenery, with the opportunity to live your life as you please

Surrounded by people who pursue the same passions and interests, easy to make new friends

People who live in retirement communities like this present a lower risk of depression and anxiety

All the comfort of a good life, thanks to the wide range of services and amenities offered

Maintain an active and independent lifestyle, with consideration of future healthcare needs

Cons of moving to a CCRC in TX

You may no longer find yourself close to your family and friends

Financial independent might be an issue, the required fees are substantial and often hard to cover

If you suffer from chronic health conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, you might not be accepted

It can take months or even years for your application to be accepted, so early application might be a good idea

Not all CCRCs offer life care, and those that do have such contracts often demand higher fees