Utah Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Utah

In Utah, there are 25 continuing care retirement communities. These are can be found in the following locations: Salt Lake City, Sandy, Layton, Bloomington, Bloomington Hills, and Saint George. All the CCRCs must apply to be licensed under the Continuing Care Provider Act, being regulated by the Utah Insurance Department. Prospective residents are encouraged to apply early in life, as the demand is high and admittance can last months or even years.

Continuing care retirement communities are facilities that combine different levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. These senior living centers offer to senior adults what is known as a tired approach to the aging process, with consideration to their changing needs.

While each continuing care retirement community may set its own admittance criteria, the majority of these facilities follow the same process. Senior adults must present a reasonable state of health, without chronic or degenerating conditions, and match the age requirement, which varies between 55 and 62. They must be able to cover the required entrance and monthly fees, with clear proof of financial eligibility. In some cases, a long-term insurance policy such as Medicare might be requested.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Utah - financing and costs

To cover the entrance fee, residents can use retirement funds, savings, and various assets. They can also decide to sell their property and rely on the respective funds to ensure their admittance. Utah CCRCs offer various types of contracts, with the most expensive being the "life care contract". The entrance fee varies between $160,000 and $600,000 for such contracts, which guarantee care for life, regardless of one's health and financial level.

Modified contracts, which cover services for a limited period of time, have an entrance fee that varies between $80,000 and $750,000. If you are going for a fee-for-service contract, you can expect to pay between $100,000 and $500,000. Rental agreements have lower fees, while equity agreements do not require an entrance fee.

Monthly fees have to be covered as well, with the highest values in place for life care contracts. In Utah, these vary between $2,500 and $5,400. With modified contracts, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 each month. Fee-for-service contracts have fees that vary between $1,300 and $4,300. Once again, rental agreements have the lowest fees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Utah - care levels and services

Senior adults begin with independent living, having the opportunity to maintain an active and independent lifestyle. They enjoy everything the respective community has to offer in terms of services and amenities, with immediate access to healthcare. As they age and their needs change, they can transition toward assisted living, without leaving the community. Within this care level, residents benefit from healthcare and assistance with daily living activities.

If their medical needs become more serious, senior adults can opt for skilled nursing care. This is a common occurrence in those who have been hospitalized, after surgery, or in case of prolonged illness. Some residents might need daily treatments and extensive help with everyday tasks. Skilled nursing care is also recommended in case of major health events, such as stroke or heart attack. If a resident is living with dementia, he/she might transition to memory care, where supervision and treatments are offered 24/7, with the purpose of guaranteeing the best possible quality of life.

Transitions are decided by the staff of the respective community, after a careful and thorough assessment of the resident's health status and level of independence. Depending on the evaluation and its results, a temporary or permanent transition might be recommended. It can happen that a transition is suggested to protect the respective resident from potential injuries that might occur in him/her trying to function alone.

A continuing care retirement community will always offer a wide range of services to its residents, so as to ensure they feel comfortable and engaged. General services include: maintenance, 24/7 security, emergency call system, linen and laundry service, meal plans with dietary adjustments, Internet, telephone, cable, guest admissions, transportation to/from medical appointments.

CCRC in Utah - amenities and options

Each continuing care retirement community allows its residents to choose between different types of housing units, such as one or two-bedroom apartments, condominiums, townhouses, cottages, and villas. The latter are known as garden homes, and they generally have more expensive fees. Residents can choose to live alone or with their spouses, and they have the advantage of remaining on the same campus, even when their health needs become different. Pets are allowed by some CCRCs, given the obvious benefits of having one's furry friend around.

Among the amenities that make life in a retirement community pleasant, there are: swimming pool, fitness center, yoga classes, tennis court, golf course, billiard room, computer room, art studio, woodworking shop, social clubs, hiking and walking trails, gardening areas, religious service, continuous education, off-site trips. Some CCRCs provide specific amenities for people who suffer from dementia, including access to various therapies.

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

Utah-based continuing care retirement communities offer a continuum of care, welcoming senior adults who are interested in staying active and pursuing their passions. If you are still trying to decide whether you should go ahead with this decision, perhaps the following pros and cons will bring you closer to a resolution.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in UT

Opportunity to be part of a community, yet live independently, enjoying the active and social lifestyle

Several housing units to choose from, in accordance to your needs and budget

Residents can age in place, with consideration to their changing needs

Skilled nursing available in case of illness, surgery, or major health events

Supervised memory care for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia

Cons of moving to a CCRC in UT

Life care contracts are quite expensive and they are not offered by all communities

Not all senior adults feel comfortable with the lack of age diversity

The predictable lifestyle might cause some residents to feel bored

You might not meet the respective eligibility criteria, especially if you are on a medium or lower-level income

In case you change your mind about the move, you might lose all the money invested as equity buy-in (check contract to make sure there is a refund policy)