CCRC Ghost Program

In the senior living and Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) world, the term “ghost” is sometimes used informally to describe exactly this situation:

🏠 A “ghost” is a person who has purchased or reserved a residence in a CCRC but hasn’t actually moved in yet — sometimes for months or even years.

💡 Why this happens

There are several common reasons someone becomes a “ghost” resident:

Waiting for the right time — They may still be healthy, independent, or attached to their current home and want to delay the move until they “need” the services.
Health or family issues — Illness, caregiving duties, or family decisions can postpone the transition.
Emotional readiness — Moving to a CCRC can be a major life change, and some buyers hesitate to take that step.
Financial or logistical reasons — Selling their home, downsizing, or managing belongings can take time.

🧓 Impact on the community

“Ghost” residents can affect a CCRC in several ways:

Occupancy rates appear high on paper (units are sold), but actual occupancy is lower, affecting community vitality.
Social engagement may suffer because there are fewer active participants in activities and dining.
Cash flow can vary — depending on how entry fees and monthly fees are structured (some CCRCs begin charging monthly fees only once residents move in).

🏘️ What communities do about it

Some CCRCs try to keep “ghost” residents connected by:

Inviting them to community events or resident gatherings before they move in.
Creating “future resident programs” or “ambassador” systems.
Offering move-in incentives or time-limited deferrals.

A “ghost” in a CCRC refers to someone who has secured a unit but has not yet taken up residence. It’s not a negative term per se, but it highlights a common challenge for CCRCs: how to help future residents make the leap from “planning to move” to “living in the community.”