What questions should we ask when touring a senior living community?

by Bruce Rosenblatt | Jul 10, 2025 | Blog

What questions should we ask when touring a senior living community?

📝 Senior Living Community Tour Checklist

🏠 Living Accommodations

☐ What types of apartments/rooms are available (studio, 1BR, 2BR)?
☐ Are units furnished or unfurnished?
☐ Can residents personalize or decorate their space?
☐ Are there kitchenettes or full kitchens?
☐ Are housekeeping and laundry services included?
☐ What safety features are present (e.g., grab bars, emergency call buttons)?

🧑‍⚕️ Care and Services

☐ What levels of care are offered (independent, assisted, memory care, etc.)?
☐ How are care plans created and updated?
☐ Is staff available 24/7, including overnight?
☐ What kind of medical staff is on-site (RN, LPN, etc.)?
☐ How is medication managed and administered?
☐ Can care be adjusted as needs change?

🍽️ Dining and Nutrition

☐ How many meals are provided daily?
☐ Can dietary needs or allergies be accommodated?
☐ Are meals served restaurant-style or cafeteria-style?
☐ Are snacks or beverages available throughout the day?
☐ Can guests join for meals?

💵 Costs and Contracts

☐ What is the monthly base rate and what’s included?
☐ Are there entrance, application, or community fees?
☐ What services incur extra charges?
☐ What is the rent increase policy?
☐ Are there contracts or lease terms?
☐ What’s the refund policy if a resident moves out?

👥 Lifestyle and Community

☐ What activities and events are regularly offered?
☐ Is there a fitness or wellness program?
☐ Are there group outings or transportation services?
☐ What are the visiting hours and guest policies?
☐ Are pets allowed? If so, are there restrictions?

🧹 Staff and Community Culture

☐ What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
☐ What is the average staff tenure?
☐ What training do staff receive (e.g., dementia, CPR)?
☐ Can you observe staff interacting with residents?
☐ Are there opportunities for residents to give feedback?

📋 Policies and Procedures

☐ What is the move-in process like?
☐ What happens if a resident needs more care?
☐ What is the discharge or transfer policy?
☐ How are grievances handled?
☐ Are there community rules or resident handbooks?

🔍 Observations During Tour

☐ Is the community clean, well-maintained, and odor-free?
☐ Do residents seem engaged and content?
☐ Is the environment quiet, friendly, and welcoming?
☐ Can you try a meal or attend an activity during your visit?

Click here to download the Senior Community Comparison Guide

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) Entrance fee refund options

by Bruce Rosenblatt | Apr 17, 2025 | Blog

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer various entrance fee structures to accommodate different financial preferences and needs. Here’s an overview of the primary options:

💰Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) Entrance fee refund options

Non-Refundable Entrance Fees
- Description: Residents pay a lower upfront fee that is not refunded upon leaving or passing away
- Financial Implication: This option typically results in a lower initial cost but offers no return of the entrance fee
- Example: A resident pays $100,000, and upon departure or death, no portion is refunded
Refundable Entrance Fees
- Description:Residents pay a higher upfront fee, with a portion refunded to their estate or heirs upon leaving or passing away
- Refund Options:
  - Declining Balance: The refundable amount decreases over time, often by a fixed percentage each year, until it reaches zero after a certain period.
  - Return-of-Capital: A fixed percentage (e.g., 50% to 90%) of the entrance fee is refunded regardless of how long the resident stays.
- Financial Implication:While the initial cost is higher, this structure provides a return of part of the entrance fee, which can be beneficial for estate planning.
Partially Refundable Entrance Fees
- Description: A hybrid approach where a portion of the entrance fee is refundable, and the rest is non-refundable.
- Financial Implication: This option offers a balance between lower initial costs and some return of the entrance fee.

📊 Financial Considerations

Cost Comparison Refundable options generally involve higher entrance fees. For instance, a 90% refundable fee might be significantly more expensive than a non-refundable fee.
Tax Implications Refunds received may be subject to income tax, especially if the resident previously deducted the entrance fee as a medical expense.
Estate Planning Refundable fees can be advantageous for estate planning, as they provide a return to heirs.

🏡 Additional Payment Plans

CCRCs may also offer different care models:

*Life Care: Higher entrance fee with a fixed monthly fee that covers all levels of care.
*Modified: Lower entrance fee with a set number of days of higher-level care; additional care incurs extra cost
*Pay-as-You-Go: Lowest entrance fee with costs for higher-level care billed as needed.

⚠️ Important Considerations

*Community Financial Stability: It’s crucial to assess the financial health of a CCRC, as some have faced bankruptcy, potentially jeopardizing residents’ funds.
*Refund Conditions: Refunds may depend on the reoccupation of the unit, and there could be delays or conditions attached.
*Tax Treatment: Portions of refundable fees may be taxable if they were previously deducted as medical expenses.

If you’re considering a CCRC in Naples, Florida, I can help identify local communities and provide more detailed information on their entrance fee structures. Let me know if you’d like assistance with that. Please give us a call at 239-595-0207

Read more at Wikipedia

Waitlists at Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

by Bruce Rosenblatt | Mar 29, 2025 | Blog

Waitlists at Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a type of senior living community that provides a range of housing options and healthcare services to seniors as they age, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care, all within one community. A waitlist in a CCRC is a system that manages prospective residents who are interested in moving into the community but need to wait for an opening.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points to understand about waitlists in CCRCs:

1. Why Waitlists Exist

High Demand: Many CCRCs are in high demand because they offer a comprehensive continuum of care, and residents often prefer to stay in one place as they age. As a result, there may not always be immediate availability.
Limited Availability: Some CCRCs may have a limited number of units available for each type of living situation (independent living, assisted living, etc.), so prospective residents may need to wait for a spot to open.
Long-Term Planning: Because people often plan for their future healthcare needs in advance, waitlists are a way for the community to manage expectations and provide space to those who have expressed interest early.

2. How Waitlists Work

Application Process: Prospective residents typically need to submit an application, which can include health screenings, financial assessments, and personal information. The application will determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for the community.
Priority System: Some CCRCs may have a priority system in place for those who have already expressed interest and placed their name on the list. Priority might be given based on the length of time on the list or certain levels of need.
Deposit or Fee: Many CCRCs ask for a deposit or non-refundable fee to hold a place on the waitlist. This deposit may be applied toward the entrance fee if the person is eventually admitted.
Wait Time: The wait time can vary significantly based on factors like the CCRC’s location, the demand for space, and the availability of the type of housing or care the person needs. Wait times may range from a few months to several years.

3. Types of Waitlists

General Waitlist: A standard waitlist for all available units in the community, whether independent living, assisted living, or nursing care.
Specific Waitlist: Some CCRCs maintain different waitlists for specific types of units. For example, a person may want to live in independent living but might be placed on a waitlist for that specific category.
Priority Waitlist: A priority system might be based on factors like current residents who wish to transition to a different level of care or families who already have ties to the community.

4. Waitlist Management

Communication: Most CCRCs keep waitlisted individuals informed about their status and notify them when a space becomes available. However, the wait time can vary, so it’s important to stay in touch with the community for updates.
Changes in Status: If a person’s health or financial situation changes while on the waitlist, they may need to update their application or reconsider their choice to join the CCRC.

5. Factors Impacting Waitlists

Health: Seniors who are in more urgent need of healthcare may have more immediate access, especially for skilled nursing or memory care.
Location: CCRCs in highly desirable locations, such as near family or in attractive cities, tend to have longer waitlists.
Market Demand: Communities with excellent reputations or better amenities may have longer waitlists due to increased demand.

6. Tips for Managing Waitlists

Plan Early: It’s important to get on a waitlist as early as possible, even if you’re not planning to move for a few years, as waitlists can be long.
Understand the Costs: Make sure you understand any deposits or fees that come with being on the waitlist and the terms for withdrawing if necessary.
Check for Alternative Options: While you wait, it may be helpful to research other CCRCs or senior living options as a backup in case the wait time is longer than expected.

Being on a CCRC waitlist means that you are expressing interest in moving to a community that will provide various levels of care as you need them. It’s important to stay informed and understand how the process works so that you can make the transition as smooth as possible when the time comes.

Read more at Wikipedia

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) Tax Implications

by Bruce Rosenblatt | Mar 25, 2025 | Blog

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) Tax Implications

In the U.S., Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) fees are generally not fully tax-deductible. However, some portions of the fees might be, depending on how they are structured.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

1. Monthly Maintenance Fees:

These fees usually cover services such as meals, housekeeping, maintenance, and security. These are typically not deductible as medical expenses.

2. Medical or Health-Related Fees:

If part of your CCRC fees goes toward medical care (for example, nursing care or rehabilitation services), that portion may be deductible as a medical expense. The IRS allows you to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), but you need to keep detailed records to substantiate the medical portion of the fees.

3. Entrance Fees:

The upfront, lump-sum “entrance fee” or “buy-in” that you pay when you move into a CCRC is typically not deductible. However, if any part of the entrance fee is allocated for healthcare services, that part could potentially be deductible if it meets the criteria for medical expenses.

4. Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums:

If you are paying for long-term care insurance as part of your CCRC arrangement, those premiums may be deductible as a medical expense, depending on your age and the IRS guidelines for that year.

To determine what part of the fees, if any, might be deductible, it’s a good idea to:

Keep records of your payments and the breakdown of what they cover.
Consult a tax professional who can guide you based on your specific situation and any changes to tax laws.

Tax laws can vary, so it’s always best to get tailored advice.

Read more at Wikipedia

Do Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) offer pickleball?

by Bruce Rosenblatt | Jan 2, 2025 | Blog

Do Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) offer pickleball?

Yes, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) often offer pickleball as part of their recreational and wellness programs. CCRCs are designed to provide a range of care options, from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, all within one community. Because many CCRCs prioritize the health and well-being of their residents, they often include amenities that encourage physical activity and social engagement, and pickleball fits that criteria perfectly.

Here’s why pickleball is commonly available in CCRCs:

Active Lifestyle: Since many CCRCs cater to seniors who are still able to live independently or semi-independently, they tend to offer a variety of activities to keep residents active and engaged. Pickleball is especially popular in these communities because it’s easy on the joints, yet provides a great cardiovascular workout and promotes mobility.
Wellness Focus: CCRCs usually have a strong focus on wellness and holistic health. This includes offering fitness programs, outdoor activities, and sports like pickleball, which encourage physical exercise and social interaction.
Socialization: Pickleball is a great way for residents to meet others, socialize, and stay mentally sharp, which are important aspects of life in a CCRC.
Adaptability: Many CCRCs have facilities that can adapt to various levels of physical ability. They may offer different levels of play, from casual matches to organized tournaments, and may even provide training or coaching for those new to the game.

Some examples of CCRC amenities where pickleball is commonly offered include:

Outdoor pickleball courts (sometimes shared with other recreational activities)
Indoor courts for all-weather play
Pickleball leagues or tournaments for residents to compete or socialize

To find a CCRC that offers pickleball, it’s best to inquire directly with the community you’re interested in to confirm what recreational activities they provide. Many larger, more upscale CCRCs are likely to have pickleball courts, given the popularity of the sport.

Read more at Wikipedia

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