As America’s population ages, the demand for high-quality retirement living options continues to grow. Among the most popular and comprehensive forms of senior living are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities. These communities offer a range of residential and health services that have been carefully designed to provide peace of mind and continuity of care as residents’ needs change.
Springmoor was the first full-service retirement community in Raleigh, North Carolina, and we celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2024. We are proud to be a nonprofit community that prioritizes residents’ needs. This article explores the fundamentals of CCRCs, explains the different contract types available, and highlights the unique benefits of Springmoor’s care model.
What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A CCRC is a residential community designed for older adults that provides a continuum of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing care—all on one campus. Residents typically move in while they are still independent. They transition to higher levels of care as their needs increase, while remaining a member of the community they love.
CCRCs like Springmoor offer a stable and secure environment where residents can enjoy social engagement, a host of amenities, and a wide range of fun events and activities while having access to medical and personal care services as needed. The goal is to support a holistic lifestyle that enhances independence, health, and well-being, with the assurance that care will be available if it is needed.
Springmoor residents further benefit from the Springmoor Endowment Fund. The Endowment helps ensure guaranteed residency for life for every member of our community. Despite a lifetime of careful saving and planning, almost anyone can outlive their assets. Many residents say the Endowment was an important factor in their decision to choose Springmoor for retirement living.
Core Features of CCRCs
Independent Living:
Residents live in private apartments, homes, or villas and have access to community amenities.
Assisted Living:
Offers help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Skilled Nursing:
Provides 24-hour medical care for residents who need more intensive support.
Rehabilitation Services:
Short-term therapies for recovery from illness or injury.
Memory Care:
For residents with cognitive impairment.
In addition to health services, CCRCs typically provide dining options, housekeeping, transportation, social and recreational activities, and security, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for retirees.
Contract Types in CCRCs
Making the move to a CCRC is a significant lifestyle choice and financial decision for prospective residents and their families. When considering your options, it helps to understand the different contract types CCRCs offer. These contracts determine the level of care provided, the financial arrangements, and the predictability of future costs. There are five primary types of CCRC contracts:
1. Type A (Life Care) Contracts
Type A, or Life Care contracts, are the most comprehensive and predictable. Residents pay an entrance fee and a monthly service fee, which covers housing, amenities, and most healthcare services (including assisted living and skilled nursing care), with little or no increase in cost if care needs increase. This model offers peace of mind, as it insulates residents from escalating healthcare costs.
2. Type B (Modified) Contracts
Type B contracts typically require a lower entrance fee and monthly fee compared to Type A. They include a specified amount of healthcare services—such as a set number of days in the skilled nursing facility or assisted living—at no extra cost or at a discounted rate. After the included services are exhausted, residents are responsible for some of the cost of the additional care.
3. Type C (Fee-for-Service) Contracts
Type C contracts usually offer lower entrance and monthly fees compared to Types A and B. Under a Type C agreement, residents pay market rates for medical services if they need them. While this model can be more affordable upfront, it offers less predictability in future healthcare costs.
4. Equity or Co-Op Contracts
Equity contracts are an actual purchase of real estate; residents own their home within the community. A monthly service fee is required. Health care is generally available on campus on a fee-for-service basis, at either full market rate or at a slight discount. An advantage of this model is that a resident’s heirs can inherit the property, much like a traditional home.
5. Rental Agreements
Some CCRCs may offer rental agreements without substantial entrance fees, where residents pay monthly rent, as well as paying for care services out of pocket as they need them. This arrangement provides flexibility but lacks the long-term security and cost stabilization of traditional CCRC contracts.
Which type of contract is best for you depends on your individual needs and financial situation. Your attorney, accountant, and financial planner can provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
Springmoor Offers Type B, a Modified Contract
Springmoor’s approach is based on the principles of comprehensive care, financial stability, and resident-centered living. As a nonprofit, Springmoor puts residents’ needs first and has a long history of giving back to the larger community. We offer our residents lifelong housing and care with predictable costs.
Key Benefits of Springmoor’s Life Care Model
1. Financial security and cost predictability.
2. Peace of mind for residents and their families regarding future healthcare expenses. By paying a one-time entrance fee and a monthly service fee, residents are assured their costs will remain stable even if their care needs increase over time. Retirees are better able to manage their resources and avoid the uncertainty of rising healthcare expenses.
3. Access to a full continuum of care on our beautiful, 42-acre campus in North Raleigh. Residents seamlessly transition between levels of care as their needs change, without ever having to leave the community. This continuity supports emotional well-being and minimizes the stress of relocating during vulnerable times.
4. If one member of a couple requires a greater level of care than their partner, they continue to live only a short walk away. With our professional staff caring for the partner with the higher level of need, the caregiving partner can maximize their own wellness.
5. Independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities are included. We also provide a health clinic for acute and chronic concerns (from strep throat to diabetes to flu shots). Residents can take advantage of on-campus physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services, as well as short-term rehab when recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. We even have a pharmacy on-site!
6. The Springmoor Endowment Fund helps provide guaranteed residency for life for residents who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own.
7. Springmoor offers a wide array of resident-focused services and amenities, including gourmet dining, fitness facilities, cultural and recreational programs, transportation, and housekeeping. The community is designed to foster social connections, lifelong learning, and active living, all within a safe and supportive environment.
8. Our Pathways Wellness Center features a heated, saltwater pool; a spa and sauna; an expansive exercise room; personal training and massage therapy; and much more!
9. In addition to leading a wide variety of exercise classes for all fitness levels each week, our Pathways Wellness Team offers comprehensive wellness programming to suit every taste and interest. The Pathways Team partners with our healthcare professionals to help residents maintain their health and independence for as long as possible.
10. Springmoor’s location in Raleigh offers residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful, beautifully landscaped campus and easy access to the cultural, educational, and medical resources of a thriving city. Raleigh’s mild climate and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to enjoy retirement.
Why Choose a Life Care Community Like Springmoor?
Choosing a CCRC like Springmoor offers retirees long-term stability and security. Residents benefit from knowing that their housing, lifestyle, and care needs will be met, all within one community. This arrangement not only provides financial protection but also enhances quality of life through social engagement and the ability to age gracefully in familiar surroundings.
Families of residents also gain peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are supported by a comprehensive care system and a professional staff. The Life Care Model reduces the burden of making decisions during a health crisis and allows families to focus on enjoying time together.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer an innovative solution for senior living, providing a blend of independence, care, and community. Understanding the various contract types—Life Care, Modified, Fee-for-Service, Equity, and Rental—is essential for making informed decisions about retirement.
A visit to our campus is the best way to fully understand what a special place Springmoor is! To schedule a personalized tour to see your favorite floor plan in-person and get the answers to all your questions, simply click here or call 919-848-7080 today.
