Mississippi continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find Continued Care in Mississippi

Designed to include varying levels of care such as independent living spaces, assisted living services, and skilled nursing care, Mississippi continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) present seniors with a greater range of freedom and the ability to transition from one level of care to the next with limited stress. Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay.

CCRCs in Mississippi feature 24-hour security, social, and recreational activities, housekeeping services, transportation, premium dining options, and much more. Many communities are also working to include memory care and additional wellness programs to their list of services as their popularity among the senior community continues to rise.

Recreation and Attractions in Mississippi

Overflowing with heritage and historical sites, Mississippi is home to many unique intersections of culture. Retrace the birth of the Blues at the Delta Blues Heritage Festival in Greenville, or take a trip to the African American Cultural Center to learn about the achievements of African Americans in the area. Other places like the Natchez Trace Parkway can make for a scenic afternoon trip out into the countryside. Even though CCRCs provide residents with plenty of activities, exploring your local area can reveal new experiences every day!

Mississippi Climate, Geography, and Culture

The summers are commonly hot and humid in Mississippi while winters are mild and short. The average temperature is 65 degrees, with an average low temperature of 54 degrees, and an average high temperature of 76 degrees. Late summer and fall hurricanes typically move northward in Mississippi, coming from the Gulf of Mexico. The winter temperatures are in the 50s and 60, and the summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. The spring and fall temperatures are between the 60s and 80s. The Mississippi bayou invited you down for the southern comfort.

Mississippi's CCRC Regulations and Laws

CCRCs in Mississippi are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Mississippi Department of Health website. These regulations ensure that all continued care facilities are in the best shape possible.

Crime and Safety In Mississippi

Violent Crime in Mississippi is lower than the national average. Although property crime rates are slightly higher than the rest of the nation, the crimes per square mile are still much lower compared to other states. As with anywhere, some places are safer than others. Below we've listed some of the safest towns and cities below:

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Newton	0	1.49
Petal	.18	6.88
Belzoni	1.34	4.94

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Mississippi

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is born by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to healthcare on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or town home ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For CCRCs in Mississippi

Entering a Mississippi CCRC does not mean that your US rights are negated.Federal and state laws guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. Additionally, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract. Although CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle and age in place. Coupled with Mississippi’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

MS Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Residents receiving continuing care or any other type of medical attention in Mississippi are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 10 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.