New Hampshire continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

CCRC's in New Hampshire

Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option.

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. Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is great for those looking to get a little exercise and explore that wide variety of sightseeing attractions.Whether's it's hitting the slopes on Mount Washington, or having some family fun at Whale's Tale Waterpark, New Hampshire has something for everyone. Those looking to celebrate the holiday's all-year-round can stop by Santa's Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park.

New Hampshire's Climate, Geography, and Culture

New Hampshire is a state steeped in American history and the classic culture of New England. The state has always stood to lead the country toward independence, being one of the 13 colonies to revolt against Great Britain and later leading the charge to abolish slavery in the early 1800’s. With plenty of historic sites and coastal towns like New Castle, New Hampshire can make for endlessly nostalgic scenery and community experiences. New Hampshire become's a skier's paradise as Winter arrives. Expect a good amount of snow and some frigid temperatures. The summers remain mild for those who want to beat the heat.

New Hampshire's CCRC Regulations and Laws

New Hampshire has laws in place regarding continued care retirement communities. These laws and regulations ensure that you or your senior's rights will not be violated. These regulations can be found on the New Hampshire Government website and detail the amount you should be paying as well as the type of care they provide for you or your elder.

Crime and Safety in New Hampshire

Crime in New Hampshire is considerably much lower than the national average, with almost half the chance of being a victim of violent crime compared to the rest of the United States. Instead of 32.8 crimes occurring every square mile, New Hampshire sees a little over one fifth of that rate annually. When seeking a nursing home for you or your elderly loved one, New Hampshire can be one of the wisest locations to consider in terms of crime. Below are some of the safest cities from across the state.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
New Ipswich	0	4.29
Atkinson	0	4.82
Srtrafford	.24	5.96

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in New Hampshire

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 borne 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 unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care 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 Continuing Care in NH

Entering a New Hampshire CCRC doesn’t mean your freedom and rights as an American citizen are left behind. These elderly rights ensure that you or your loved one are given the proper care they deserve while still maintaining your independence. Although CCRCs are the most expensive senior care options available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle and age in place. Coupled with New Hampshire’s rich history and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably. If you ever feel like your rights are in jeopardy, feel free to contact a legal representative.

NH CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Residents receiving senior care or any other type of medical attention in New Hampshire are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. This allows residents to have access to their records so they can know their exact diagnosis and treatment 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.