Discover CCRCs in North Carolina

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. 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.

Find CONTINUING CARE Facilities In NORTH CAROLINA

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Recreation and Attractions in North Carolina

North Carolina’s landscape can be quite diverse ranging from the Atlantic coastlines to the Appalachian Mountains. The first national seashore, Cape Hatteras is a classic destination for many seeking fun in the sun, complemented by award-winning spas, Civil War trails, and other historical sites. Residents and visitors can embark on Ashville’s Urban Trail, covering nearly 2 miles of bronze sculptures and local specialties in crafts and food. Even if your North Carolina CCRC provides plenty of activities, a new adventure is always just outside your door!

North Carolina's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The average temperature is 60 degrees, with an average low temperature of 49 degrees, and an average high temperature of 71 degrees. The winter temperatures are in the 50s and summers are in the 80s. The spring and fall temperatures are between the 60s and 80s. Smack in the middle of Appalachia, residents of North Carolina are native to the wilderness and have no problem getting their hands dirty. 

North Carolina's CCRC Regulations and Laws

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation outlines all of the rules and regulations for CCRCs. These regulations are in place to ensure that continuing care communities in North Carolina are in the best shape and provide the best possible care.

Crime and Safety in North Carolina

During 2013, crime in North Carolina decreased 7% based on official reports. When finding a new home for your extended care option, it is important to make sure the surrounding community is safe for you and your potential investment. Crime is present to different degrees, so listed below are some of the statistically safest cities in North Carolina today.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Davidson.947.72
Pinehurst.528.27
Elon.28.82
 

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in North Carolina

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.

  1. 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
  2. Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend for 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
  3. 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
  4. 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 healthcare on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
    1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
  5. 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 & Elderly Rights for CCRCs in North Carolina

North Carolina residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. 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. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law. Coupled with North Carolina’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

North Carolina CCRC: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. Many times an applicant’s health records are required in tandem with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents are guaranteed an accurate medical records that can be accessed at any time. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.