Oregon Continuing Care Retirement Communiteies

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. 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.

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.

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Recreation and Attractions in Oregon

Take a trip to Crater Lake National Park or one of America’s most famous bird refuges on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Other destinations like the Favell Museum of Western Art & Artifacts reflect upon the heritage of the west with over 100,000 Native American artifacts. With a long tradition of farm-to-plate dining, Oregon is known for its abundance of top-notch restaurants and agricultural expertise, making it easy to take a night out on the town. Whatever your range of interests and mobility, new adventures await just outside the door of your Oregon continuing care retirement community today!

Oregon's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Thanks to the early European-American pioneers in the 1840’s to 80’s, Oregon has since become a state of wonder for outdoor enthusiasts young and old. This pioneer lifestyle bleeds into their progressive laws and regulations as well as their music scene. The rainy climate does nothing to dampen the creative minds in the northwest state. Those looking to relax and join a creative culture should take a look at Oregon.

Oregon's CCRC Laws and Regulations

Oregon has rules and regulations that are put in place to ensure that CCRC's are abiding by U.S. federal laws and are not taking advantage of patients. A full list of laws can be found at the Department of Health Services website. It will detail the quality of care required, the payment methods, and estimated cost among other things. If something seems unclear, feel free to contact a legal aid to explain any confusion.

Crime and Safety in Oregon 

Oregon’s crime rates are quite average compared to the national median. Even though property crimes are slightly higher than the rest of the country, Oregon’s violent crimes are well below that rate. Choosing a safe community to surround your long-term care option is a good decision to help keep you or your elderly loved one from running into trouble. Below are some of the safest cities found throughout Oregon. 

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Baker City.16.22
West Linn.199.73
Jacksonville013.79
 

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Oregon 

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 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 is only extended 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
  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 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
  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 health care 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 townhome 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 OR

Oregon CCRCs are guaranteed to keep your rights intact when you enter their facility. 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 representative. Coupled with Oregon’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

OR Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations 

Medical records become very important upon entering a CCRC. 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 of CCRCs in Oregon care or receiving any other type of medical attention 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 filling out the proper paperwork and paying 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.