Utah continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find CCRCs in Utah

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 Utah

Utah’s Natural History Museum is one of the finest locations in the country and revered as an architectural marvel, housing more than 1.2 million specimens and objects. The state is also filled with rare and unique earth formations like canyons, arches, spires and more. Places like Salt Lake City and Cedar City are great cultural hotspots to enjoy a variety of dining options, entertainment, art, and more within walking distance. No matter your range of interests or mobility, Utah CCRCs are sure to provide unique activities and opportunities.

Utah's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Ancient Pueblo Cultures, Anasazi, and Fremont raised corn in southern Utah around 1 A.D. to 1300. They left behind petroglyphs and ruins. It wasn’t until around the 1780’s when Spanish explorers and Mexican traders found the way to the region and set the stage for over 60,000 Mormons to arrive in Utah by 1869. With such varied ethnicities and religions, most people in Utah respect the past and look toward the future. Utah’s climate varies between the seasons, with snowy winters, and dry, heated summers. Utah's mountains are a great sight to see and an even greater winter activity.

Utah's CCRC Regulations and Laws

Regulations and laws regarding CCRCs in the state of Utah can be found on the Utah State website. These laws and regulations are designed to make sure none of your rights are violated and ensures that you will not be taken advantage of physically or financially during your time in a continuing care retirement community in Utah. Before signing any contracts, it is a good idea to go over these regulations so that you have an in-depth understanding of the rights afforded to you or your loved one.

Crime and Safety in Utah

Crime in Utah is relatively consistent with the national median. Although property crimes are slightly higher than average, violent crimes are lower than most of the nation. When choosing a long-term care option it can be beneficial to find a nursing home in Utah located within a safe community. Listed below are a few of the safest cities found throughout the state:

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Sunset	0	26.12
Nephi	.91	21.42
Enoch	3.86	12.25

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Utah

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. These include 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 - $600,00
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 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 CCRCs in Utah

Entering a Utah CCRC doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. The Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. 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.

Although Utah 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 Utah’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Utah CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and 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 receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Utah 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 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.