Continuing Care Retirement Community in Cincinnati

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Marjorie P. Lee is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC. What does that mean?

CCRCs offer care at any level, with households ranging from:

• independent apartments
• assistance with daily personal care in assisted living apartments
• short- and long-term care in a skilled nursing facility
• Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory support households

In general, CCRCs offer a tiered approach to caring for elders, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Say, for example, that you move in as a healthy adult and live well on your own in an apartment. But should assistance with everyday activities become necessary, you can move into assisted living or – if more care is needed – into skilled nursing care or a special memory support apartment designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive issues.

CCRCs like Marjorie P. Lee give older adults the option to live in one place for the duration of their life, with much of their future care already planned for. This can provide a great level of comfort to seniors and their loved ones and take much of the stress out of the family caregiving relationship.

It is very important to review each option as well as the long-term financial plan to support them. It is also important to know that the community being considered will be financially viable over the long term. Request a weekend stay at the community to ensure it’s the right choice.

Other Tips

• If you are considering a CCRC as a couple, be sure you understand what will happen if one of you needs a higher level of care or dies, or if your circumstances dramatically change.
• When visiting, spend ample time visiting each part of the community, regardless of your current health. You need to know what is offered in the way of assisted living or nursing care, if needed in the future.
• Ask to see financial reports, licensing and inspection reports and any complaint investigations.
• Meet some residents and staff, stay for a meal or spend the night.
• Ask about staff turnover and longevity.
• Ask if the community is a not-for-profit or for profit and if you will have to leave if your financial resources become depleted.
• Find out if they accept medicare and medicaid in case you might need it in the future.