Maryland continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover Continued Care in Maryland

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 Maryland

For its size, Maryland offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities and cultural attractions. Perhaps you’ll take a trip to the iconic coastal town of Ocean City for a relaxing beachside experience, some famous seafood, and a boardwalk stroll. With various museums, aquariums, and shopping centers located throughout the state, finding something new is never difficult. CCRCs in Maryland will often provide residents with plenty of activities and programs, but a little exploring can reveal unique experiences every day!

Maryland's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The summers in Maryland are wet with temperatures in the 80s and can range from mild to hot. The winters are colder in the Western region of Maryland while in the Eastern and Southern regions are warmer, but typically in the 40s. The average temperature in Maryland is 58 degrees with an average low temperature of 51 degrees and an average high temperature of 66 degrees. Maryland combines both Northern and Southern ideals to become a melting pot of coastal and urban living.

Maryland's Personal Care Home Regulations and Laws

Continued care homes in Maryland are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website. These regulations are put in place to ensure that Maryland CCRCs provide the best care. These regulations include strict health codes, regular facility inspections, and extensive employee background checks.

Crime and Safety In Maryland

According to the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention violent crimes, property crimes, and other offenses have remained at the lowest rates ever reported in the state of Maryland. Of course, this isn’t to say that everywhere in the state is equally as safe. However, it can be reassuring to know that things are changing for the better when trying to find a suitable location for your CCRC. Below are the some of the safest cities in Maryland based on FBI crime reports and analysis.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Ocean Pines	1.17	6.95
Thurmont	1.11	8.07
Hampstead	.63	11.42

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Maryland

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 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 Maryland

Senior and elderly rights ensure that your U.S. rights are not violated by entering a CCRC. Federal and state laws guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community. 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 you feel as though you or your senior's rights have been violated, feel free to contact a legal representative. Coupled with Maryland’s authentic New England feel and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

MD Continuing Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

As a resident of Maryland, you have the right to obtain and review your personal medical records. Federal and state laws maintain the privacy of these records, requiring hospitals and physicians to keep them for a period of 7 years. To receive your records, a formal request is submitted and must be acknowledged within 30 days. For more official details, check out Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh’s website.