North Dakota continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Continuing Care in North Dakota

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.

Attractions and Recreation in North Dakota

Although North Dakota is the 4th least densely populated state in America, it is still home to many Native American people of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Yanktonia, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa tribes, as well as the Sioux, which include the Dakotah and Lakotah, along with the Pembina Chippewa, Cree and Metis. In addition to its rich history, North Dakota boasts natural beauty as can be found in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Cities like Bismarck and Fargo offer a range of top-notch restaurants and live music experiences, not to mention their vibrant arts communities and museums.

North Dakota's Climate, Geography, and Culture

North Dakota has a typical inner-continental climate with cold winters, hot summers, and has four distinct seasons. North Dakota is far enough north to experience blizzards during the winter months, but still far enough south to suffer from extreme temperature and tornado outbreaks in the summer. You can expect the temperature to be in the 20s during winter months and about 80 during the summer. The state receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually.

North Dakota's CCRC Regulations and Laws

CCRC's in North Dakota are subject to a variety of rules and regulations designed to keep Continued Care communities running full speed ahead. These regulations can be viewed at the North Dakota State Website so you can see just how CCRCs are being monitored for your convenience.

Crime and Safety in North Dakota

North Dakota’s overall violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average in the United States. Also, being a sparsely populated state, you’re almost half as likely to be a victim of crime in the state. When choosing a location for an extended care option, it can be best to survey the surrounding community. Here are some of the safest cities are listed below.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Carrington	0	2.84
Lincoln	.79	3.57
Minot	2.32	17.55

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in North Dakota

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 Continued Care in ND

Entering a North Dakota CCRC doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. 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 Dakota’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

ND Continuing Care: Medical Records 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. Residents of CCRCs in North Dakota 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 and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.