Arkansas continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find Continued Care In Arkansas

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 for continuing care retirement communities may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRC's include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often instill their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option.

Recreation and Attractions In Arkansas

Scenic overlooks and small towns and cities flesh out the state, accompanied by backdrops of the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. With distinct seasons and varying temperatures, Arkansas can be a very popular travel destination, especially for those looking for some healing and relaxation. Eureka Springs and Hot Springs are spa cities fit for therapeutic lifestyles. There are also many hotspots for the visual arts in Arkansas, with plenty of museums and attractions to choose from.

Arkansas' Climate, Geography, and Culture

Arkansas has humid and hot summers that usually lead to a drought by the end of summer and the temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Arkansas is known at the Natural State due to the 52 state parks, three national forests, and five national parks. The average temperature is 63 degrees, with a high temperature of 73 degrees, and a low temperature of 53 degrees. The winter has temperatures in the 30s and 50s while spring and fall temperatures are between the 60s and 80s. A mix of southern and Native American culture, Arkansas has a rich culture with much to learn.

Arkansas's Personal Care Home Regulations and Laws

Continued care homes in Arkansas are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health website. These regulations are a great way to make sure the continued care retirement communities you are looking at are in the best shape possible and following state and federal guidelines.

Crime and Safety In Arkansas

Both violent and property crimes are slightly higher in Arkansas compared to the national average. However, crimes per square mile are lower compared to most other states, so Arkansas can still make a great place invest in a continuing care retirement community.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Greenbrier	.19	1.15
Bella Vista	1.41	6.03
Greenwood	2.05	5.4

Payment Options & Costs for CCRCs in Arkansas

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. These fees can even cost up to $1 million at a single time depending on what contract you choose.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee which ranges depending on which services are selected. Some residents may choose a buy-in option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for additional maintenance fees before signing a contract.

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. They also 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 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Similar to extensive contracts, except one’s coverage of care, modified contracts are 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
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, they 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 and pay 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 Arkansas

Just because you enter a CCRC Arkansas does not mean that you lose all your rights as a US citizen. State and federal laws 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 finances and property even when entering a CCRC. 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.

Although CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle. Coupled with Arkansas’s scenic landscapes and natural beauty, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

AK Continuing Care: Medical Records & Regulations

Many times an applicant’s health records are required with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. If an applicant is deemed too frail, then they might not be accepted into the facility.

Residents in Arkansas receiving any type of medical attention are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their treatment and diagnosis. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 10 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.