Washington DC continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find CCRCs In DC

Depending on your location and specific needs your options for continuing care may vary. 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. 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.

Recreation and Attractions In D.C.

There are plenty of activities to check out in the nation's capital, including The White House and surrounding monuments. These showcase the history of our nation and the many presidents that have led the way. The Smithsonian Institue will satisfy the curious, showcasing a variety of art, culture, and technology. If you're into sports and looking for something to root for, check out one of D.C.'s sports teams, including The Nationals, Wizards, Redskins, and D.C. United.

D.C.'s Climate, Geography, and Culture

The culture of D.C. mixes an urban setting with a very creative and cultural surrounding. Whether it's taking in a sports game, or exploring our nation's history, D.C. is full of creative, inquisitive minds. The summers fairly warm, while the winters can bring on heavy snowfall. Many travel by bike or public transportation, so don't be afraid to explore the city without a vehicle.

D.C.'s CCRC Regulations and Laws

Washington D.C. is in charge of regulating CCRCs and they have various regulation and laws in place to ensure that you or your senior receive the best care. For more information, check out The D.C. Government website. It has a full list of all rules and regulations that CCRCs have to abide by. These regulations include routine inspections, strict health codes, and extensive background checks for employees.

Crime and Safety In D.C.

Violent and property crime rates in D.C. are somewhat higher than other parts of the country. Despite these rates, there is less crime per square mile than the national average. Although there is no easy explanation for such rates, there are certain places that are safer than others. Finding the safest environment for your D.C CCRC investment can ensure that your care is as effective as it can be. Below is a comparison of D.C. and some surrounding states.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
D.C.	12.44	51.83
Delaware	4.89	29.82
Maryland	4.46	25.08
Virginia	1.96	19.3

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in D.C.

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 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

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 – Modified contracts 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, 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 CCRCs in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. Law prohibits CCRCs from taking away any of your rights upon entering and are entitled to get dignified and thoughtful care. The government understand that your rights are important, so they will do everything in their power to help you or your senior remain happy and independent. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar in senior law. Although 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.

D.C. Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Health Screenings are often required on the application for a CCRC and unfortunately if an applicant is deemed too frail they will not be admitted. Residents receiving continuing care or 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 for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.