Hawaii continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find CCRC's In Hawaii

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, 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.

Recreation and Attractions in Hawaii

With a rich, native culture ever-present throughout the islands, seldom is there a dull sight, sound, or fragrance to be found in Hawaii. Miles of white sand and crystal waters embrace the coast while tropical fruit plantations grow happily inland. Seniors can enjoy innumerable activities such as world-class golfing, luau parties, or just a relaxing day on the beach. Such abundant health foods and fresh air can make recovery a speedy process or long-term care all the more enjoyable!

Hawaii's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Hawaii is exactly how you might think it would be. Sun, beaches, and fruity drinks make the view all the more beautiful. Watching the sunset on the beach or admiring some of Hawaii's volcanos, The Aloha State is full of friendly people looking to welcome you into the state. Sunshine and good weather last most of the year, with a few rainy seasons in between. It's a great state to relax in.

Hawaii's CCRC Regulations and Laws

Hawaii has a variety of regulations and laws in place dedicated to keeping CCRC's in the best shape possible. Routine checks of the facility are common as well as requirements to update equipment and the facility itself. These requirements give a good idea of what to expect upon entering a CCRC.

Crime and Safety in Hawaii

It’s hard to imagine that such an island paradise would have anything but palm trees and sunshine, yet it pays to be aware of the neighborhood your loved one may be moving into for skilled continuing care in Hawaii. As reported in 2012 by Hawaii’s Index Crime, rates of crime dropped 2.4%, reaching a new record low. It may be safe to say that all the fresh, tropical air and natural beauty of the state could make even the most hardened criminals rethink their career paths, yet reading up on a particular area never fails to provide insight on a prospective new home.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Hilo	4.94	46.75
Honolulu	3.59	46.21
Kahului	2.2	44.68

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Hawaii

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 type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized.

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. 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 born 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 Hawaii

Hawaii has state and federal laws in place to make sure your rights are never violated upon entering a CCRC. These rights should also be explained to you or your senior before signing the contract. If you feel like your rights have been violated, feel free to contact a legal representative specializing in elder law. Although CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to remain living independently. Coupled with Hawaii’s tropical beauty and warmth, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Hawaii Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Most CCRCs require health screenings and physical exams before admitting a senior into CCRC. Unfortunately in some cases, if an applicant is deemed too frail then they will not be accepted. These records can be obtained at any time by filling out the proper documents and submitting a small fee. 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.