CCRCs in Idaho

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. 

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Recreation and Attractions In Idaho

Take a trip to a historic pioneer village, various museums, or shopping centers for an engaging afternoon. The riverfront paths and scenery of Boise make for a charming place to live, work, and retire. Local senior community centers can also be great resources for connecting with others and staying active.

Idaho's Climate, Geography, and Culture

With a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, intense rivers, and thick, forested areas, Idaho is a wonderful environment to seek a long-term care option such as a continuing care community. Idaho has a huge farming industry and many residents are blue-collar, hard-working citizens. You'll feel right at home in this quaint, quiet state.

Idaho's CCRC Regulations and Laws

Idaho has regulations and laws put in place to ensure that your senior is getting the best care possible. These regulations include regular inspections, background checks for employees, and a strict health code. A full breakdown of these regulations can be seen at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website.

Crime and Safety In Idaho

When considering an investment in a CCRC in Idaho, it can be a good idea to read up on the safety of a community before making the move. An FBI report found that resort towns such as Coeur d’Alene, Sun Valley, and McCall had higher rates of crime mostly due to the tourism season. Idaho’s capitol city, Boise also has crime rates that are lower than the national median. On average, Idaho’s crime rate has dropped 2.4% from 2012 to 204.7 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 people. Even though the current rates are much lower than the national average already. Listed below are the safest places to consider when seeking a skilled nursing community in Idaho.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Weiser.353.76
Soda Springs3.633.63
Rexburg.348.34
 

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Idaho

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. 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 any additional maintenance or service 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. 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or town home 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 Idaho

Entering an Idaho CCRC doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. These state and federal laws are in place so you or your senior does not get taken advantage of physically or financially. These laws ensure that you are treated with dignity and the appropriate care you or your loved one deserve. Coupled with Idaho’s diverse, natural beauty, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Idaho Continuing Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Since residents usually remain independent during their time in a CCRC, many facilities require medical records and health screenings when applying. Unfortunately, if an applicant is deemed too frail they might be denied admittance. Residents receiving any type of medical attention in Idaho 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.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.