Discovering CCRC in Maine

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.

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Recreation and Attractions in Maine

Visitors and residents can take a trip to Boothbay’s Botanical Gardens or the Ogunquit Playhouse for a quaint and wholesome day on the town. Perhaps another day you’ll travel up the coast to view the famous Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth and finish the evening with a locally harvested lobster roll and oysters. There’s a lot to enjoy in the Pine Tree State, and your move to a CCRC in Maine can be key to accessing it all!

Maine's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Fresh seafood, colonial architecture, and rugged excursions into the wilderness are only a few of the many appealing aspects of Maine. The New England state is filled with blue-collar fishermen and loggers that are willing to put in the hard work to make a living. The seaport culture means that you can expect the smell of the sea to be abundant.

Maine's CCRC Laws and Regulations

Maine created rules and regulations to ensure that CCRC's are abiding by U.S. laws and are not taking advantage of patients. A full list of laws can be found at the Maine State. It will detail the quality of care required, the payment methods, and estimated cost among other things. If something seems unclear, feel free to contact a legal aid to explain any confusion. 

Crime and Safety in Maine

In 2013, Maine saw a 9.1 percent decrease in crime and continues to be one of the safest states in the U.S. Finding a suitable and safe community to surround a new home is crucial to one’s well-being. It can help to take a trip to an area you’re considering before committing to a contractor or purchasing a new property within your CCRC. Below, we've listed some of the safest cities to consider when seeking out a suitable retirement community in Maine.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Fort Kent.243.43
Eliot04.64
Cumberland.275.25
 

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Maine

 

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 also 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 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
  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 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
  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 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

Elderly and Senior Rights For Continuing Care In Maine

Maine CCRCs must follow various state and federal laws to ensure that they provide the proper care. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. 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 Maine’s authentic New England feel and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Maine CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and 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. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving any type of medical attention in Maine are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. These records can be accessed by filling out the proper forms and paying 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.