Massachusetts continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover CCRCs in Massachusetts

Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. 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.

Recreation and Attractions in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has it all! Take a scenic drive through the Berkshire Mountains, lounge on the beaches of Cape Cod, or responsibly enjoy some wine from the famous Martha’s Vineyard. As a premier cultural center, Boston offers a wide range of historical sites, museums, and restaurants to fend off boredom like British troops during the American Revolution. CCRCs in Massachusetts will often provide residents with plenty of activities and programs, but a little exploring can reveal unique experiences every day!

Massachusetts' Climate, Geography, and Culture

The average temperature in Massachusetts is 51 degrees, with an average low temperature of 44 degrees, and an average high temperature of 59 degrees. The winter temperatures are in the 30s and 40s and are very cold and snowy. The summers are typically humid and warm with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Massachusetts is filled with hardworking people who are prideful of their state. You can expect some heavy Boston accents and a rabid fanbase for their sports teams.

Massachusetts' CCRC Regulations and Laws

Continued care homes in Massachusetts are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services website. CCRCs are closely monitored by these regulations and laws to make sure that all Massachusetts CCRCs are up to par.

Crime and Safety In Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks 2^nd in the fewest fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and 1^st in having the lowest share of the population with no health insurance. Both of these qualities can be beneficial for seniors since most have a higher risk for being involved in car accidents and are likely to seek financial assistance for healthcare. Additionally, Massachusetts can be a relatively safe place to live with the three least crime infested cities listed below.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Wayland	.37	3.13
Norfolk	0	3.51
Clinton	.72	2.91

(source: Safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Massachusetts

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.

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
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 healthcare 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 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 & Elderly Rights for CCRCs in Massachusetts

Entering Massachusetts continued care doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. Federal and state laws assure that residents list all services provided and a description of the patients' 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 Massachusetts’s authentic New England feel and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

MA Continued Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents receiving continued care or any other type of medical attention in Massachusetts are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. These records are a great way for you to keep track of how you or your senior is being treated. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 10 years and can be accessed by submitting proper paperwork and paying a small fee.