Virginia Continuing Care Retirement Communities

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.

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Recreation and Attractions In Virginia

Today residents and visitors can visit the historic Mount Vernon or Jefferson Hotel for some marvelous architecture and tours. Virginia is also famous for its state parks, which are continually rated as some of the best in the nation. Year round, Virginia hosts many different types of festivals and events to fit just about any range of interests. No matter what, there is always something new to experience while living in a Virginia continuing care retirement community.

Virginia's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Virginia is regarded as the birthplace of the United States with the first European colony of Jamestown formed in 1607. Notable American figures hail from Virginia such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

However, before European contact, many Native American tribes flourished in the region for over 12,000 years. Indigenous peoples adhered to three main language families: The Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan. Along the coast lived the powerful Powhatan Chiefdom estimated to have included over 15,000 people during the time of European colonization.

Temperatures in Virginia remain relatively mild in each season with summers getting more humid than most states.

Virginia's Continuing Care Regulations and Laws

Continuing care services in Virginia are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website. These regulations will set your mind at ease knowing that these CCRCs are in the best possible shape.

Crime and Safety in Virginia

Crime in Virginia is lower than the national average in terms of both violent crime and property crime. There are also only 20 crimes per square mile compared to the national median of 32.8. Choosing a safe community cannot only put your mind at ease but will also ensure your care is as effective and wholesome as it can be. Below are some of the safest cities and towns found throughout Virginia.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Purcellville.114.48
Lexington.8212.58
Vienna.499.96

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Virginia

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 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 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 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 Rights for Continued Care in VA

Entering a Virginia CCRC doesn’t mean your US rights are left behind. Federal and state laws guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. 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 Virginia’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Virginia CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Most CCRCs will require applicants to submit medical records and health screenings when applying. Many times an applicant’s health records are required in tandem with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. 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 care are entitled to a full assessment of health and will have access to these records at any time. 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.