Wyoming continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover Continued Care in Wyoming

Depending on your location and specific needs your options for CCRCs 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 Wyoming

Wyoming is one of the wildlife capitals of the United States, with a wide range of parks and refuges including the famous Yellowstone National Park. Visitors and residents can venture into the backcountry for a chance to see creatures like bison, gray wolves, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and much more! As a state with a long history in the mining industry, South Pass City, Wyoming allows visitors and residents to pan for gold in Willow Creek. No matter your range of interests and mobility, Wyoming has new experiences waiting just outside the door of any available continuing care retirement community.

Wyoming's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Wyoming is great for those looking for peace and quiet. With sprawling landscapes and gorgeous views, Wyoming is a great place for barbecues, campfires, and sitting under the stars. With a mild summer and a snow winter, you'll want to relax inside with your loved one during the winter months.

Wyoming's CCRC Regulations and Laws

The US Department of Health has regulations in place to make sure that CCRC's stay up to date with health codes, regulations, and a variety of different aspects of running a CCRC. This will allow you and your senior to feel good about moving into a CCRC. These regulations are in place to make sure that these facilities are in the best shape possible.

Crime and Safety in Wyoming

Crime in Wyoming is lower than the national average in terms of both violent crime and property crime. There are also only 23 crimes per square mile compared to the national median of 32.8. Choosing a safe community can not only put your mind at ease but will ensure your care is as effective and wholesome as it can be.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Worland	.56	10.06
Cody	1.54	19.3
Laramie	1.5	26.71

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Wyoming

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. These 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 is 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 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
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 Wyoming

State and Federal rights are in place so you do not have to worry about your rights being violated when entering a CCRC. Although Wyoming CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle and age in place. Coupled with Wyoming’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

WY CCRCs: Medical Record Rules & 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. Usually, an applicant's health records are required when applying for a CCRC, and unfortunately, if the applicant is deemed "too frail" then they might be denied. Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Wyoming 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.