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Law Talk by Eric Smith

Writer's picture: District 8 NewsletterDistrict 8 Newsletter

Recently, I had occasion to explore the fascinating world of continuing care retirement communities and get a sense of what life is like in one of them. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as CCRC’s) are designed for older Americans who are active, independent and in search of future financial security. They meet the needs of seniors who do not want additional worries about where they are going to live as they get older and how they are going to deal with future health issues that may arise. Moving into a CCRC allows residents to live in the same community regardless of the level of care needed. The models allow people to live independently as long as possible and provide future levels of care if or when needed. Another benefit is having a predictable healthcare cost as you move to higher levels of care. Nearly 90% of people 55 and older state they would like to “age in place”. CCRC’s are designed to provide a way to do just that.


A characteristic of a CCRC is to provide a full continuum of a vibrant life, and if the need occurs, options for higher levels of care. The levels of care provided are Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and/or Skilled Nursing Care. All levels of care are provided at the same campus, ensuring that residents do not have to move if they find themselves needing a higher level of care. Another characteristic is a contractual agreement between the resident and the CCRC that outlines and guarantees access to these services during the lifetime of the resident.


At the core of every CCRC are independent living apartments or single-family homes or villas. CCRC’s can offer either Life Care or rental options.

CCRC’s offer arrangement s that provide residential living and various health care and support services for the rest of one’s life. Many CCRC’s offer a security component called Life Care that “guarantees” them that as their health declines their care will be met and they will never be asked to leave due to inability to pay for that care. This can also translate to less worry for residents and their adult children by eliminating a scramble for care after an acute health problem. This scenario charges an entry fee for resident to move in, along with a monthly service fee charge that include meals, housekeeping, utilities and access to amenities and programming.


The best advice if considering the move to a CCRC, is to make a decision sooner rather that later since you must be capable of living independently when you make the move. There are varying health qualifiers for the eligibility. If your health changes and has declined to a point where you are no longer able to live without help the CCRC option is no longer available to you.


CCRC’s offer a wonderful sense of community and their residents often refer to themselves as part of an extended family. These communities offer many activities residents can choose to participate in with a wide array of educational, motivational, purposeful, and spiritual programming. A CCRC does typically have a fitness center with exercise equipment along with fitness classes that officer aerobics, Tai Chi, Yoga and strength training. Woodworking shops, art studios, arts and crafts, and more can be found in many CCRC’s. CCRC’s will have transportation that will take residents offsite to shopping, concerts, sporting events, and other cultural events.


There are approximately 1900 CCRC’s across the nation. You can locate CCRC’s by going to the website www.retirementliving.com/continuing-care-communities. In your research some good signs are CCRC facilities that have a wait list and those that are highly occupied over 80%. Many are subject to financial transparency. A CCRC’s transparency in answering your questions is also an important signal. Doing your research on the front end may take a bit of time and effort but when you find the right fit, it means a vibrant life today and fewer worries for the future! Participation is not a decision to be taken lightly. As with any contract you should consider consulting an attorney.


When preparing this column, I was provided some useful statistics and information by Lisa Green from Cypress Village as well as a former general counsel of the City of Jacksonville, who have researched the contracts and intends to live there in the near future. May your summer be fun and a little less hot! Call me if you need me: 904-596-5707 eric@govinc.net. Remember to do something nice for someone unexpectedly, and if you did that already, why not do another good turn!

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Mayor of Jacksonville

Lenny Curry

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Jacksonville City Council Members

Scott Wilson D4, President

Joyce Morgan D1

Al Ferraro D2

Aaron L. Bowman D3

LeAnna Cumber D5

Michael Boylan D6

Reggie Gaffney D7

Ju’Coby Pittman D8

Garrett L. Dennis D9

Brenda Priestly Jackson D10

Danny Becton D11

Randy White D12

Rory Diamond D13

Randy DeFoor D14

Terrance Freeman G1

Ronald B. Salem G2,

Tommy Hazouri G3

Matt Carlucci G4

Samuel Newby G5

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