Planning your retirement can be exciting, especially when you have made a choice that will give you both the reassurance of continuing care, as well as the promise of a fulfilling, engaging lifestyle. That’s exactly what a CCRC – Continuing Care Retirement Community – can do.
At St. Mark Village, our residents can tell you firsthand how they are enjoying the benefits of a CCRC lifestyle that not only takes care of them today but will continue to do as time goes by. Not only are they planners for tomorrow, but also, they are happy with their choice today.
Are you a planner? Here are some characteristics:
- You do your homework before you make decisions, seeking information from several sources.
- You think past today, looking to the long-range advantages of your decision.
- You trust your instincts, listening to your internal “common sense” and making choices that align with who you are and what you want.
- You reward yourself by selecting the option that is not only right for today, but also for your future as well.
Planning your retirement: why a CCRC is a sound choice
Continuous care
Unless you’ve dusted off your crystal ball, you will find it hard to predict exactly how the aging process will affect you or your loved ones. This “not knowing” can produce anxiety and worry about what might come. Who will care for you? Will you have to move? How will it affect your family? Can you afford it?
A CCRC erases that fear, because as a resident, you have the promise of a full continuum of care on one campus. That means that as your needs change, you can access higher levels of care without having to move to another community. You’ll be in familiar surroundings around the people you’ve come to know and trust. And your family will have the peace of mind that you are receiving quality care from a professional, caring staff.
Levels of care included in a CCRC:
- Independent living is ideal for the older adult who can live on their own without constant care. Residents enjoy a comfortable private residence, exceptional dining, a range of services and amenities designed to enhance quality of life, and an activities calendar filled with classes, programs, outings and more. You can trade the worry and cost of home upkeep for a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Assisted living is a care option providing a helping hand with the activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing, medication management, bathing and more. Residents generally have access to all community amenities and services and are free to go about their day as they choose with the reassurance that support is available if needed.
- Memory care provides specialized care and attention for those dealing with cognitive impairment. Caregivers build close relationships with residents and guide through activities that are tailored to their specific preferences and interests. The memory care setting is designed for maximum safety, attention to health and nutrition, and professional support.
- Skilled nursing provides intensive nursing support and 24-hour care under the supervision of medical professionals which include a licensed physician or nurse, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapists. Short-term care is designed for those recovering from surgery, hospitalization, and/or illness who need rehabilitation or more time before returning home. Long-term care benefits those who may have chronic conditions that require specialized or 24/7 support from experienced staff.
Download our free guide: Financial Planning Guide to Retirement Living at a Life Plan Community
New friends and experiences
Aging can be lonely when friends and neighbors move away, families become busy with their own lives, and the familiar seems hard to find. The result can be isolation and loneliness, which is dangerous to the mental, emotional and physical health of a senior.
A CCRC, however, provides the perfect antidote for the years ahead: ongoing opportunities for making new friends and exploring new hobbies, interests and pursuits. You can take a class, join a book club, help organize a special event, mentor a budding entrepreneur, or finally tackle your memoirs.
Planning for your retirement and wondering whether you’d be lonely in a CCRC? The short answer is not unless you choose to be!
Healthy aging and greater wellness
Today’s CCRCs are focused on keeping older adults as healthy and independent as possible for as long as possible. That means new ways to exercise, grow stronger, maintain balance and stay active… all the things that you want high on your list when planning your retirement.
At St. Mark Village, for example, our Wellness Matters program addresses all 7 dimensions of wellness and is focused on the whole person. Our fitness studio features modern exercise equipment and spaces designed to accommodate a variety of resident wellness programs. Classes can include yoga, stretching, and cardio to name a few.
Planning your retirement? Consider the many benefits of a CCRC
It’s good to be excited about what lies ahead. And it’s even better to know that you have a plan in place as things change, including seamless access to future care needs. That’s what you’ll find at St. Mark Village. All the perks of carefree senior living, continuous care, and a welcoming sense of family and community. It makes planning your retirement a pleasure. Let us tell you more.
Guaranteed care for life. Download our free guide, Financial Planning Guide to Retirement Living at a Life Plan Community, or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
