3 Must-Ask Questions When Considering a Life Plan Community
The decision to move into senior living touches all aspects of your life. When you research a community, you’re likely thinking about money, lifestyle, housing, care, and more.
There are many senior living options to suit your various priorities and needs. Among them is a type of community perfect for long-term planners. It combines amenities that enhance your lifestyle, services for a maintenance-free life, and access to long-term care services. These are known as Life Plan Communities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
Keep reading to learn about the most important questions to ask when visiting a Life Plan Community.
What care options are available at your Life Plan Community?
Life Plan Communities vary when it comes to the levels of care that they offer. Communities like Lake Forest Place offer independent living along with a full continuum of care that includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and respite care. Others only offer a few of these tiered care services.
Part of the appeal of a Life Plan Community is that you won’t have to move if your personal or medical care needs change. When a community offers a full range of care services, you can count on the support you need when you need it. When they offer limited care options, there’s less stability in this regard.
What types of contracts do you offer?
The three most common forms of residency contracts associated with Life Plan Communities are Type A, Type B and Type C. Each type has its own benefits and value, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your unique circumstances, goals and budget.
Type A contracts are the most comprehensive type. They require an entrance fee and a fixed monthly payment that covers living accommodations, medical care, meals and access to community services and amenities. If a resident moves to a higher level of care, their monthly payments do not increase.
Type B contracts are often as comprehensive as Type A contracts, but the entrance fee is often less expensive. Type B contracts often limit the types of assistance or levels of care that are covered by your monthly fees. This means there is a possibility that you will incur more costs if you require more care.
Type C contracts are also known as fee-for-service contracts and have a much lower entrance fee than the other two types. While residents may have access to a full range of care, they will pay market rate for the care services they receive. This means that expenses will increase when a resident requires more intensive care.
One Life Plan Community may offer only one of these types, and another may offer residents a choice between all of them. You’ll want to consider your needs and maybe even meet with a financial advisor as you weigh the pros and cons of each contract type.
What services are included in my monthly fee?
All residents of Life Plan Communities pay a monthly fee that will provide you with the unique services and amenities of your community.
Monthly fees often include:
- A full social calendar
- Events and entertainment
- Access to amenities such as arts and crafts studios, a fitness center and a community garden
- Flexible dining plans
- Security and emergency call systems
- Utilities
- Housekeeping
- Indoor/outdoor maintenance
- Scheduled transportation
- Wellness programs
Some communities offer more than what is included in this list, and others may offer less. In some cases, there are add-on services that cost extra. In any case, it will be important for you to know what you’re getting with your money.
A Life Plan Community That Supports Your Continued Independence
At Lake Forest Place, our wellness programs are designed to support the seven dimensions of wellness, and we encourage residents to stay active, involved, curious and engaged. Our care, campus, and community facilitate your highest level of independence for as long as possible. Contact us today to experience it for yourself.
