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Life Plan Communities

Life Plan Communities

As we age, we’ve got to have someplace to live. Where do you want to be?

Classmate, Andrea Simonpietri, spent several years visiting numerous Life Plan Communities (formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities) in anticipation of downsizing and simplifying life. He visited Life Plan Communities’s in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Florida and Virginia.

  • Click HERE to download a brief summarizing his experiences and observations.
  • Click HERE for Newsweek’s Top 250 CCRCs in 2024.

Several ’66 Classmates met on Zoom to review and discuss the possibility of moving to a Life Plan Community/CCRC. Click HERE for the recording of this conversation.

The recording is a discussion of the Class wellness initiative and the benefits of living in a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). They mention the importance of having trusted friends or advisors to talk to, even if they don’t have professional backgrounds in the subject. They also discuss the advantages of living in a CCRC, such as access to 24/7 medical care, social activities, and freedom from maintenance tasks. They touch on topics like VA benefits for veterans, long-term care insurance, and downsizing when moving into a CCRC. The conversation ends with a discussion about the importance of downsizing and getting rid of unnecessary belongings. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the benefits and considerations of living in a CCRC.

Related Q&A generated by Dropbox AI based on recording

  • What are some advantages of living in a CCRC?
    Some advantages of living in a CCRC include access to trusted friends and advisors, on-site medical help, various levels of care (independent living, assisted living, nursing care, memory care, rehab), proximity to family, safety (elimination of stairs), provided meals and daily checkups, and amenities like food delivery and easy access to shopping.
  • What are the different levels of care available in a CCRC?
    The different levels of care available in a CCRC are independent living, assisted living, nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation. In independent living, residents live in their own apartments and have access to various amenities and services. Assisted living provides assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Nursing care offers more intensive medical care and support for individuals with complex health needs. Memory care is specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Rehabilitation services are available for residents who require therapy after surgery or illness.
  • How do VA benefits affect the choice of CCRCs?
    VA benefits can play a role in the choice of CCRCs. Veterans are eligible for VA long-term care at VA rates, which are typically lower than market rates. If a veteran is disabled, the rates may be even lower. This means that veterans can receive long-term care at no cost or at a reduced cost through the VA, depending on their disability status. When considering CCRCs, veterans should take into account the VA benefits they are eligible for and how those benefits may affect their plan for living in a commercial CCRC.
  • What other factors should veterans consider when choosing a CCRC?
    When choosing a CCRC, veterans should consider several factors. First, they should look for a non-profit CCRC with audited books to ensure their money is taken care of. Second, proximity to family is an important consideration as moving into a CCRC can provide opportunities to develop friendships with people of the same age group. Third, veterans should explore possible VA benefits and how they can affect their plan for CCRCs. For example, veterans may be eligible for VA long-term care at no cost, so they may not need to choose a CCRC that charges extra for assisted living or dementia units. Additionally, veterans should also consider their long-term care insurance policy, if they have one, as it can help cover the cost of care in an assisted living situation. It’s important for veterans to ask questions and gather information before making a decision.
  • What are some potential VA benefits that veterans should explore?
    Some potential VA benefits that veterans should explore include long-term care options, assistance with medical bills, and coverage for diseases related to military service such as Agent Orange exposure. Veterans should consider their eligibility for VA long-term care, which can provide care at no cost or at VA market rates depending on disability status. Additionally, veterans who have served at Camp Lejeune or were exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible for coverage of various diseases. It is important for veterans to research and understand the specific benefits they may be entitled to based on their service history and disability status

Disclaimer

Note: All comments and resulting communications such as email exchanges represent only the views, ideas, and recommendations of the individuals involved.  The USNA Class of 1966 does not sponsor, recommend, or assess the validity of these incidental communications on any particular issue or topic whether discussed during our Zoom meetings or not.  None of our members or participants certifies the validity or usefulness of ideas discussed and/or communicated or the consequences of any potential or explicit recommendations. 


The USNA Class of 1966 is providing these Zoom meetings as a private service for our members and their families.  These discussions include neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of any Class or USNA policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the USNA Class of 1966. The views expressed by guests or participants are their own and their appearance during or in various modes of communications does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they may represent.  Views and opinions expressed by Class Members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the of the Class in whole or in part or of any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact the responsible member of the Class of 1966.