Grandview Terrace
What is Life Care?
Life care is one of many Arizona senior living options available to seniors who are seeking a retirement destination that relieves the burden of home ownership and clearly identifies an individual choice in where to receive long-term nursing care services.Life care communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), have a long history with roots originating from non-profit organizations such as religious and fraternal orders. There are 12 life care communities in Arizona regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance that provides oversight and operational guidelines to protect the consumer. Arizona senior living at a life care facility is a wonderful option for seniors who want to maintain their independence while also having peace of mind.
Generally, life care communities provide a lifetime residence in either a private residential setting or a nursing care center. The private residence may be an apartment, cottage, townhouse or casita, and floor plans range from one-room to three-bedroom units. The nursing care center can include any one or all of the following: assisted care, skilled nursing care and Alzheimer's/dementia care. Additionally, life care communities usually offer a diverse package of services, amenities and activities for Phoenix senior living.
The primary goal of a life care community is to provide a worry-free lifestyle that allows residents to be independent as they "age in place." However, when an additional level of care is required, the resident transitions seamlessly between the private residence and the nursing care setting as needed.
Life care communities offer life care contracts that guarantee a lifetime of care as well as a package of services. The term of the contract and pricing structure varies widely among life care communities. Commonly the contract requires a one-time entrance fee and a monthly payment thereafter.
Life care contracts include a provision for some level of nursing care at no additional cost or a discounted rate. Additionally, a resident's access to nursing care may be: unlimited or covered for a defined period of time. Essentially, the resident's quality of life will not be impacted whether or not there is a change in their health or financial situation - they will always have a home on the life care campus. Each individual should consider having an attorney review the life care contract to understand the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
Life care communities offer physical and financial security, asset preservation, independence, easy access to healthcare, a constant flow of activities and friends and access to services and community facilities. It is important to plan retirement living and care arrangements years before assisted living or skilled nursing care is needed.
Most life care retirement communities require that a resident be capable of living independently on the life care campus, before using the other care facilities offered. An early decision for life care services saves family members or others from the burden of making those decisions and can provide for enjoyable Arizona senior living.