Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life care community, offers several levels of service in one location, usually independent housing, assisted living and skilled nursing care on one campus.[1] Most CCRCs charge a one-time entrance fee, which may be relatively expensive, plus a monthly fee, and residents pay most of these costs themselves.[1]
How a CCRC works
In a CCRC, where a resident lives depends on the level of service needed. People who can no longer live independently move to the assisted living facility or sometimes receive home care in their independent living unit, and can enter the CCRC’s nursing home if necessary.[1] The California Department of Aging notes that this model may appeal to people who do not want to relocate repeatedly as their needs increase.[3]
Continuing care contracts in California
The California Department of Social Services defines a CCRC as offering a long-term continuing care contract that provides for housing, residential services and nursing care, usually in one location and usually for a resident’s lifetime.[4] CCRCs are licensed and monitored by the CDSS Senior Care Licensing Program, the same program that oversees RCFEs.[2] The California Department of Aging describes residents as paying an entry fee plus monthly maintenance for lifetime housing and access to various living arrangements and care levels.[3]
Costs and payment
National cost surveys such as CareScout do not report CCRC entrance or monthly fees.[5] According to NIA, Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance may cover some services in a CCRC, depending on the level of care provided.[1] Because contract terms vary, prospective residents often review the contract with an attorney or financial professional; NIA suggests speaking with a financial professional when weighing long-term care payment options.[6]
Questions to ask
- What does the entrance fee cover, and under what conditions is any of it refundable?
- How and when can the monthly fee change?
- Which levels of care are on campus, and what happens if the assisted living or nursing section is full?
- Which parts of the campus hold a state license? (Check the CDSS facility search.)[7]
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CCRC and assisted living?
Assisted living provides one level of care, while a CCRC offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing on one campus under a continuing care arrangement.[1]
Who regulates CCRCs in California?
The California Department of Social Services Senior Care Licensing Program licenses and monitors CCRCs.[2]
Does Medicare pay CCRC fees?
No. Residents pay most CCRC costs themselves; Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance may cover some services depending on the level of care.[1]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Senior Care Licensing Program". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "Determine the Best Housing Option For Me". California Department of Aging.
- ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "Paying for Long-Term Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Care Facility Search". California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Search tool.