We are living in a great time for people in their golden years. With the pandemic behind us, older adults are healthier and more independent than ever—and they have a wealth of options for making the most of their retirement. More and more in this golden age, seniors are discovering the benefits of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).
Most people who choose senior living communities like Vinson Hall Retirement Community are interested in Independent Living. They want a home base for adventure, where they can mix and mingle with like-minded retirees, take advantage of amenities such as easy-to-access restaurants, fitness centers with classes every day of the week, and a full calendar of activities to choose from any time they like.
But today’s seniors are also savvy. They want to know they are getting a good value for their dollar and that their nest eggs will serve them when they need it most. That’s why the best choices for senior housing are often CCRCs, which are also known as Life Plan Communities. CCRCs are communities that you join when you are independent but that have a continuum of onsite supportive care—including Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long-Term Care or Skilled Nursing.
What’s so special about a CCRC? What are the benefits of living in a CCRC? And what should you consider when weighing your retirement options?
The Good Life Today, with a Plan for the Future
The terms “CCRC” or “Life Plan Community” are synonymous, but at Vinson Hall Retirement Community, we like the idea of a “life plan.” Located in McLean, Virginia, near Washington,D.C., our Independent Living community serves military officers and their families, as well as retired government employees from any federal agency(GS-14 and above).
That means residents who join us are a sophisticated bunch. They dedicated their lives to service for our country, and through hard work and careful planning they rose through the ranks. As any veteran knows, you can take the person out of the military, but you can’t take the military out of the person. The habits of hard work and careful planning continue through retirement.
And that’s where a Life Plan Community comes in. Ask any resident, and they will tell you that while our Independent Living neighborhood offers unbeatable lifestyle benefits, one of the biggest draws of a CCRC is the security and peace of mind they enjoy, knowing they will be taken care of should their health needs change.
We work hard to give our Independent Living residents everything they need to live a long and fulfilling life, taking care of every dimension of wellness. Healthy menus planned by a dietitian; wellness classes such as yoga, gentle strengthening and cardio; and activities ranging from art classes to afternoon educational lectures—all of these amenities support wellbeing in body, mind and spirit.
But what happens if you reach a point where you need assistance from a caregiver or skilled nurse? Whether it is a short-term recovery or a long-term need, having an Assisted Living neighborhood in the community you know and love is an invaluable benefit for living in a CCRC. Being able to move around the corner in our campus means you still have access to our amenities, you still have your social circle, and you don’t have to worry about the hassle of packing, downsizing, selling a life time of stuff or moving into a strange place.
What’s more, should your health needs ever change, you will have a plan for what to do next. Often, older adults who live on their own end up making decisions on the fly, after an incident. Perhaps they suffer from a fall or need rehabilitation after an extended hospital stay. What do you do? Where do you go? Vinson Hall Retirement Community residents know the answers long in advance. They’ve made their plans and can relax and enjoy peace of mind every day.
One final thing to consider: it can be tricky for independent-minded seniors to recognize the responsibilities they are placing on their children or other loved ones. Grown children, often in middle age and often with work and families of their own to manage may not be equipped to care for a parent in need of Memory Care or Long-Term Skilled Nursing.
The peace of mind in knowing the value of your plan—for yourself and your children—is one of the biggest benefits of living in a CCRC as we age.
Join Us for a Tour
We know the financial component of moving into a CCRC is significant. You want to be sure you are making a good decision for yourself today—and for yourself and your loved ones tomorrow. We would love to discuss more about how our Life Plan Community will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy every moment of your retirement. To learn more, contact us for a consultation or tour. We cannot wait to meet you and show you around!