Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) -- also called a life-care community -- is the "one-stop shopping" of the retirement world -- usually a campus-like setting or urban high-rise that offers everything from independent living units to assisted living and nursing home care, all in one place. A CCRC is a good option for seniors who value security: The knowledge that they won't have to move no matter how their health changes down the line can bring great peace of mind. These communities can be costly, however, and they vary tremendously in both fee structure and what's covered. You'll want a good understanding of how they work as you search for one near you.