Most CCRCs require initial upfront fees that are used to help defray a portion of future costs, which may include nursing care. Others may not require a substantial entry fee, but will charge residents for additional health care services as they are needed. Generally, higher entrance fees may be found at more luxurious living facilities or when contracts contain more extensive long-care nursing guarantees. The lower fees are usually for more modest accommodations. This is the most expensive plan which offers the largest amount of services.
Fees cover housing, certain services and amenities, and unlimited nursing home care.
Monthly fee increases usually occur only as the facility's costs rise with inflation. In addition to housing and certain amenities, this plan offers only a specified amount of long-term nursing care for the initial fee. If residents need more than what they contracted for, they will be charged for those services. This option lowers the entrance fee and monthly fee, and allows residents to avoid paying for services they may not need. Under this type of arrangement, residents do not pay for nursing home care in advance, but are charged a daily fee for these services on an as-needed basis.