These communities usually have what's called a continuum of care, or a number of living arrangements. You might, for example, start out in an independent apartment. When you need help, you move into the assisted-living section of the property. And if more intensive care is needed, you would go into the community's nursing home. Because a number of continuing-care facilities have affiliations with hospitals, medical care is usually a big part of the overall service mix.
Fees can be refundable, non-refundable, or something in between.
The fees can guarantee you a lifetime or specified amount of care. You'll have to take a close look at the fees for a community you are considering to figure whether the arrangement works for you. Remember, we're only talking here about the entry fee. All places have a regular monthly fee as well. But there is a connection.