Access to nursing care is guaranteed, but you pay market rates if you use the service. That depends on the contract, says Walsh. In the event of death, a portion may be refunded to the heirs. This should be spelled out in the contract. Often it is a joint decision made by you, family members, medical advisors, and the CCRC's manager.
Some state laws provide guidelines as well.
Walsh believes CCRCs are most appealing to single people who have no family or who don't want to burden a family with their care and to married couples, who want to remain close to each other even if one moves into the facility's nursing home. CCRCs also are appealing to people who want to live independently yet have guaranteed access to medical care. Money is clearly another factor, since one needs the financial resources to pay the hefty entrance and monthly fees. Also, although the number of CCRCs is growing, they are not nearly as widespread as nursing homes. Their greatest concentrations are in California, Florida, and Pennsylvania.