Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the US have become a staple of everyday living and a common topic of conversation among seniors trying to determine whether they should stay at home or move to an environment specially adapted to provide for their needs as they age. There is no lack of opportunity to learn generally about communities in the immediate area or in desired new locations including those locations closer to friends and family or those with perceived better climate or amenities. However, for individuals and couples who have lived often many years in the homes where they raised their children the decision whether and when to move has real consequences and is not to be taken lightly. For most individuals and couples it is deciding where he/she/they will live for the rest of their lives. Here are some things to know or at least anticipate before you begin your search.
CCRC’s in Pennsylvania fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and there are detailed regulations for providers. The regulations require providers to deliver a “disclosure statement” prior to the execution of a contract to provide continuing care or at any time prior to the transfer of money, whichever comes first. The disclosure statement can be very helpful in providing answers to questions regarding the community. A legal review can be very helpful. Typical Agreements begin with an Application Fee followed later with a Deposit and then the Entrance Deposit/Admission Fee which is sizeable. Communities will want to know the state of your health and the extent of your resources. You want to know whether this will be a
good “fit” and what conditions you can expect going forward.
Significant Issues to Consider. Here are some important ones.
Janet Colliton, Esq. is a Certified Elder Law Attorney recognized by the American Bar Assn and Pa. Supreme Court and limits her practice to elder law, estate planning and administration, retirement planning, Medicaid and special needs, with offices at 790 East Market St., Ste. 250, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-436-6674. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and, with Jeffrey Jones, CSA, co-founder of Life Transition Services, LLC, a service for families with long term care needs.
Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.