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Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What is a “Type A” Lifecare Contract?

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, March 2024

In the United States alone, there are approximately 47 million adults over the age of 65. As this age group continues to increase, more and more people are turning toward senior living communities to help plan for their future. There are plenty of senior living options out there. Of course, care needs are susceptible to change — an older adult in assisted living may one day require memory support, or someone in independent living might suddenly need skilled nursing help. So how do you prepare for these unanticipated changes?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) accommodate the ever-changing needs of older adults by providing multiple options, from independent living to personal care and skilled nursing care; all on the same campus. When researching CCRCs, you will find the most common contracts offered are “Type A” Lifecare or “Type C” Fee-for-Service. 

What is a “Type A” Lifecare Contract?
A “Type A” Lifecare contract is the most extensive and comprehensive type of contract provided by CCRCs. This contract provides living accommodations, residential services and amenities – plus unlimited long-term Personal Care and Skilled Nursing Care – without an increase to the monthly service fees (except for normal increases related to the operating costs and possible ancillary items/services needed in a healthcare setting). 

How does Lifecare support financial certainty?
The predictable and stable costs for short or long-term care is one of a Lifecare contract’s biggest strengths. Lifecare helps ensure that contracted residents never face financial ruin because of Personal Care or Skilled Nursing costs in the future. It provides a resident with short or long-term care when needed for as long as needed with very little change to the monthly service fee. The monthly service fee remains predictable, even as one’s situation may change. It gives you peace of mind to know if your care needs change, your address and financial obligation will not. 

Enjoy Peace of Mind with Lifecare
From shifting care needs to increased costs, there’s no shortage of things to worry about when it comes to the future. This stress can negatively impact health and even manifest in physical symptoms.

Lifecare communities help alleviate these common concerns by anticipating and meeting any potential needs, whether they be related to healthcare services or social wellness. The continuum of care set monthly service fee, stable environment and holistic activities all work together to provide valuable peace of mind that allows both older adults and their families to feel happy and prepared for whatever the future may bring.


About The Author

Continuing Care Retirement Community
Kristen Lamanna
Riddle Village
610-891-3700

Riddle Village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Media, Pennsylvania that offers three levels of living options for residents: Independent Living, Personal Care and Skilled Nursing. As a Lifecare community, all levels of care are available right on campus, which means residents never have to worry about what would happen if their needs change down the road. We offer 10 apartment models ranging from junior one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments. Our residents have services available from each of our departments that are designed to simplify their lives.

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