The Shift Toward Moving Earlier
Historically, seniors often viewed a move to a CCRC as a final step, taken only when health declined significantly. However, a growing number of retirees are reconsidering this approach and are choosing to move in much earlier. This shift is driven by a desire to take control of their retirement journey, rather than react to a crisis. Moving while still independent provides the freedom to select a preferred community and build a strong social foundation before a higher level of care is ever needed.
The Benefits of an Earlier Move
Choosing to enter a CCRC in your 60s or early 70s offers several compelling advantages:
- Maximizing your active years: Moving in earlier means you have more time to enjoy the full range of amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, social clubs, and group excursions. You can engage in activities and build friendships while you are still at your most active.
- Securing future care: CCRCs often have health qualifications for new residents entering independent living. Moving earlier ensures you meet these requirements, guaranteeing your access to assisted living or skilled nursing care down the line, regardless of future health changes.
- Easier transition: Moving can be physically and emotionally taxing, and it only becomes more challenging with age. Tackling the move while you are healthier and more energetic can make the downsizing and relocation process significantly smoother.
- Reducing family burden: By making a proactive move, you remove the stress and responsibility from your family members, ensuring they won't have to make difficult care decisions for you during a time of crisis.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long
Delaying a CCRC move can have serious drawbacks that many people underestimate:
- Health-based disqualification: The most significant risk of waiting is that you may not pass the health assessment required for entry into independent living. If a health event occurs, such as a serious illness or injury, you may be denied entry entirely.
- Limited availability: The most desirable communities often have long waiting lists. If you wait until you need care immediately, you might find no vacancies and be forced into a less-preferred option.
- Stressful, reactive decisions: A sudden health decline can force a rushed and stressful decision-making process, often leaving little time to properly vet a community or downsize your home. This emotional pressure is difficult for everyone involved.
- Missed social opportunities: Moving late means you miss out on years of community building and social engagement that can enrich your life and create a vital support network.
Key Factors Beyond Age to Consider
Age is just one data point. A comprehensive assessment of your readiness should include several other important factors.
Your Health and Independence
As noted, most CCRCs require new residents to enter at the independent living level. An initial health screening is part of the application process. You must be able to live safely and independently, often for a period of time, before accessing higher levels of care.
Financial Readiness and Contract Types
CCRCs typically involve a significant one-time entrance fee and subsequent monthly fees. Understanding the different contract types is crucial for financial planning:
- Type A (LifeCare): The highest fees, but guarantees comprehensive healthcare at little to no increase in monthly costs as your needs change.
- Type B (Modified): Lower initial fees, but higher monthly costs may apply if you need assisted living or skilled nursing.
- Type C (Fee-for-Service): Lowest fees, but you pay market rates for any additional care you require.
Emotional and Lifestyle Desires
Your personal preferences play a huge role. Do you value a maintenance-free lifestyle and a vibrant social scene? Do you want to be proactive and plan for the future, or are you uncomfortable with long-term commitment? Be honest about what you want for your retirement years.
A CCRC Comparison Table: Early vs. Late Move
| Factor | Moving Early (e.g., 60s/70s) | Moving Late (e.g., 80s+) |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Amenities | Maximize time enjoying all facilities and social activities. | Potentially limited by declining health; less time for active enjoyment. |
| Ease of Move | Easier physical and mental transition with more energy. | More physically and mentally difficult, often rushed. |
| Social Integration | Plenty of time to form strong friendships and become part of the community. | Less time to build relationships, potentially arriving when less mobile. |
| Risk of Disqualification | Very low, as you are typically still healthy and independent. | High risk if a significant health issue arises unexpectedly. |
| Peace of Mind | Strongest sense of security knowing future care is guaranteed. | Decisions are often made under pressure, causing more stress. |
| Financial Planning | More time to budget and sell your home on your timeline. | May involve rushed decisions and selling a home in a hurry. |
Making the Decision: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Assess your health and energy levels. Be realistic about your current state and what you expect in the coming years. Consider your current energy for daily tasks and managing a household.
- Review your financial situation. Understand your assets, income, and long-term care insurance. Work with a financial advisor to determine if a CCRC is a good fit and what contract type is best.
- Visit multiple communities. Start touring CCRCs while you are healthy and can appreciate the independent living amenities and social atmosphere. Speak to current residents about their experience.
- Talk with your family and loved ones. Discuss your plans and reasons for considering a CCRC. This transparency can alleviate fears and ensure they are on board with your decision.
- Educate yourself on the process. Research and compare different communities. AARP offers comprehensive guides that can help you understand all the components of CCRC living. AARP's Guide to CCRCs
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single best age to move to a CCRC that fits everyone. The ideal timeline is a highly personal decision based on individual health, finances, and lifestyle goals. However, the trend toward moving earlier—while still active and in good health—is a strong one for a reason. By taking a proactive approach, you gain the benefits of a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle for a longer period and secure guaranteed future care, providing peace of mind that is truly priceless.
