What is the largest CCRC in the US? Unveiling the Biggest Retirement Community

With over 2,500 residents, the largest CCRC in the US is the expansive Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida, a stunning waterfront campus offering a comprehensive continuum of care. This impressive community demonstrates how large-scale senior living can provide a variety of lifestyles and services in one convenient location.

Quick Summary

The largest CCRC in the U.S., Shell Point Retirement Community, is a single-site, not-for-profit campus in Florida, providing a full continuum of care for over 2,500 residents.

Key Points

• Largest Single-Site CCRC: The largest Continuing Care Retirement Community on a single campus is Shell Point in Fort Myers, Florida, which serves over 2,500 residents.

• Largest Corporate Provider: The largest operator of CCRCs is Brookdale Senior Living, a for-profit company that manages multiple communities nationwide.

• Comprehensive Care: A CCRC offers a full spectrum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, all on one campus to allow residents to age in place.

• Variable Costs: Costs for CCRCs depend heavily on the contract type (Type A, B, or C), with entrance fees and monthly fees varying significantly.

• Choosing Wisely: Selecting a CCRC requires thorough research into financial health, amenities, and community culture, as well as carefully reviewing contracts with legal counsel.

• The Villages vs. CCRC: Florida's The Villages is a 55+ active community and is not a true CCRC, as it lacks the comprehensive continuum of care and contractual guarantees.

• Benefits of CCRCs: Residents often experience improved social wellness and greater life satisfaction compared to other types of senior living arrangements.

Shell Point: The Largest Not-for-Profit CCRC

Located along Southwest Florida's Caloosahatchee River, Shell Point is a prominent name in senior living. As the country's largest single-site, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, it boasts a vast campus that houses more than 2,500 residents. This scale allows for an extensive range of resort-style amenities, from championship golf courses and a marina to multiple restaurants, fitness centers, and pickleball courts. The sheer size and scope of Shell Point set it apart from most other CCRCs.

It is important to distinguish between the largest single-site CCRC, like Shell Point, and the largest provider of senior living services. For instance, Brookdale Senior Living is a publicly traded, for-profit company that manages a vast portfolio of senior housing communities across the United States, which includes many CCRCs. However, its individual communities are not as large as Shell Point's single campus. Another notable large community, The Villages in Florida, is a 55+ active retirement community, not a CCRC, as it does not operate with a comprehensive continuum of care contract covering all care needs on-site.

Understanding the Continuum of Care Model

A CCRC, or Life Plan Community, is designed to provide a comprehensive range of housing options and care services for older adults as their needs change. This allows residents to "age in place," transitioning smoothly from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing care without leaving the familiar community and staff.

Levels of Care in a CCRC

• Independent Living: For active, healthy seniors who enjoy maintenance-free living and a variety of social activities and amenities.
• Assisted Living: Provides support for residents who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
• Skilled Nursing: Offers 24-hour medical and custodial care for more complex health needs or short-term rehabilitation.
• Memory Care: Specialized, secure units for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Comparing Senior Living Options

While a CCRC offers a seamless transition, other options exist. The table below provides a quick comparison.

Feature	Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)	Assisted Living	55+ Active Adult Community
Level of Care	Full continuum: Independent, Assisted, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care.	Primarily Assisted Living; limited or no skilled nursing on-site.	Independent living only; no on-site medical care.
Cost Structure	High entry fee and predictable monthly fees; varies by contract type.	Lower entry costs, higher monthly fees that increase with care needs.	Typically lower costs, no entry fee, and market-rate monthly rents or association fees.
Purpose	To provide a stable, long-term solution for all potential care needs.	To provide assistance with daily living for seniors who do not need skilled care.	To provide an active, social, and low-maintenance lifestyle for independent seniors.
Transition	Seamless transition between care levels within the same community.	Requires a move to a new facility if higher care needs arise.	Requires a move to a different facility or in-home care if health deteriorates.

Contract Types and Financial Considerations

The financial commitment for a CCRC varies significantly depending on the contract type.

• Type A (Life Care) Contract: The highest entry and monthly fees, but offers unlimited assisted living or skilled nursing care at little to no increase in monthly cost. This provides maximum financial predictability.
• Type B (Modified) Contract: Mid-range entry and monthly fees. Includes a limited number of assisted living or skilled nursing days, after which market rates apply.
• Type C (Fee-for-Service) Contract: Lower entry and monthly fees. Residents pay market rates for assisted living or skilled nursing as needed. This offers the least financial predictability for future care.

Entrance fees can range from tens of thousands to over a million dollars, with monthly fees varying from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. It is crucial to perform due diligence, examining the community's financial stability and consulting with a financial advisor or attorney before signing a contract. Some non-profit CCRCs may have benevolent care funds to support residents who deplete their financial resources, but this is not universal.

Choosing the Right CCRC

Selecting a CCRC is a significant decision that involves more than just size. Experts recommend asking crucial questions and observing the community's culture firsthand.

1. Visit in person. Take tours of multiple communities. Pay attention to cleanliness, resident engagement, and staff interactions.
2. Talk to residents. Ask current residents about their experiences, satisfaction, and overall happiness within the community.
3. Examine the finances. Look for CCRCs with high occupancy rates and, if available, strong financial ratings from agencies like Fitch or S&P.
4. Review the contract carefully. Understand the costs, services included, and what happens if your financial or health circumstances change. Hiring an attorney to review the contract is highly recommended.
5. Assess the culture. Determine if the community's atmosphere aligns with your lifestyle and personality. Consider the available activities, social opportunities, and general ambiance.

An excellent resource for financial guidance and finding accredited communities is the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Their consumer guide provides vital information on contracts and financial viability. Download the consumer guide from CARF International.

Conclusion: Size is Just One Factor

While the answer to what is the largest CCRC in the US? leads to a specific community like Shell Point, it's a starting point, not the entire picture. The best CCRC is the one that best fits an individual's unique needs, financial situation, and lifestyle preferences. Thorough research, including on-site visits and careful contract review, is essential for making an informed decision and securing peace of mind for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest CCRC in the US?

The largest single-site, not-for-profit CCRC in the US is Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida, with over 2,500 residents.

What is the difference between the largest CCRC and the largest provider?

Shell Point is the largest CCRC located on a single campus. Brookdale Senior Living is the largest provider because it operates numerous CCRCs and senior living communities across the country, but each location is smaller than Shell Point.

Is The Villages in Florida a CCRC?

No, The Villages is a large 55+ active adult community, not a Continuing Care Retirement Community. It does not offer a full continuum of on-site care with a CCRC contract.

How do CCRC contracts and costs work?

Most CCRCs require an initial entrance fee and monthly fees. Contracts typically fall into three types—Life Care (Type A), Modified (Type B), or Fee-for-Service (Type C)—which dictate how future care costs are managed.

How expensive is a CCRC?

Costs vary significantly, with entry fees potentially ranging from tens of thousands to over $1 million, and monthly fees from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, based on location, amenities, and contract type.

Are all CCRCs the same size?

No, there is a wide range of CCRC sizes, from smaller, more intimate campuses to very large communities like Shell Point. Size is just one of many factors to consider.

What should I look for when touring a CCRC?

When touring, look for a clean environment, engaged residents, and professional staff. Ask about care transitions, contract details, and staffing levels, and speak with current residents about their experiences.