Modern-day senior living options have come a long way from the traditional nursing homes of the past. Today, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is as different from a nursing home as a nail salon is from a resort spa. What exactly is a CCRC vs. a nursing home? And what are the main differences? Here are the vital distinctions you need to know to help you compare senior care to find the best fit for your retirement lifestyle.
What is a CCRC?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are senior living communities that offer independent living and a continuum of care on-site. Assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation are typically provided within the same community, or the community coordinates access to such services with nearby care providers. At most CCRCs, independent living residents may move to assisted living or a higher level of care without moving from the community.
What is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are individual health care institutions, usually operated as for-profit businesses and separate from senior living communities. They’re in the same category as a stand-alone independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facility. Each of these facilities provides a specific level of care and is focused primarily on medical care alone. Nursing homes are generally for older adults who need a higher level of care.
In nursing homes and stand-alone care facilities like them, residents pay market rates for only the services and medical care they receive. While there are large differences between nursing home care, skilled nursing care, and assisted living, their shared commonality is that they’re individual, usually for-profit, institutions, many of which are part of rental communities.
Differences between CCRC and Nursing Home
Edgewood Summit is Kanawha Valley’s only locally owned, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. We provide every level of senior living with exceptional quality. Our residents have high-quality care, thoughtful services and premium amenities for life.
More Medical Professionals Onsite: CCRCs have a wider range of on-site medical professionals either on staff or employed from outside resources. From registered nurses to occupational therapists to nutritionists, these professionals are usually specially trained in geriatric care. They help residents set personal health goals and develop individualized plans that change as residents age.
Less Stress: Avoiding the stress and anxiety of relocating when higher levels of care are needed is an invaluable core difference between a CCRC and a nursing home.
And unlike individual nursing homes, CCRCs go far beyond medical care. Modern senior living communities offer a variety of services, amenities and enriching programs to help residents live a vibrant, fulfilling retirement. Health and wellness programs that include fitness classes, lifelong learning opportunities, hobby activities and engaging social programming. Plus, the luxury of restaurant-style dining are some of the premium perks that further differentiate a CCRC from other senior living options.
Residence Options: CCRC residents are often able to choose from a wide selection of residence locations and floor plans to find a home that suits their health needs and lifestyle. One of the most appealing perks of a continuing care retirement community vs. nursing home is that residents can leave the worries of home maintenance behind when they move in.
Edgewood Summit is a Continuing Care Retirement Community
Our Continuing Care Retirement Community in Charleston, WV. offers a vibrant independent living lifestyle with health care benefits such as assisted living and memory care. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation are available onsite to current residents. Our Residents feel safe, they are active, and enjoy the rewarding lifestyles they’ve created here. Since we don’t accept direct admittance to our skilled nursing care, it’s important to consider the community now, before you need future care. To learn more about Edgewood Summit, contact us by filling out a form, or give us a call at 304-346-2323.
