5 Things People Are Surprised to Learn About Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Many people are surprised to learn that Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) like The Forest at Duke are much more flexible, vibrant, and empowering than they imagined. Often, our team meets with individuals and families who arrive with questions and leave with an entirely new perspective on what retirement living and long-term care can look like. From a fun and engaging social calendar to ongoing healthcare support, there’s a lot more to CCRCs than meets the eye.

First, it might be helpful to define this term, as a CCRC (also called a Life Plan Community) differs from stand-alone independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, or memory care. Rather, a CCRC is a residential community offering a full continuum of care all in one place. Residents typically begin in independent living and have access to higher levels of care as their needs change. This is a thoughtful, intentional model of care offering both an engaging lifestyle and peace of mind about the future. But a definition is just a snapshot. Let’s take a closer look at what makes a CCRC so unique.

Here are five things people are surprised to learn about Continuing Care Retirement Communities:

1. It’s not just a nursing home.

Often, people lump all types of senior living into the category of “nursing home,” but that’s not an accurate portrayal of the available options. While top-notch care is always available in The Forest’s Cohen Center for Health, many of our residents move in as early as age 65 seeking a vibrant independent living community and a more easygoing lifestyle.

In a CCRC, a residence can look like a 2000 square foot family home, a cozy cottage, a 1-or-2 bedroom apartment, or a room in one of our “small house” residences, where assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing are offered. In every level of care, the quality of a resident’s social life is valued and prioritized.

2. It’s often more social than aging in place.

Aging in place is a popular choice among older adults in the United States, and the desire to stay in a long-term home is understandable. Still, remaining at home can be isolating, especially as neighborhoods change, friends or family relocate, or mobility becomes limited. While the emotional challenge of leaving a home you have lived in for many years should not be discounted, it is equally beneficial to consider the potential benefits of community living.

In the Mather Institute’s 2023 Age Well Study, which conducted a five-year analysis of the impact of living in a CCRC, over two-thirds of residents who took part in the survey reported that moving to a CCRC “somewhat or greatly improved” their social wellness. Built-in opportunities for connection and daily interactions can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being. From this perspective, moving to a CCRC is not about giving something up, but about gaining a deeper sense of belonging and engagement, now and in the years ahead.

3. Downsizing often brings freedom, not loss.

Letting go of home maintenance and unused space often creates more time, energy, and flexibility for what matters most—time with family and the people you love. Without the responsibilities of yard work and ongoing upkeep of a home, you may be able to be more spontaneous and engaged, saying “yes” to more social gatherings or last-minute visits with friends and family.

Also, the dream of hosting family and friends for weekend visits, family dinners, and holidays can still be realized when you live in a CCRC. Residents who live in detached homes and cottages can easily host overnight guests. Those in apartment residences can enjoy beautiful common areas, private dining rooms, and reservable gathering spaces designed for entertaining. In many cases, hosting can be even more enjoyable in a CCRC, where you’ll have less stress and more support.

4. The waitlist fees might be worth it.

Joining a waitlist at a CCRC is an empowering, proactive step that provides priority access, greater financial clarity, and peace of mind. Planning thoughtfully allows you to prepare at your own pace and have a clear course of action in case there’s a sudden change in circumstances, like a health crisis. For those ready to take an even more definitive step in planning for the future, The Forest’s Early Acceptance Program allows future residents to secure their commitment while continuing to live at home until the time to move feels right. In both cases, the goal is the same: to replace urgency with intention and look ahead with a sense of security.

5. It’s really about peace of mind.

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of a CCRC is the reassurance of knowing your future healthcare needs will be met within the same community you already call home. Because CCRCs offer a full continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, residents aren’t left to scramble for solutions during difficult times. Rather, they can get the care they need surrounded by familiar faces, long-term friendships, and a team that already knows them well. This stability also brings considerable comfort to family members who can rest easier knowing there’s a thoughtful plan in place. At a CCRC, you’re investing in peace of mind.

Curious to see for yourself what’s special about living in a CCRC? Get in touch! We’d love to host you for a visit at The Forest.

—Katherine Van Dis