---
title: "Continuing care retirement community: Definition | HomeCare.com"
description: "A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a campus that offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care in one place. Residents..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/continuing-care-retirement-community/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Types of care

# Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a campus that offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care in one place. Residents usually move in while healthy and move to higher levels of care as needs change. Most charge a large entrance fee plus monthly fees.

## Why it matters for your family

A CCRC lets a couple plan ahead, because care on the same campus can change as health changes. The trade is cost and commitment. Most CCRCs charge a sizable one-time entrance fee, and some of that fee may be refundable under certain terms. Contracts differ in how much future care they include, so read them closely. A common mistake is signing without checking the community's finances and what happens if money runs out. An elder law attorney or financial professional can review the contract. Home care can also work alongside a CCRC apartment when more help is needed.

Source: [acl.gov](https://acl.gov/ltc/housing/living-in-a-facility/continuing-care-retirement-communities)

## Related terms

-   [**Independent living**Independent living is housing for older adults who can manage on their own.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/independent-living/)
-   [**Assisted living**Assisted living is a residential setting for people who need help with daily tasks but not the full medical care of a nursing home.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/assisted-living/)
-   [**Nursing home**A nursing home is a residential facility that provides round-the-clock supervision, nursing care, meals, help with daily activities, and often rehabilitation.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/nursing-home/)
-   [**Elder law attorney**An elder law attorney is a lawyer who focuses on legal issues of older adults.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/elder-law-attorney/)
-   [**Aging in place**Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/aging-in-place/)
-   [**Private pay**Private pay means a family pays for care directly from its own money.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/private-pay/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

## Talk to a care advisor today.

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