A continuing care community, also referred to as a life-care community, is a type of retirement community. Offering a wide variety of services within one community, CCRCs provide lifetime housing; social and recreational activities and escalated levels of care as needs change. These various levels of accommodation and care range from a single residence to a high-rise building, or in some cases a physically adjacent building, such as garden apartments, cottages, duplexes, townhomes, mid- and low-rise buildings or campuses. As seniors age and medical requirements change, the level of nursing care and service increases proportionately in response. In such a way, the needs of older adults are consistently monitored and provided, especially as those needs become more intensive. If a senior is hospitalized due to illness or injury, they may come back to their continuing care residence after recovery and can still receive appropriate treatment and care.

At a CCRC, the following services may be offered, depending on the monthly maintenance contract:

• Meal preparation/Dining

• Transportation

• Lawn care/Gardening

• Housekeeping/Laundry/Personal Care

• Social activities

• Wellness programs

• Some utilities

• Health monitoring services

• Emergency call monitoring

• Security