Summary: 5 questions to ask when evaluating CCRCs in Florida
Comparing CCRCs in Florida: why it’s so important to have a plan
1. Is a CCRC also a Life Care community?
2. What is the cost of senior living in the community?
4. How does the CCRC ensure the safety and welfare of residents?
5. What’s it like to live here?
Bring your questions and get the answers you need: and then look at St. Mark Village.
Summary: 5 questions to ask when evaluating CCRCs in Florida
Five questions to ask when researching the retirement of your dreams.
- Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) also a Life Care Community?
- What is the cost of senior living in the community?
- What kind of programs does the CCRC offer to enhance wellness and healthy aging like on-site healthcare?
- How does a CCRC ensure the safety and welfare of residents?
- What’s it like to live here?
It’s true: not all CCRCs in Florida are the same, and choosing which is right for you is a big decision. Here’s a smart and simplified framework for evaluating options for senior living in Florida so that you can start enjoying the retirement of your dreams.
Comparing CCRCs in Florida: why it’s so important to have a plan.
Any major decision in life requires planning, research, and serious consideration. Where you will spend your retirement is no different. Not only do you want to decide what you want including which services and amenities mean most to you, which location best suits your needs; you also want to look at the financial aspects, whether the community is a good “fit” for you, as well as how your choice could enhance your healthy aging.
At St. Mark Village, our priority is to help you make a decision that works best for you, and your family. We think independent living in Florida is a great option, and we know there are a lot of CCRCs in Florida from which to choose.
Here are five questions to ask as you conduct your search:
1. Is a CCRC also a Life Care community?
The value that Life Care can bring to your future is something you need to explore before you make any decisions. At St. Mark Village, we believe it is priceless.
As a Life Care CCRC, St. Mark Village offers a continuum of care that begins by entering the community through independent living, and includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. As a resident’s needs change, they may transition to the next level of care needed without having to leave the community. That means that as a resident, you will always have a home at St. Mark Village.
With Life Care, your care is guaranteed for life even if your financial situation changes. This can mean huge peace of mind, knowing you can continue to be close to familiar faces. Your family benefits as well by not having to make difficult decisions down the road.
Life Care at St. Mark Village means financial security, value and peace of mind, and it’s definitely something you want to ask about when considering your choices for senior living in Florida.
2. What is the cost of senior living in the community?
Often the first question when looking at Florida independent living is “how much does a CCRC cost?” There is no set number, simply because it depends on the size and location of the CCRC as well as the amenities and services offered. However, understanding the financial structure can give you some valuable insight.
A continuing care retirement community (also known as a Life Plan Community) is typically a buy-in or entry fee community. The buy-in fee may be considered a down payment for your future care. This offers you tremendous value, particularly if you choose a Life Care CCRC, because you will not be hit with “surprise” fees at a later time. In addition, there will be a monthly fee covering housing, dining, utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, and entertainment. Keep in mind that these are expenses you would pay for separately if you were still living at home.
Many seniors researching CCRCs in Florida are surprised to see the extensive list of amenities and services covered by this monthly fee. For example, at St. Mark Village, the monthly service fee covers more than you might expect. Be sure to get a detailed list of what is included in any Florida independent living community you are visiting, as well as what extra costs, if any, exist beyond the monthly fee.
3. What kind of programs does the CCRC offer to enhance wellness and healthy aging such as on-site access to healthcare?
Most seniors would agree that it’s not just living longer; it’s living better that matters which includes how you feel, what your day looks like, where you spend your time and energy. When it comes to living to age 100 or more, Harvard Health boils it down to a healthy diet, physical activity, and good lifestyle choices.
And there’s no better place to find a centralized approach to wellness and healthy aging than Florida Independent Living communities that are also CCRCs, and preferably, Life Care communities. In a community such as St. Mark Village, you benefit from programming covering all aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, vocational, and environmental. The goal: to keep you moving and feeling great.
In addition, Curana Health Clinic, the on-site clinic at St. Mark Village, offers 24/7 telephone services, in-home visit options, and familiar, friendly staff who provide personalized care. It’s a question worth asking any of the CCRCs in Florida you are considering: do they offer on-site care?
Related: The Benefits of On-site Healthcare: Spotlight on Our Curana Health Clinic
4. How does the CCRC ensure the safety and welfare of residents?
Florida’s wonderful weather entices seniors from all over, but it does also include the possibility of weather that can include severe storms. That is why it’s important to ask each CCRC you visit questions about their safety measures.
Find out how they approach emergency and hurricane preparations, what type of emergency call system is in place, how often the grounds are inspected, and whether staff are routinely drilled on procedures.
St. Mark Village is in a non-evacuation zone and not considered a high risk of storm surge during a hurricane. But we don’t stop there. Our community maintains a vigilant approach to regular inspections, reviews, and updates to all our safety and security measures.
5. What’s it like to live here?
Fitting in and feeling like “one of the gang” is important when you’re checking out senior living in Florida. Each community is unique with its own personality, and it’s wise to spend some time visiting the premises and talking with residents and family members. Does it seem welcoming? Are people smiling and enjoying themselves? Is there a lively atmosphere?
One of the biggest considerations is what type of activities and amenities are there to inspire socializing, which is so important for emotional, mental, and physical health. Think about what matters most to you: an indoor pool? Multiple dining venues? A library? Is there a monthly calendar of activities that appeal to you?
At St. Mark Village, you’ll have your choice of countless ways to make new friends, entertain family, and explore new adventures, both in our community and outside in our perfect location: Palm Harbor. It’s a combination that’s tough to beat!
Related: Discover Palm Harbor FL: Retirement Haven and Home to St. Mark Village.
Bring your questions and get the answers you need: and then look at St. Mark Village.
Whether it’s how it feels, cost, or the many important advantages of Florida independent living, take your time when considering your new home. And be sure to put St. Mark Village at the top of your list: exceptional senior living with seamless access to future care options.
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