Choices

Why Choose a Nonprofit?
Nonprofit communities have long been recognized as having a tradition of serving the needs of older persons.  Such communities, generally sponsored by religious organizations, fraternal groups or community-based agencies, are mission driven and governed by volunteer boards who are committed to caring for the needs of older people.  Nonprofit communities also take any surplus income generated and invest it back into the facility to improve or expand the quality care and services they provide.

LeadingAge California members represents more than 400 nonprofit providers of senior living and care – including affordable housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, skilled-nursing, and home and community-based care. The following descriptions explain the different housing and care communities LeadingAge California serves. To learn more click on a topic heading below.

• Continuing care retirement community
• Home and community-based services
• Housing
• In-planning
• Mulit-level
• Residential care facility for the elderly
• Skilled nursing facility

Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, offer a variety of living and care options for the duration of a resident’s life. A long-term contract with the CCRC provides housing, services and nursing care, usually in one location, to a resident whose needs may change over the years. CCRCs typically offer independent, assisted living and nursing care. Additionally, services include meals; housekeeping; transportation; emergency help; social and education activities.

CCRCs are different from other types of housing options for older people because they offer you a contract that states the CCRC will provide you with housing and services for life. Most CCRCs require a one-time entrance fee and then monthly payments thereafter. These fees vary by community, depending on the type of housing and services they offer. Other CCRCs operate on a rental basis, in which you would make monthly payments.

Home and Community-based Services
Like most people, you probably want to stay in your home for as long as possible. However, you may need help and support to stay there. Home and community-based service providers can offer everything from help with the chores to health care services. Also, if you are taking care of a family member or friend, these services can give you needed relief and support.

Home and community-based services (HCBS) includes: Adult Day Services; Home Care/Home Health; Hospice; Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE); Senior Centers; and transportation services.

Housing
You may want to think about senior housing if you want to live independently, but don’t want to or can’t maintain the upkeep of your home. It's also a great option for people who want to live in a community with other seniors.

Depending on the community you choose, you can rent an apartment either at the market rate or if your income level applies, a lower rate. They are often specially designed with things like railings in bathrooms or power outlets higher up on the wall. They may also offer a 24-hour emergency call service if residents need help right away. Some places may also offer different kinds of services to the people who live there like meals, transportation, social activities and other programs.

In-Planning
This describes facilities that are in the planning and/or building phase of development.

Multi-Level
Multi-level facilities provide more than one level of care. For example, a multi-level could have both assisted living and skilled nursing care, but are not licensed as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). They offer a variety of services but may not be able to meet the needs of their residents if their level of need changes drastically.

Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
If a person needs some help every day, but not constant nursing care, a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) may be the right choice. Residents are typically 60 years or older and facility staff provide help with everyday needs, such as bathing or getting dressed, taking medicine, cooking, shopping, housekeeping, laundry and getting around. RCFEs provide assistance while still giving a person the chance to stay active and independent.

RCFEs may be part of a retirement community or nursing home, or they may stand-alone. They offer single or double rooms, or sometimes even suites or apartments, depending on a person's needs and how much he or she can afford.

Skilled Nursing Facility
Nursing facilities offer round-the-clock care if someone is too sick to live on their own, or if they need to recover after having an illness or operation. Some people stay for a short time and then go home. Other people may be sicker and need care for a longer period of time.

Nursing facilities are licensed by the state to provide nursing care, personal care and medical services. They also offer different kinds of therapies to help a person recover after an illness or surgery. Nursing facilities can be part of a larger community or freestanding.


There are many options to help you or a loved one receive help. Find a Community in your area to learn more.