Residents who live in continuing care retirement communities know that "wellness" is a way of life. CCRCs offer a variety of lifestyle options, services, and programs designed to help residents maintain health and independence for as long as possible.

All CCRCs offer three basic levels of care, though individual communities may use a different term for each level. The three care levels are as follows: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Independent living apartments or cottages are suited to individuals who need little or no assistance, while assisted living apartments are designed for those who require some help with the activities of daily living (e.g., eating, bathing, medication management). Skilled nursing care offers residents access to both short-term and long-term nursing care, if the need should arise.

Within a CCRC, the third level of care is offered in an on-site facility called the Health Care Center, which offers 24-hour nursing care. The Health Care Center offers convenience by centralizing a variety of health care services. Within the Health Care Center, all residents have access to services such as routine health screenings, as well as more specialized services such as speech, physical, or occupational therapy. Residents can stay in the Health Care Center while recovering from short-term illness or injury, then return to their apartment or cottage when they have recovered. The Health Care Center also offers a comfortable environment for residents needing long-term care.

The driving concept behind CCRCs is providing residents with a continuum of care that helps them age comfortably. Within each level of care, services and support are customized to individual needs—offering a truly personalized approach to retirement.

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