A continuing care retirement community or CCRC — now known by the more modern term, Life Plan Community — is a type of senior living designed specifically to meet the needs and desires of adults age 62+. Some people mistakenly assume senior living is only for when you need health care — an outdated notion that keeps them from exploring their options and discovering a lifestyle that could ultimately help them live longer, healthier lives.
The truth is, the best time to move to a Life Plan Community or CCRC is when you’re young and healthy enough to enjoy everything the community has to offer. So, let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of choosing this type of senior living and learn why so many people ultimately say, “I wish I’d moved in sooner.”
1. Enjoy a completely maintenance-free lifestyle.
When you choose a Life Plan Community or CCRC, you can leave behind the endless to-do lists and worries about home maintenance and enjoy more freedom and time to do the things you enjoy. You’ll enjoy a truly maintenance-free lifestyle with all interior and exterior maintenance included. From appliance repair and housekeeping services to landscaping, lawn care and even 24-hour security, you won’t have to lift a finger. Plus, when you want to travel, you can simply lock your door and go with peace of mind knowing your home is taken care of.
2. Make new friends and build your support network.
At a Life Plan Community or CCRC, you’ll never run out of things to do — or friends to do them with. Whether it’s taking a day trip, participating in an interest group, going for a walk, enjoying meals together or even just meeting for coffee, you won’t have to go far to find someone who wants to join in. Of course, your privacy is always respected and you’re in control of your schedule. Choose down-time whenever you like, knowing that a community of friends is always available right outside your door.
At The Baldwin you’ll find it especially easy to make new friends. That’s because, as a brand-new community, you’ll benefit from being part of “the freshman class.” When we open, all residents will be new to the community and new to each other. And each individual will play an integral part of creating the culture and fulfilling the vision of what The Baldwin can be. In addition, our intergenerational location and main-street design mean you won’t be isolated in a community of people your own age. The Baldwin has been designed to create natural intersections where people of all ages will meet and interact on a daily basis.
3. Focus on your health and whole-person wellness.
Life Plan Communities or CCRCs typically offer amenities designed to help you remain healthy and active such as a fitness center, an aquatic center, and group exercise classes. And, you’ll find an on-site health clinic for routine screenings and acute care needs when you’re feeling under the weather.
The best communities also encourage whole-person wellness through a wide variety of programs and opportunities that encourage intellectual curiosity, spiritual and emotional well-being, vocational wellness such as hobbies and volunteerism, and social engagement. In addition to all of this, The Baldwin will build on the highly successful, resident-directed Edgewood Lifelong Learning program (ELL), offering educational lectures and workshops on a variety of topics chosen by residents. And, at The Baldwin, you’ll be empowered to be the architect of your own well-being as you choose the lifestyle, pace and activity level that feel right to you.
4. Structure your days any way you choose.
Gone are the days when retirement communities had set schedules and residents had to fit into a mold. Instead, as the name implies, a Life Plan Community is about living your life according to your plan in a community designed to support your freedom. And you’ll find amenities and services designed to make life easier and more convenient, more engaging, and more fun. Begin your day quietly with a cup of coffee and the newspaper or dive into the pool for some refreshing laps. Pack a picnic and go for a hike or meet friends for lunch in the café. Join a book club discussion, spend some time in the art studio or woodworking shop, or volunteer at a local school. Make a light supper in your apartment home or let the community’s culinary team do all the work. Then end your day with some evening entertainment or turn in early. Do what you like, when you like. The choice is always yours.
5. Leave the cooking and clean-up to someone else.
If you enjoy shopping for and preparing your own meals, you’ll appreciate having a fully equipped kitchen in your independent living residence. But if you’d rather leave the cooking and clean-up to someone else, you’ll be pleased to know that today’s Life Plan Communities offer choices in dining that can range from grab-and-go or light café-style meals to casual restaurant-style and fine dining options. You’ll also find flexible meals plans and enjoy the convenience of never having to tip or wait for the check.
At The Baldwin, we’ll also be incorporating the farm-to-table dining experience that Edgewood is famous for, using the freshest locally sourced ingredients available. Our talented chefs will create seasonal menus that showcase their talents as well as classic resident favorites. And you’ll always have a choice of dining options — both on our campus and at local partner restaurants.
6. Rest easy with intelligent design and 24/7 security.
Your safety and security are of the utmost importance. Life Plan Communities and CCRCs typically include a variety of features designed to make your environment easy to live in and navigate, reducing the risk of falls or other accidents. You’ll also find built-in security systems, personnel on duty 24/7, and a personal alert system that will enable you to summon help if you need it.
Of course, in the wake of the pandemic, infection control is on everyone’s minds. Because The Baldwin was designed with independence, safety and infection control in mind, it’s already years ahead of older, existing communities. Multiple features are already built into the design including buildings that can be divided into smaller segments and apartment homes that are fully independent when it comes to ventilation and air exchange. (View video: “The role of architecture in infection control.”)
7. Give yourself and your family priceless peace of mind.
Life Plan Communities, or CCRCs, include a continuum of healthcare services that make it possible for you to remain in the community through almost any health challenge. And, when you move in as an independent living resident, you’ll secure priority access to higher levels of care when you need them. This can provide priceless peace of mind for both you and your family members, who will never be challenged with finding care in a crisis situation.
The Baldwin will offer two contract options — LifeCare Type A and fee-for-service — so you can design a plan around what works best for you. A LifeCare Type A contract guarantees access to the community’s full continuum of health-related services with little or no additional cost beyond your monthly service fee. LifeCare can not only help insulate you from the rising costs of health care, but also provide some significant tax advantages.* With the fee-for-service option, you’ll pay a lower monthly fee in independent living but be responsible for the full cost of any future healthcare services you may use. And, no matter which contract type you choose, at The Baldwin you’ll never be pushed through a predetermined continuum of services. You’ll always remain in control of where and when you receive any care you may need.
8. The Baldwin Bonus: A not-for-profit organization
Many people don’t consider ownership when choosing a senior living community — but they should. Whether a community is not-for-profit or for-profit can have a big influence on how decisions are made and how the community’s resources are used. The Baldwin is a not-for-profit organization and, as such, we exist for the benefit of residents, not shareholders. Our first concern and top priority will always be doing what’s right for the people who live at The Baldwin.
The Baldwin is now accepting reservations for new apartment homes. To learn about valuable preconstruction savings and benefits, and to speak with a member of our team, call our Welcome Center at 603.404.6080.
*The IRS has, in the past, allowed a portion of the entrance fee and monthly fees to be deducted as pre-paid medical expenses. Consult your tax advisor for guidance and information about your personal situation.