Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can be an exciting choice for people who want to enjoy the freedom of an active retirement lifestyle – without the responsibilities of home maintenance. CCRCs combine the pleasures of good neighbors, interesting activities, and many amenities with the security of an on-site continuum of health care.

This page includes some of the most frequently asked questions about CCRCs and how BHI’s retirement communities in Indiana can provide a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

What is a CCRC?
Why is the location and setting of a CCRC important?
Can I own a home at a CCRC?
What are the benefits of an on-site health care continuum?
Why move to a CCRC?

What is a CCRC?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides seniors age 62 and above with:

  • The privacy of an apartment or cottage home and the companionship of community life
  • A wide range of helpful services, such as housekeeping, transportation, and security
  • A variety of amenities, such as a fitness center, performing arts center, and various dining venues
  • A full calendar of engaging activities, from musical entertainment and trips to interesting regional sites
  • A continuum of on-site care that includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services

BHI’s Indiana continuing care retirement communities offer a range of residence choices and community amenities, as well as a full continuum of on-site health care.

Why is the location and setting of a CCRC important?
CCRCs offer a full-service lifestyle right on campus. Residents, however, appreciate having convenient access to greater community amenities such as cultural, recreational, spiritual, and retail offerings. Additionally, residents often choose a location that allows them to maintain close ties with family and friends.

BHI’s continuing care retirement communities are located in popular areas of Indiana, including Hoosier Village in Indianapolis, The Towne House in Fort Wayne, and Four Seasons in Columbus.

Can I own a home at a CCRC?
Some CCRCs offer equity, but most do not involve a real estate transaction. Instead, these communities offer an entrance fee plan, guaranteed by a contract or residency agreement, that entitles residents to occupy their chosen cottage or apartment and use the common area amenities, programs and services. The one-time entrance fee – which is usually partially or fully refundable – also assures residents access to the on-site continuum of health care.

CCRC residents also pay a monthly service fee that covers a wide variety of services and amenities, from utilities to indoor and outdoor maintenance. The monthly service fee does not fluctuate monthly, but rather is adjusted annually based on operating and other expenses. This structure allows for a predictable way of paying for a valuable lifestyle.

BHI Senior Living offers a fully refundable entrance fee at each of our CCRCs. This entrance fee entitles our residents to occupy their selected homes; use the common area amenities, programs, and services; and access our health care continuum. In addition, our monthly fee covers everything from utilities to indoor and outdoor maintenance – so our residents have the freedom to spend their time doing the things they really want to do.

What are the benefits of an on-site health care continuum?
While many people may never use the full continuum of care provided on a CCRC campus, the peace of mind that comes from knowing the services are available allows them to put their worries aside and truly enjoy life. Health care services that make life easier include access to physicians’ offices, temporary rehabilitation, and the ability for one spouse to reside in a higher care setting (such as assisted living or the memory care area) while the other spouse lives close by in the independent living setting.

Access to health care services, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, is offered at each of BHI’s Indiana continuing care retirement communities.

Why move to a CCRC?
Most CCRC residents cite the following key reasons for making the decision to move to a CCRC:

  • Freedom from home maintenance
  • A lifestyle rich with cultural, social, spiritual, educational, and physical opportunities
  • Round-the-clock security
  • The ability to make the choices for the future now (without needing to rely later on children or other family to make those choices for you)
  • Social connection and companionship
  • The security of future health care options, if ever needed

An Indiana continuing care retirement community sponsored by BHI Senior Living could be the right choice for you or a loved one. Contact us to find out more.