By Julie Cullen, Managing Editor, American Nurse Today

This long-term care option definitely got my attention…for my older relatives and also for myself in the not-too-distant future: continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) without walls. And I’m wondering about this option and nurses. Is this a possible career path? Also, what do you think about this long-term care alternative? Is it safe? How would it affect the care you provide?

Here’s how CCRCs without walls programs work: Members stay in their homes while they’re independent. When they need help with tasks like bathing and dressing, the program provides home aides. Then, if members reach the point where they can’t continue living safely in their homes, they move into an affiliated CCRC. According to an article in the New York Times about this kind of program in Delaware, members pay a one-time entrance fee and then monthly fees to cover long-term care costs (at home and in the facility).

Compared to traditional CCRCs, these at-home programs are less expensive. For example, entrance fees for traditional programs run from $107,000 to $427,000 with monthly fees from $2,100 to $4,200. One at-home program noted in the article has entrance fees from $55,000 to $60,000 and a $525 monthly fee. Long-term care insurance can bring down that cost.

Have you had any experience with programs like this? I’d like to know what you think.

Source: New York Times