Quick Answer: There is no difference between a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) and a life plan community. They are the exact same type of senior living option. "Life plan community" is simply the newer, more consumer-friendly term for what has traditionally been called a CCRC.

If you're exploring senior living options for yourself or an aging parent, you've likely encountered both terms and wondered which is better. The answer is simple: they're identical. Let's explore why two names exist for the same community type and what you can expect from this comprehensive senior living option.

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Why Two Different Names?

The term "CCRC" has been used since the 1980s to describe continuing care retirement communities. However, in 2015, two senior advocacy groups—LeadingAge and Mather LifeWays—conducted extensive research to understand how seniors perceived this terminology.

Their research revealed that 84% of adults over age 65 preferred a different name. The task force found that "continuing care" held negative connotations for many consumers, focusing too heavily on aging and decline rather than on vibrant living. Seniors wanted a term that reflected the full lifestyle these communities offer, not just healthcare.

The result? "Life plan community" emerged as the preferred descriptor. This name emphasizes planning for your future and maintaining an active, engaged lifestyle as a senior —not just receiving care. It focuses on living well at every stage, which better captures what these communities truly provide.

In 2017, senior living communities across the country began adopting the new term. However, many communities, including Havenwood Heritage Heights, continue to use "CCRC" because it's well-established and widely recognized. You'll see both terms used interchangeably throughout the industry.

How Does a Community Become a CCRC or Life Plan Community?

Though CCRCs and life plan communities are the same, this senior living option is vastly different from other types of senior housing.

Typically, a senior living community offers just one level of support. Concord assisted living communities, for example, provide assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and eating, but don't offer intensive medical care.

Comparatively, CCRCs must offer access to multiple levels of care—independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care—on a single campus to receive accreditation. This continuum of support allows residents to receive the assistance they deserve without leaving a place they know and love.

CCRC Payment Structure

The payment structure at a CCRC is also slightly different. Much like a traditional independent or assisted living community, CCRCs charge a monthly fee that covers a number of services like dining, security, and yard maintenance. This all-inclusive payment structure is convenient and, in many cases, more affordable than aging at home.

However, CCRCs also charge an entrance fee. This up-front cost secures your spot in the community and ensures that you receive support as your needs change.

What Can You Expect From a CCRC?

CCRCs are a practical option for older adults who want to age in place. Since these communities afford the security of a healthcare support system, you will never be forced to move, even if your daily needs change. But what does life look like at a CCRC? What can you expect?

CCRC Care Options

CCRCs offer a continuum of care. Typically, older adults come to the community as independent living residents and transition to higher levels of support if and when their needs change. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we offer the following care options:

Services & Amenities

In addition to high-quality care, CCRCs provide aging adults with a luxurious, maintenance-free lifestyle. Many communities offer a robust lineup of services and amenities like chef-prepared meals and housekeeping. By keeping daily chores to a minimum, CCRCs help residents spend their time doing what they love most—whether that's fishing or reading a good book. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, some of our services and amenities include:

Simplified Finances

As we get older, remembering to pay a list of bills—from utilities to garbage removal—can become difficult. Fortunately, CCRCs simplify finances by offering consolidated billing. That means your monthly fee includes all expenses. At most CCRCs, this all-inclusive pay structure covers:

Social Opportunities

Loneliness among seniors is an epidemic: More than 40% of older adults report being lonely. These feelings can spark dangerous problems like depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even premature death.

Fortunately, life plan communities provide seniors with opportunities to build and nurture meaningful connections with neighbors and staff. Each day, residents can engage in enrichment activities like woodworking or biking. They can also meet new people by joining a book club or attending a group exercise class. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, residents participate in a number of fun and exciting programs, such as:

Receive the Support You Deserve at Havenwood Heritage Heights

As one of just three accredited CCRCs in New Hampshire, Havenwood Heritage Heights provides seniors with a continuum of high-quality care. If and when your needs change, you will receive the support you deserve without having to move away from a community of close friends and friendly staff.

Whether you prefer to call it a CCRC or a life plan community, the important thing is understanding what this type of senior living offers: security, flexibility, and the ability to age in place while maintaining your independence and quality of life.

Still unsure if it's the right time to move to a CCRC? This blog post answers any questions you may have about when you should start planning your transition to a senior living community.