Quick Answer: Evaluating a CCRC requires careful consideration of your current and future needs, thorough research both online and in-person, asking the right questions about care levels and costs, and determining which community feels most like home. Start exploring options when home maintenance becomes difficult, you need regular medical care, or you're seeking the security of continuing care services.

Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)  is a major life decision. You may crave a maintenance-free lifestyle or the security of long-term care but aren't sure how to find the right place to call home. One community may be close to your grandkids but out of your budget. Another may be affordable but lack transportation services and other convenient amenities.

At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we understand how overwhelming it can be to compare different CCRCs. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate your search, know when to start looking, and make an informed decision about your retirement future.

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Contents

When Should You Start Exploring CCRC Options?

While there's no perfect age that applies to everyone, being proactive about your health, wellness, and lifestyle needs is essential as you get older. Whether you have certain medical needs requiring more regular attention or you're simply ready for freedom from homeownership responsibilities, a Concord Continuing Care Retirement Community may be the perfect retirement option.

Common Signs It's Time to Consider a CCRC

You should start exploring CCRC options when you notice any of these signs:

Whether you're choosing for yourself or helping a family member find the best option, starting your search early—before a health crisis forces a rushed decision—allows you to make thoughtful, informed choices about your future.

Understanding CCRC Basics

To earn accreditation as a CCRC, a retirement community must offer independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care options all on one campus. This continuum of care ensures you'll receive appropriate support without leaving a place you know and love.

At Havenwood Heritage Heights, residents enjoy life at the largest of only three accredited CCRCs in New Hampshire. With two main campuses, we offer diverse living options and activities including volunteer programs, walking trails, fitness rooms, active senior living health and wellness programs, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor pools, art/music/theater workshops, computer rooms, multiple libraries, and much more.

Step 1: Consider Your Wants and Needs

Start your search by thinking about what you want and need out of retirement. Maybe you want to spend your free time cooking family recipes—if so, your apartment home needs an adequate kitchen. Or perhaps you want to go hiking with friends, meaning the community should be close to state parks.

You should also consider your health. If you have mobility issues, you may prefer a smaller community with a centrally-located dining room. If you have a chronic condition, you may want wellness programming.

Remember: No want or need is too trivial. Though it may seem minor to rule out communities based on apartment floor plans or distance to the nearest grocery store, your happiness is paramount.

Step 2: Create a Checklist

After reflecting on your priorities, grab a pen and pad to create a checklist. Depending on your wants and needs, this may include non-negotiables like:

This checklist will serve as your evaluation tool throughout the process, helping you stay organized and objective.

Step 3: Screen Communities Online

Since touring communities in person can be time-consuming, begin by evaluating CCRCs online. Many communities now offer virtual tours that allow you to “walk” through senior homes in Concord, community spaces and staged apartments.  

As you explore different communities, reference your checklist. Make notes and jot down follow-up questions. For example, if you don't see housekeeping listed as an available service, call and ask. If the community doesn't offer housekeeping and this is a non-negotiable for you, move on.

Reading online reviews is another way to screen communities. If reviews complain about staff demeanor, quality of care, or facility cleanliness, consider ruling that CCRC out.

Step 4: Schedule In-Person Tours

After narrowing your list to three to five CCRCs, schedule in-person tours. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a visit is worth at least a million. By visiting in person, you can get a general feel for the community, observe its cleanliness and condition, meet residents, see model residences, and ask questions face-to-face.

What To Bring

To each tour, consider bringing:

What To Look For

During your formal tour, pay close attention to several key areas:

Staff Interactions
Do staff members seem happy or overworked? How do they interact with residents? Notice whether they greet residents by name and engage warmly with them.

Resident Engagement
Are residents smiling and engaged? Or do they seem bored and disconnected? If you have time, chat with current residents to get their honest perspective on life in the community.

Cleanliness
Are community spaces tidy? Are outdoor areas clean and well-landscaped? If any sights or smells give you pause, don't hesitate to ask your tour guide.

Accessibility
Is the community easy to navigate? How far are community spaces—library, game rooms, dining rooms—from private apartments and cottages? Notice grab bars, emergency call systems, and other safety features.

Dining Quality
Most CCRCs will invite you to share a meal in the dining room. Is the food warm and delicious? Or does it leave something to be desired? Take this opportunity to dine with residents if possible.

When May You Visit?

Ask each community about their visiting policies. A flexible visiting schedule that welcomes drop-ins suggests confidence in their operations and genuine hospitality. Observe the community at different times of day if possible—morning, mealtimes, and afternoon activity hours each reveal different aspects of daily life.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

As you walk through each community, take notes and write down questions. Asking the right questions ensures the CCRC you choose will have everything you need—and then some. Here are essential questions organized by category:

Care and Services Questions

What levels of care do you provide?

Some communities provide only one level of care, such as independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing. In a continuing care retirement community like Havenwood Heritage Heights, you'll have access to a full continuum of care for every stage of life. Understanding what's available now and in the future is crucial.

Are memory care services available?

Whether your loved one needs memory care services now or may need them in the future, access to additional care options for those with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, or other dementia-related conditions is very important. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we offer memory care at Melody Lane with 24-hour personalized care in a secure, supportive setting.

What are your personal care procedures?

In an assisted living setting, respecting individual dignity is critical. Ask how staff members respect residents' preferences and modesty during tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Understanding these procedures reveals much about the community's values and approach to care.

Are staff members available 24/7?

Round-the-clock staffing ensures help is always available in emergencies and provides peace of mind for both residents and families.

Do you have an RN on staff?

Having registered nurses on staff, particularly around-the-clock, indicates the community can handle more complex medical needs and coordinate care effectively.

Will a staff member coordinate doctor's appointments if needed?

Transportation to appointments and assistance with scheduling demonstrates commitment to residents' ongoing health management.

Accreditation and Financial Questions

Are you accredited?

When a community has earned accreditation through CARF International—formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities—you can feel confident it has met rigorous standards for excellence and is among the top NH assisted living communities. At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we are fully accredited and one of only three accredited CCRCs in New Hampshire.

Are you nonprofit or for-profit?

An important distinction among assisted living communities is whether they're part of a for-profit corporation or nonprofit organization. Nonprofits typically are mission-driven and put proceeds back into bettering the community and improving seniors' lives. For-profit companies often operate under requirements for returns on revenue that may necessitate higher occupancy and lower costs, which can affect staffing, dining, and other areas.

Is the community well-established?

Moving into a well-established retirement community is often the best choice. With an experienced staff, well-maintained facilities, and senior programs that have had time to develop, you're most likely to be satisfied in a CCRC that has worked out a comfortable rhythm for residents and staff alike. If a CCRC is still on the drawing board, examine the developer's finances and completed projects before moving forward.

Amenities and Services Questions

What amenities are included and what costs extra?

As with any large investment, transparency is very important. Ask specifically what's included in your monthly fee versus what costs extra. Are housekeeping, transportation, and utilities included? What about cable television, internet, or parking?

What floor plans do you offer?

Seeing various apartment layouts helps you envision which space best fits your lifestyle, furniture, and needs. Ask about square footage, storage, kitchen amenities, and accessibility features.

What is your pet policy?

For many seniors, pets are cherished family members. Understanding weight limits, species restrictions, and any associated fees is essential if you plan to bring a companion animal.

Is housekeeping included?

Regular housekeeping services free you from chores and help maintain a clean, healthy living environment. Clarify frequency and what's included—does it cover laundry, deep cleaning, and window washing?

Do you provide transportation to the grocery store?

Scheduled transportation services maintain your independence and connection to the broader community, whether for shopping, medical appointments, or social outings.

Are there scheduled outings or volunteer opportunities?

These activities keep you engaged with the community beyond the CCRC campus, providing purpose and varied experiences.

Dining and Daily Life Questions

How many meals are provided per day?

Understanding whether the community offers one, two, or three meals daily—and whether meals are included or optional—affects both your lifestyle and budget.

Can residents take food to their rooms?

Flexibility around dining times and locations accommodates different preferences and schedules.

Can meals be tailored to accommodate special dietary needs?

Whether you require diabetic-friendly options, vegetarian meals, or accommodations for food allergies, knowing the kitchen can adapt ensures your nutritional needs are met.

How do you engage residents every day?

What types of activities, programming, and socialization does the community provide to ensure you continue living a vibrant, engaged life? Look for a community that helps you meet friends who share your interests and provides ample opportunities for enjoying arts, performances, nature, lectures, and more.

Policies and Procedures Questions

What are your policies surrounding visitors?

Understanding visiting hours and any restrictions ensures family and friends can easily stay connected with you.

Are overnight guests allowed?

The ability to host family members overnight, especially those traveling from out of town, helps maintain important relationships.

What are your safety and security measures?

During your visit, notice and ask about safety measures throughout the building:

Step 6: Discuss Your Budget

For many seniors, money is one of the most important factors when exploring CCRCs. Because of this, evaluating whether a community is financially attainable warrants its own step.

Before selecting a CCRC to call home, schedule appointments to discuss finances with staff members at each of your top communities. During these conversations, ask about two primary costs: entrance fees and monthly recurring fees.

Entrance Fees

CCRC Entrance fees are costs that you pay before moving in. This one-time charge essentially holds your spot in the community, ensuring that you will receive high-quality care for years to come. 

Though entrance fees can be quite expensive — ranging from $80,000 to $750,000 in New Hampshire — some CCRCs will reimburse this money to you or your estate whenever you leave the community. Understanding refund policies and how entrance fees affect your monthly costs is essential.

Monthly Fees

Your monthly fee is recurring, meaning you will pay it each month. When you evaluate CCRCs, consider what this monthly fee includes.

Typically, a monthly fee covers:

However, some CCRCs offer à la carte services like housekeeping and medication management that you have to pay extra for. Your monthly charge may also increase if and when you transition to a higher level of care.

Ask detailed questions about fee structures:

Step 7: Review Your Checklist and Notes

Once you've completed all in-person tours and had conversations regarding finances, give yourself time to think. Sit down with your checklist and notes, determining which communities satisfied your wants, needs, and budget.

If you narrow your list to two CCRCs, consider returning to each. Rather than complete another formal tour, ask if you can walk around the community by yourself. Try to imagine living the next chapter of your life there. Can you see it?

For many older adults, the final decision doesn't hinge on which CCRC offers the best dining options or most thoughtful floor plans. Rather, many seniors choose a CCRC based on which community feels most like home.

Imagine Yourself at Havenwood Heritage Heights

At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we understand how difficult it can be to evaluate CCRCs. One community may be in the most picturesque setting but not offer medication management. Another may tout modern apartment homes but be out of your budget.

Luckily, we make finding the perfect place to call home easy. As one of just three accredited CCRCs in New Hampshire, we help seniors make the most of retirement by providing a spectrum of high-quality care, luxurious amenities, and convenient services—all in a safe, welcoming environment.

With access to advanced medical care, diverse living options, and numerous social activities, making the move to our CCRC is a simple choice for many seniors and their families. Our two campuses offer everything from independent cottages to comprehensive skilled nursing, ensuring you'll never need to move again as your needs change.

Ready to explore your retirement options? Contact us today to schedule a tour and see our community for yourself. You can also talk to a member of our friendly staff by calling 888-929-8381.