Continuing Care without Walls Poised to Expand, Says NYT Blog Post

​Because of financial pressures on older adults from the recession and their increasing desire to keep living at home, providing continuing care without walls "was something we feel makes a lot of sense," according to the president of one continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that provides services without walls. A September 17, 2012, post on the New York Times' New Old Age blog states that only a dozen "CCRC without walls" programs exist in the United States, although several more are being developed. To enroll, older adults must be healthy, have high functional independence, and have health insurance (e.g., private insurance, Medicare with supplemental coverage). Like CCRC residents, members are guaranteed lifelong care, but the focus is on keeping them healthy and independent in their homes. Members pay an entry fee ($20,000 to $70,000, according to the article) and monthly fees ($250 to $800). Programs vary, but many offer tiered plans. According to the post, program operators indicate that the most expensive plans are the most popular because members want the additional protection.