Senior Living 101: A Guide to Understanding Your Senior Living Options
Understanding the difference in care types for you or your loved ones.
Choosing a senior living community means considering both the lifestyle you want today and the care you may need in the future. Understanding your options, including the different levels of care, financial arrangements and types of communities, is an important first step.
One option is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which offers Independent Living along with access to additional levels of care within the same community. This approach allows older adults to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle while planning for changing needs over time.
The Commons in Lincoln is a CCRC in Lincoln, Massachusetts, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing. As a Lifecare community, The Commons also provides a plan for future care with greater financial predictability.
This Senior Living 101 Guide explores the essentials to help you make an informed decision, including:
- The main types of senior living and levels of care
- How CCRCs work and the differences between contract types
- What Lifecare means at The Commons in Lincoln
- What to consider when comparing communities and costs
- Why planning ahead can help preserve more options
What Are the Main Care Types of Care Options for Senior Living?
Senior living care options vary based on lifestyle, support needs and how future care is structured.
- Independent Living designed for active seniors who do not require daily care but want a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to dining and social activities.
- Assisted Living combines residential senior living with personalized support for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing and medication management, while helping residents maintain their independence.
- Memory Care provides specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and features trained associates, structured activities and a secure, supportive environment.
- Skilled Nursing provides around-the-clock nursing care for those with complex medical needs or who require ongoing, long-term support.
What Does Independent Living Look Like at The Commons in Lincoln?
Set on a beautiful 32-acre campus in historic Lincoln, Massachusetts, The Commons offers apartment homes and cottages, along with dining, wellness opportunities and activities and programs designed to support an engaging lifestyle.
From fitness classes and lifelong learning opportunities to cultural outings and resident clubs, there are countless opportunities for residents to explore passions, discover new interests and find purpose in each day.
Residents can maintain their independence while knowing additional levels of care are available within the community if their needs change over time.
In addition to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing, The Commons also offers Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, providing short-term therapy following an illness, surgery or hospitalization.
Together, these levels of care allow residents to access different forms of support within the familiar surroundings of The Commons.
What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A CCRC combines residential living with access to higher levels of care within the same community.
A resident may begin in Independent Living while healthy and active, then access Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing if additional support is needed later.
Understanding the type of contract each CCRC offers is also important, as contract structures can affect how future care and costs are handled.
What Are Type A, Type B and Type C CCRC Contracts?
While CCRCs offer residential senior living and access to care, the services included and how residents pay for future care can vary depending on the contract.
- A Type A contract, also known as Lifecare, typically includes an entrance fee and a monthly service fee, with access to higher levels of care at more predictable rates. At The Commons in Lincoln, 90% of the entrance fee is refundable under the terms of the residency agreement.
- A Type B contract, or modified care contract, typically includes a limited amount of future care or offers care at a discounted rate. Once those benefits are exhausted, additional care may be charged at market rates.
- A Type C contract, or fee-for-service contract, provides housing and services, but residents generally pay market rates for higher levels of care if needed. Additional fees may apply if residents maintain their Independent Living residence while receiving care elsewhere in the community.
What Is Lifecare at The Commons in Lincoln?
Through a Type A Lifecare contract, residents at The Commons pay a one-time entrance fee and a monthly service fee that covers a wide range of services and amenities. If care needs change, residents have access to higher levels of care at more predictable monthly rates under the terms of their agreement.
For couples, Lifecare offers an important advantage. If one person requires a higher level of care while the other remains in Independent Living, both can continue living within the same community while paying one monthly fee, as outlined in their contract.
With priority access to care, greater financial predictability and potential tax benefits, Lifecare helps residents plan for the future while enjoying the lifestyle and opportunities available today.
Greater Financial Predictability
One of the key advantages of a Type A Lifecare contract is knowing more about what to expect financially if care needs change.
At The Commons in Lincoln, the one-time entrance fee is 90% refundable to residents or their estates, subject to the residency agreement. While monthly fees may increase over time, Lifecare helps limit the financial uncertainty associated with needing higher levels of care.
A portion of the entrance fee and monthly fee may also qualify as a medical tax deduction. Prospective residents should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
When Is the Right Time to Choose Lifecare?
Lifecare is best considered while you are healthy and active.
Medical approval is required to qualify for Lifecare at The Commons. Exploring your options earlier can provide greater flexibility when planning for the future.
It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of Independent Living, from engaging programs and activities to dining and wellness, while knowing additional support is available should your needs change.
With time to explore your choices, you can consider the residences, services, contract terms and continuum of care as part of a plan that feels right for you.
What Should You Look for in a Senior Living Community?
Choosing a senior living community involves more than selecting a residence. Consider how the community supports both your lifestyle today and your needs in the future.
Look at factors such as location, residences, dining, wellness, activities, transportation and community culture. It is also important to understand which services are included, what may cost extra and what levels of care are available if your needs change.
The contract type matters as well. Understanding whether a community offers a Type A, Type B or Type C agreement can help you compare how future care and expenses are handled.
What Should You Know About Senior Living Costs?
When comparing senior living communities, it is important to look beyond the advertised monthly fee.
Consider what is included in the cost of living, which services carry additional charges and how expenses may change if you need Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing.
It is also worth comparing the total cost of senior living with remaining at home, including property maintenance, utilities, transportation, housekeeping and potential future care expenses.
Understanding the full financial picture is an important part of choosing a community. Equally important is finding a place where you can envision yourself living well.
Start Planning for Your Future
The best way to discover whether a senior living community feels right for you is to experience it firsthand.
Visiting The Commons in Lincoln gives you the opportunity to explore the residences, enjoy a meal, participate in an activity and meet the residents and associates who make the community special.