Mississippi Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Mississippi

Do you want to make retirement the best time of your life? If your answer to this question is yes, you might consider moving into one of the Mississippi-based continuing care retirement communities. These are usually located in beautiful areas, providing a continuum of care, as well as access to countless activities and amenities.

These retirement communities typically accept people over 62, but you might find CCRCs willing to accept people as young as 55. Aside from the age requirement, the most important requirements regard one's state of health and the financial eligibility. Residents have to cover a substantial entrance fee, followed by monthly fees, the latter covering the access to healthcare, services, and amenities. These fees are most of the times non-refundable, but they might be partially or completely refunded in certain situations (check contract).

In Mississippi, there are around 30 retirement communities of this kind. These are located in Diamondhead, Columbus, Tupelo, Clarksdale, Meridian, and Raymond. Most of these CCRCs require entrance fees, but it is possible to find one that does not have this pre-requisite. In this case, however, you can expect for the monthly fees to be higher. It is also worth mentioning that each community might present additional criteria for admittance.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Mississippi - financing and costs

Investment banks provide financing for continuing care retirement communities, either for new projects or to expand an already-existent CCRC. Corporations can support the development of retirement communities, but these can also be established by churches. Generally-speaking, CCRCs fall into two different categories: for-profit and non-profit. Faith-based CCRCs are usually found in the latter category.

Entrance fees vary between $50,000 and $1,000,000. The equity buy-in can be covered through retirement funds, personal savings and assets. Prospective residents might decide to sell their home to cover the entrance fee. Monthly fees vary between $2,000 and $5,000 – these fees depend on each CCRC, but also on the amenities and services offered. If the resident opts for a rent-based contract, there will be no upfront payment to cover, but the monthly fees will be considerably higher.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Mississippi - care levels and services

Continuing care retirement communities welcome senior adults who want to live independently, without the hassle of home repairs, running errands, or housekeeping. This is the reason why the first level is called "independent living". Prospective residents can choose a living unit that suits their needs, with choices ranging from studios to townhouses, cottages, and other garden homes. While living independently, they can receive little to no assistance, with immediate access to all the services and amenities available on the campus.

The next level is assisted living and it is recommended to those who are having a hard time handling daily living activities. For instance, they might require assistance with dressing and feeding, or bathing and toileting. Even though the care level will change, the access to services and amenities remains the same. When the health demands become even more complex, the resident will transition to skilled nursing care. Memory care is a higher level of care, often recommended to patients who have been diagnosed with deteriorating conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

How do transitions occur? Residents benefit from regular evaluations, both in terms of health and independence. Medical experts assess the health requirements of each senior resident, making recommendations for transitioning to a higher level of care. Whether temporary or permanent, transitions are made in the best interest of the respective resident. Sometimes, a transition guarantees a better quality of life, with the necessary assistance to avoid accidents and the subsequent injuries.

The services offered on the campus are meant to guarantee a worry-free lifestyle, without the burden of housekeeping and maintenance. Residents benefit from meal plans, security, emergency systems, laundry and linen service, and many more. They do not handle chores, having more time to concentrate on what matters - living their golden years in peace, surrounded by like-minded people. Additional services might be offered within each community, such as transportation to/from medical appointments.

CCRC in Mississippi - amenities and options

What are your options when moving into a Mississippi-based CCRC? The most important thing you should know is that prospective residents are allowed to live together with their partner. If your care levels should become different, you will still remain close to each other and that is a great advantage to consider. Also, many CCRCs are now pet-friendly, allowing residents to live with their pets. Aside from the obvious physical activity, this option will help you socialize with other residents and make new friends.

In terms of amenities, you can expect beautiful, landscaped gardens, often with water features. Some CCRCs even have butterfly gardens or memory gardens for dementia patients. Opportunities for physical activity include: swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, fitness center, etc. You can also keep your mind active by visit the learning center, using the computer room, or taking one of the continuous education courses. Additional options might include social clubs, religious services, cultural activities.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Mississippi?

A thorough research will help you find the answer to this question. Mississippi has some pretty great retirement communities, each with its own set of advantages. Here are some general pros and cons to help you in the decision-making process.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in MS

All CCRCs are located in beautiful surroundings, with plenty of greenery available

Restaurant-style dining with customized meal plans according to dietary requirements

24/7 medical supervision and emergency call service

Comfortable lifestyle with housekeeping, laundry and maintenance

Transportation to/from medical appointments

Cons of moving to a CCRC in MS

Significant entrance fee that might be difficult to cover

Monthly fees are also higher, especially if there is no upfront payment to be paid

Adjustment period can be long and difficult, leading to frustration

Not enough age diversity, as everyone on the campus is a senior adult

Paid fees might not be refunded in case you change your mind about living in that CCRC

In conclusion, life within a retirement community has advantages and disadvantages. In the end, you have to decide whether a Mississippi-based CCRC is the right choice for you or not, remembering all of the reason that made you consider it in the first place.