Glossary
Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
Also called: CCRC, Life plan community
A continuing care retirement community offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing on one campus under a long-term contract, so residents can move between levels of care without leaving.
Most charge an entrance fee plus a monthly fee. In California, continuing care contracts are regulated by the Department of Social Services’ Continuing Care Contracts Branch.
Related terms
Life care contract
A life care contract, or Type A CCRC contract, prepays future assisted living and nursing care through the entrance fee and monthly fee, so the monthly charge stays roughly level as care needs rise.
Independent living
Independent living is age-restricted housing for older adults who need no daily care, with meals, housekeeping and activities offered as services rather than care.
Community fee
A community fee is a one-time, usually non-refundable charge paid at move-in to an assisted living or memory care community, often equal to a portion of one month’s rent.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.