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On a sunny day in Arizona in 1960, more than 100,000 smartly-attired guests marveled at the sleek new structures, landscaping, and services of Sun City by Dell Web, the nation's first true retirement community. In 2010, an estimated 640,000 residents of more than 2,000 continuum care retirement communities across America enjoyed levels of housing, health care, and amenities never imagined a half-century earlier. As the number of aging Americans continues to increase, the amount of residents 55 and older in retirement communities have more than doubled in the past decade. The Importance of Continuum Care The primary force behind the growth of these facilities is "continuum care," which encourages residents to stay where they are even when their health care needs increase over time. These facilities also create a sense of community among residents while enhancing the support and comfort of aging couples for each other when one spouse requires more protracted care. Most continuum care retirement communities offer three phases of care. First is independent living, in which residents are capable of taking care of themselves and accessing a wide range of amenities. The second phase is assisted living, in which personal help is provided for such daily tasks as bathing and dressing. The third is 24-hour nursing care in a homelike atmosphere. All three phases are conducted within the same community. Continuum care retirement communities and its residents agree to and sign a contract that specifies the services, nursing care, any additional health care, and housing to be provided. These may include doctor care, nursing, dietician and pharmaceutical services, and additional therapies for residents with brief or extended health problems, among others. High Goals and Standards The guarantees of basic health care and amenities are vital. However, most facilities at this level exceed the basics to provide the highest degree of comfort, personal support, and an array of daily activities. Residents are encouraged to pursue lifelong interests, make new friends, and form lasting relationships. On-site specialists provide hair styling, facials, manicures, and pedicures. They also offer massages, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. Medication management, nutrition counseling, and cultural, spiritual and educational events can also be provided. Fitness programs include classes in exercise, yoga, and line dancing. Some facilities even offer personal trainers and private fitness training. With an accent on physical and mental fitness, activities are tailored to enable every resident to participate safely and comfortably. For the most part, these facilities are located in picturesque, hospitable, and peaceful environments. They tend to be in upscale communities with an accent on convenience and privacy. In such surroundings, residents are near dining, movie theaters, swimming, golf, and a range of social and physical activities. Members also have access to nonscheduled transportation, increased meal services, and more specialized health care. Regulations While their business structures may be varied and complex, the contractual arrangements between continuum care retirement communities and their residents are invariably based on the levels of care, housing, and services desired and provided. Since government regulation of these facilities is based largely on state law, regulations vary from state to state. Most continuum care services are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. When considering retirement communities in Oregon, residents visit the Stafford Retirement Community. Learn more at http://thestafford.net/.
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