CCRC, Life Plan, and Lifecare: What’s the Difference?

Navigating the world of senior living can feel overwhelming, especially when terms like CCRC, Life Plan, and Lifecare are used interchangeably. While closely related, these concepts refer to different aspects of retirement living and long-term care planning.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for making informed decisions about your future or the future of a loved one. In this blog, we’ll break down what each term means and how they work together—so you can confidently choose the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.

As Bridgewater, New Jersey’s only Life Plan Community, Laurel Circle offers residents the unique advantage of a full continuum of care—all in one engaging and supportive setting.

What Is a CCRC?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a senior living community that offers several levels of care on a single campus. These typically include:

• Independent Living
• Assisted Living
• Memory Care
• Skilled Nursing
• Rehabilitation

The defining feature of a CCRC is the continuity of care it provides. Residents can remain within the same community as their health needs change, eliminating the need for disruptive moves later in life.

Benefits of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) comes with several key advantages that support both lifestyle and long-term care needs:

• • Seamless transitions between care levels
  • Security and peace of mind for residents and families
  • Opportunities for aging in place, without relocating

What Is a Life Plan Community?

A Life Plan Community is simply a more modern, lifestyle-focused term for a CCRC. While it still includes a continuum of care, it places stronger emphasis on wellness, enrichment, and whole-person living.

At a Life Plan Community like Laurel Circle, residents enjoy a lifestyle full of social, cultural, and wellness opportunities—all while knowing that care is available when needed.

Benefits of a Life Plan Community

Life Plan Communities go beyond care by focusing on a vibrant, enriching lifestyle that supports every dimension of well-being:

• Whole-person wellness and lifestyle focus
• Active social and cultural opportunities
• Access to care as health needs evolve

What Is a Lifecare Contract?

Lifecare refers to a specific Type A contract offered by some CCRCs or Life Plan Communities. This contract includes prepaid long-term care services at little or no increase in monthly fees, regardless of future health changes. It’s important to understand that Lifecare is a financial arrangement, not a type of community.

Other Common Contract Types

In addition to Lifecare (Type A), many communities offer alternative contract options that provide varying levels of coverage and financial commitment. Understanding these differences can help you choose the model that best aligns with your needs and goals.

• Type B (Modified): Offers partial coverage of future care needs
• Type C (Fee-for-Service): Residents pay market rates for care when needed

Laurel Circle: A Type C Life Plan Community in Bridgewater, NJ

At Laurel Circle, we offer a Type C (fee-for-service) contract, which provides a smart and flexible approach to senior living. With this model, residents benefit from lower entry and monthly fees, making it an attractive option for those who want to preserve assets or maintain greater financial flexibility. Instead of prepaying for future health care, residents only pay for care services if and when they need them, allowing them to enjoy an active lifestyle now without paying up front for services they may never require.

Laurel Circle offers:

• A flexible financial model that suits a variety of planning needs and helps residents maintain control over their resources
• A full continuum of care available on-site, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, providing peace of mind for whatever the future may bring
• A vibrant lifestyle, complete with wellness programs, chef-prepared dining, cultural events, clubs, and a supportive community atmosphere that encourages personal growth and connection

Whether you’re focused on living fully today or planning wisely for tomorrow, Laurel Circle’s Type C contract offers the best of both worlds.

Make the Right Choice for Your Future

Choosing the right senior living option starts with understanding your lifestyle goals, financial plans, and preferences for future care. Whether you’re looking for a wellness-focused lifestyle, financial predictability, or access to supportive services, there’s a solution that fits your needs. Exploring your options now can help you enjoy peace of mind later. And with a trusted community like Laurel Circle, you don’t have to compromise.

Explore the Best of Senior Living at Laurel Circle

While the terms CCRC, Life Plan, and Lifecare are often used together, they refer to distinct but connected parts of the senior living experience. Understanding the difference between them can help you make a more informed and confident choice about your future.

Laurel Circle stands apart as Bridgewater, New Jersey’s only Life Plan Community, offering a Type C contract with flexibility, a dynamic and active lifestyle, and access to a full continuum of care—all in one place.

Discover the peace of mind that comes with planning for your future at Laurel Circle. Here, you’ll enjoy financial stability, access to on-site care, and the freedom to live life your way. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how Laurel Circle can support your lifestyle—now and in the years to come.