If you’re considering moving into a senior living community that offers Life Care, it’s important to ask questions to fully understand the terms of the agreement.
Life Care contracts provide a guarantee of long-term care services and accommodations for the rest of your life. However, not all Life Care contracts are created equal, so it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Here are some questions to ask when reviewing your Life Care contract.
What Is a Life Care Community?
First, let’s talk about the type of community that would offer a Life Care contract. A Life Care community is a type of continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that allows you to plan today for how you will pay for your future care. This allows you to know where your care will take place and who will take care of you. With a Life care contract, you will have access to different levels of care right where you live, if you ever need them. How you pay for this care will be determined by the contract type you choose.
Questions to Ask About Your Life Care Contract
A senior living life care contract can provide comfort and stability when you think about the future ahead. Here are some questions to ask about your contract.
What Services are Covered Under the Life Care Contract?
It’s key to understand what services are included in the Life Care contract. This may include maintenance, utilities, housekeeping services and access to parking, as well as on-site health services. Different contract types will specify how you will pay for care. For instance, the most inclusive type of contract, the Type A, allows you to pay a predictable amount each month that doesn’t change even if your care needs do. In a Type B contract, your fee will increase if you need care, but you will get a predetermined discount on the market rate. If the community offers a Type C contract, this contract specifies that you will pay market rate for the care services you require. Specific services may vary from one community to another.
Are There any Exclusions or Limitations to the Services Provided?
While a Life Care contract is meant to provide long-term care in a resort-like atmosphere, there may be certain services that are not covered. For example, some communities may not offer a specific type of care you need on-site, and so may exclude certain medical procedures or limit the amount of time you can receive certain services. Always check your contract.
Can I Choose My Own Healthcare Providers?
Find out if you’ll have the freedom to choose your own healthcare providers or if you’ll be required to use a specific provider on-site. Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision about your future care.
What Happens if I Need Care that is Not Covered Under the Contract?
Not every community offers a full continuum of care. Understand what your options are if you need care that is not covered under the contract.
Explore Life Care at Querencia
At Querencia, our residents’ well-being is of the utmost importance. We strive to make our community a place where you can find connection, comfort and stability that lasts a lifetime.
If you’d like to learn more about Querencia at Barton Creek’s Life Care options in Barton Creek, Texas — a suburb of Austin, Texas — for yourself or a loved one, contact us.
