CCRC Tax Implications

Are you planning for retirement and trying to find a suitable senior living community? When trying to plan for retirement, choosing where to live is an important decision. You may want to find a home that is easy to maintain, makes it easy to find friends who share your interests, and supports you no matter what health conditions or care needs might arise. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, checks every item on the list and gives you the best way to plan for the future. In this article, we will share some factors to consider when you choose a CCRC.What is a CCRC?A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior living community that offers a continuum of different care types, from independent or assisted living to skilled nursing, on one campus. The benefits of living in a CCRC include access to luxury amenities and resources, as well as peace of mind in knowing that should you ever need additional support, you wont have to find a new community to meet those needs. Instead, youll be able to stay in the community, just moving to another level of care, either short-term or long-term.Choosing a CCRC can feel overwhelming. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you begin researching online and in person.LocationAs with any real estate decision, your choice begins with finding a location. You might choose an area that is close to family so they can easily visit, or you might choose a location based on your favorite neighborhood. Keep in mind that CCRCs, while popular and common, are not necessarily in every town. You might have to widen your radius in order to find a community that you love.Costs and future expensesOnce you narrow your options based on location preference, its time to look at finances. Its important to know if you can afford a CCRC now and in the future.First, determine the types of contracts available at the CCRCs you are researching. In general, CCRCs offer the following main contract types:- Type A (life care contract): Residents pay a large upfront cost for their home, which is on par with local real estate rates. They also pay a monthly fee that does not increase as care needs grow. - Type B (modified contract): Residents pay a lower entrance and monthly fee for a set amount of care. Once that limit is passed, the monthly fee increases to reflect the greater care provided.- Type C (fee-for-service contract): Residents pay a lower buy-in fee and monthly fees. As additional care is needed, that fee will increase to reflect the additional care provided.There are additional options for contracts as well, and not every CCRC community offers every type of contract. Work with a financial advisor to talk about your CCRC goals and how you can best fit expenses into your budget.Types of homes availableMost adults who move to a CCRC start out in the independent living area of the campus. Youll want to find a home that suits your preferences. For example, you might choose to skip looking at a carriage home or duplex because you dont want to maintain a larger space, or you might look for a two-bedroom apartment because youd like to transform the second bedroom into an office or craft space. Consider what you need, and remember that downsizing possessions and space can help to clear your mind, reduce time spent cleaning, and leave more time for enjoying amenities.Waitlist timeframeEarly planning becomes important when considering a move to a CCRC, as many have waitlists. When you are researching your options, talk with a community representative about waitlists, including how long the current wait is estimated to be and how that timeframe changes based on the type of home or contract you prefer.Amenities and servicesLiving in a continuing care retirement community is like living in a small town that is focused on hospitality and amenities. You want to be able to take advantage of services and amenities that you find enjoyable and that will help you meet your wellness goals. If you love to golf, look for a community that sits on a golf course, has a putting green, or has discounted fees at a nearby course. If you are a gardener, look for a community with community garden plots and a gardening club. Youll find that just like other small towns, each CCRC has its own culture and atmosphere. Look for a community that highlights your interests and preferences.Medical support and resourcesLiving at a continuing care retirement community should help you feel your best. One way a community can accomplish that is by providing easy access to education and support for medical issues.Consider looking for a community that offers:- An on-site nurse for questions or consultation.- Health and wellness fairs and lectures.- Support groups for specific medical conditions or situations.- Easy pharmacy delivery.- Durable medical equipment rental and return.- Home care services.If you need additional care, youll move to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing to benefit from around-the-clock caregiver support. Remember to tour these buildings on campus as well as any independent living homes. You want to ensure every part of the community is clean and well cared for.A senior advisor can help as you choose a CCRCIf youre not sure how to get started as you choose a CCRC, contact Oasis Senior Advisor Carrollton-Frisco. Your local experts know the local area, have relationships with senior living communities, and know how to match your needs and budget with a solution. Your local advisor, Holly DeLisi, can be reached at (682) 375-9604.The rules and requirements of senior care facilities vary based on company policies and state regulations. The contents of this article represent common guidelines, but may differ from a particular facility's policies or requirements. Oasis can help you learn about the regulations in your state.

Social Security and the New Senior Tax DeductionBy Senior Tax Advisory GroupTax law changes may help retirees keep more of their income. However, headlines about no tax on Social Security can create confusion. We want seniors to understand what has changed and how the new rules fit their retirement plans.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary additional deduction for people age 65 and older. For tax years 2025 through 2028, eligible individuals may deduct up to $6,000. Married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $12,000 when both spouses qualify. There could be a ROTH conversion opportunity at No Additional Tax Cost!This deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. Married taxpayers must file jointly to claim it, and each person claiming the deduction must have a qualifying Social Security number.Income limits matter. The deduction begins phasing out when Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Taxable IRA withdrawals, capital gains, or Roth conversions may reduce the deduction available.The law did not repeal federal taxation of Social Security benefits. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of benefits may still be included in taxable income. The new deduction reduces taxable income; it does not change the formula determining how much Social Security is taxable. Eligibility also does not require receiving Social Security.For example, a qualifying couple with both spouses age 65 or older could receive the full $12,000 deduction. If that entire deduction offsets income otherwise taxed at 12%, their federal tax savings would be $1,440. Actual savings depend on their tax situation.Before making withdrawals or changing withholding, review your income and eligibility. Social Security claiming decisions still deserve coordination with taxes, savings, and survivor needs. We believe retirement planning begins with understanding people. Contact Senior Tax Advisory Group at 719-596-4844 or visit www.springstax.com for help evaluating these changes within your retirement plan.

Choosing a senior living community is an important decision. For some older adults, the move may be driven by a desire for a more active social lifestyle, while others may be looking for additional support with everyday tasks or healthcare needs.The right senior living option today may not necessarily be the right option several years from now. As we age, our health, mobility, interests, and care needs can change. Planning for those changes can make the transition easier and help seniors maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.Understanding the different types of senior living and thinking about both current and future needs can help seniors and their families make a confident decision.Start by Assessing Your Current NeedsBefore visiting senior living communities, take some time to consider what kind of support is needed right now.Ask questions such as: Is the senior comfortable managing a home independently? Are household chores becoming difficult? Is transportation becoming a concern? Can the senior safely prepare meals? Is assistance needed with bathing, dressing, or medications? Are there concerns about falls or mobility? Would more opportunities for social interaction be beneficial? Are there memory or cognitive concerns? Being honest about current challenges can help narrow down the most appropriate options.Consider Independence and LifestyleNot every senior who moves into a retirement community needs daily assistance. Some older adults choose community living because they want fewer household responsibilities, more social opportunities, or convenient access to activities and amenities.Independent or residential living may be a good choice for seniors who can manage most daily activities on their own but would enjoy: Maintenance-free living Dining options Fitness and wellness activities Social events Clubs and interest groups Educational programs Outdoor spaces Opportunities to meet new friends The goal is to find a lifestyle that supports independence while providing opportunities to remain active and engaged.Understand Personal Care and Assisted LivingAs everyday tasks become more difficult, a senior may benefit from personal care or assisted living.These settings can provide assistance with activities of daily living while still encouraging residents to remain as independent as possible.Depending on the community, support may include assistance with: Bathing and grooming Dressing Personal hygiene Medication management Mobility Meals Other everyday activities Personal care may be appropriate when a senior needs more support than independent living can provide but does not require the intensive medical care offered in a healthcare setting.Know When Memory Care May Be AppropriateFor seniors living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, specialized memory care may be an important consideration.Memory care communities are designed around the unique needs of individuals experiencing cognitive changes. They may offer structured routines, specialized activities, secure environments, and staff trained to support people living with dementia.Signs that a senior may need more specialized memory support can include: Increasing confusion Getting lost or wandering Difficulty managing medications Problems with everyday tasks Significant changes in behavior Increased safety concerns Difficulty living independently Families should discuss concerns with appropriate healthcare professionals when determining what level of support is needed.Rehabilitation May Be Part of the JourneySenior living needs can change temporarily as well as permanently.An illness, surgery, injury, or hospital stay may leave an older adult needing rehabilitation before returning home or resuming their previous routine.Rehabilitation may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy depending on the individual's needs.When evaluating a senior living community, families may want to ask whether rehabilitation services are available and how the community supports residents following an illness or injury.Think About Future Healthcare NeedsOne of the most important questions to ask is not simply, "What do I need today?" but also, "What might I need in the future?"A senior may currently live independently but eventually need personal care, memory support, rehabilitation, or skilled healthcare.A community that offers multiple levels of care can provide greater flexibility if needs change. Instead of having to search for a completely new community during a stressful time, residents may have access to additional services within the same organization or campus.This type of planning can be particularly valuable for couples whose care needs may develop at different rates.Look at the Community's Approach to IndependenceThe amount of support provided is important, but so is the way that support is provided.A good senior living community should recognize that residents are individuals with their own preferences, routines, interests, and goals.Ask how the community encourages residents to remain independent. Find out whether residents have choices about meals, activities, schedules, and social opportunities.The goal should be to provide assistance where it is needed without taking away opportunities for independence.Consider Social and Emotional Well-BeingSenior living is about much more than housing and healthcare. Social and emotional well-being are important parts of quality of life.Look for a community that offers opportunities for residents to build relationships and remain involved.Activities may include: Exercise and fitness programs Arts and crafts Music Educational classes Games Group outings Volunteer opportunities Clubs Social gatherings Community events During a visit, pay attention to whether residents appear engaged and whether the atmosphere feels welcoming.Evaluate Dining and NutritionGood nutrition becomes increasingly important as we age. However, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, and cleaning up can become challenging for some seniors.When touring a community, ask about dining options and how meals are handled.Consider: Variety of menu choices Nutritional options Special dietary needs Dining schedules Private or communal dining Snacks and beverages Flexibility for individual preferences Mealtimes can also provide valuable opportunities for social connection.Think About LocationLocation is another important consideration. A community that is close to family and friends may make it easier for loved ones to visit regularly.Consider proximity to: Family members Friends Healthcare providers Shopping Places of worship Favorite restaurants Cultural and recreational activities A convenient location can help seniors maintain connections with the people and places that are important to them.Tour More Than One CommunityPhotos and websites can provide useful information, but nothing replaces an in-person visit.When touring a senior living community, pay attention to the overall atmosphere. Are residents interacting with one another? Do staff members seem friendly and attentive? Are common areas clean and comfortable?Ask questions and take notes. If possible, visit at different times of day to get a better understanding of the community's daily routine.Ask About Costs and ContractsFinancial considerations are an essential part of choosing senior living.Costs can vary significantly depending on the type of residence, services, care level, and contract structure.Before making a decision, ask for a clear explanation of: Entrance fees, if applicable Monthly fees Additional care costs Dining costs Transportation Healthcare services Therapy or rehabilitation What happens if care needs increase What services are included in the agreement Understanding the financial commitment ahead of time can help prevent surprises later.Consider a Community With Multiple Levels of CareFor many families, a community that offers several levels of living and care can provide an added sense of security.A senior may enter as an independent resident and later receive additional assistance if needed. Having different services available in one community can make future transitions more manageable.This is one reason Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also known as Life Plan Communities, can be attractive to seniors who want to plan for changing needs while maintaining a familiar home and community environment.Make the Decision With the Senior, Not Just For ThemPerhaps the most important part of choosing senior living is making sure the older adult has a voice in the decision.Whenever possible, involve the senior in conversations, tours, financial planning, and decisions about lifestyle and care.Discuss what matters most to them. They may prioritize privacy, activities, dining, location, gardening, fitness, friendships, or being close to family.A senior living decision is much more likely to feel positive when the individual feels heard and involved.Planning Today Can Make Tomorrow EasierChoosing the right senior living option doesn't have to mean predicting exactly what will happen in the future. Instead, it means understanding current needs, considering potential changes, and choosing an environment that provides appropriate options.The right community can offer independence, social connection, wellness opportunities, and access to additional support when it is needed.Whether you're considering independent living, personal care, memory care, rehabilitation, or a community offering multiple levels of care, taking time to research your choices can help you and your family feel more prepared.Landis Homes provides a range of living and care options designed to support older adults through different stages of life. Exploring senior living options early allows you to focus not only on where you may live today, but also on how a community can support your changing needs in the years ahead.