The Difference Between a Nursing Home vs. CCRC
Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Care)
C.C.R.C. (Continuing Care Retirement Comm.)
C.C.R.C. (Continuing Care Retirement Comm.)
A nursing home is considered "skilled nursing" care for individuals requiring 24/7 assistance with activities of daily living, and is covered by LTC Medicaid only if the facility is an MA provider (accepts LTC Medicaid).
C.C.R.C. (Continuing Care Retirement Comm.)
C.C.R.C. (Continuing Care Retirement Comm.)
C.C.R.C. (Continuing Care Retirement Comm.)
A Continuing Care Retirement Community offers increasing levels of care in separate units (independent living/assisted living/personal care/memory care/skilled nursing care). Only the skilled nursing unit of a CCRC will be covered by LTC Medicaid, but only if the facility is an MA provider (accepts Medicaid). However, the skilled nursing beds are typically reserved for existing residents within the CCRC.
Finding a Nursing Home/CCRC that accepts LTC Medicaid
How to Search for a Nursing Facility
Use the Medicare website below to select several facilities that fit your criteria (ratings, distance, services, etc.) and visit each facility before making any decisions.
www.Medicare.gov/care-compare/
Navigating the website...
- Select: Nursing Homes and Rehab Services (left column)
- Enter Zip Code, then select from drop-down options [Search]
- Modify your search (top) "Filter by:"
o “Within ___ Miles” (select from drop-down)
- More Filters (top, right…
o [ optional ] Within a CCRC (definition of CCRC above), and/or…
o [ X ] Accepts Medicaid (skilled nursing only)
- click [Apply]
You can compare up to 3 nursing homes/CCRCs at one time by selecting the [add to Compare] button under the facility name (“non-profit” homes typically offer a better quality of care than “for profit” homes, this designation is listed for each facility). After you select the facilities to compare, click [Compare Now] button at the top or bottom of the page. This will provide additional information on each facility, sorted by tabs at the top of the report.
Once you narrow down your search to a few facilities that may be appropriate…
1- Call each facility to see if they offer the type of care your loved one requires (i.e. Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, Memory Care, Asstd. Living.)
2- Do not rely solely on ratings. There are many homes that pass the standard MA ratings but are not necessarily a good fit for the resident or their family.
3- Visit each facility. You can call and schedule a tour, or you may want to stop by unannounced and request a walk through. Visit both the assisted living and skilled nursing (nursing home) facilities.
4- During your visit notice the attentiveness of the staff.
o Are residents being ignored and call bells going unanswered?
o Are there nurses/C.N.A.s not doing their jobs (talking, eating, cell phones)?
5- Notice the cleanliness of the facility.
o Does it smell?
o Are the floors dirty?
o Are the rooms and common areas clean (stains, dirty windows, furniture)?
6- Ask about the activities suitable for your loved one and how often they will be available?
o Will someone escort the resident to the activity, if necessary?
7- What is the general appearance of the other residents?
o Do they appear clean, cared for and happy?
8- If possible, speak with other family members visiting the home and ask their opinion of the facility and if they have any other recommendations.
9- What is the monthly or daily cost for the level of care your loved one requires?
10- Are the accommodations attractive and well maintained?
o Are the rooms bright and inviting?
o Are the common areas open and welcoming?
o Are there any signs that the facility has maintenance issues?
Selecting a nursing home/CCRC is an important step for the resident and family, but the primary goal should be that your loved one is properly cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
LTC MA Solutions, LLC
