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Senior Living 101: What is LifeCare®?

two senior women embracing at table

two senior women embracing at table

Senior living communities provide a wide variety of services and amenities for residents to enjoy and use to live fulfilling and enriching lives. One of the most popular types of communities is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, also known as a Life Plan Community, because they offer different levels of care and allow you to age in place.

As you learn about various Life Plan Communities, you may find that some offer LifeCare®. According to Elizabeth O’Connor, Director of Marketing and Sales at Blakehurst, a senior living community in Towson, MD, “We find that many older adults have common questions about LifeCare®. They wonder, ‘What is LifeCare®?’ and ‘How will LifeCare® benefit me?’

“We provide as much information about LifeCare® as possible so your questions are answered and you fully understand what this contract provides.”

What Is LifeCare®?

LifeCare® is a type of contract within a Life Plan Community that will provide you with access to the community’s continuum of care, if and when you need it, without having to pay market price for the health services you require.

The community offers LifeCare® to independent living residents who pay an entrance fee and a monthly fee to cover the costs of healthcare services, amenities, and residences at the community.

As a resident with a LifeCare® contract, you can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in independent living while knowing your healthcare needs are covered.

What Are the Benefits of LifeCare®?

LifeCare® offers several key advantages that help residents maintain their independence, protect their financial assets, and enjoy peace of mind as they age. Here are some of the primary benefits:

  1. Predictable Long-Term Costs: LifeCare® provides financial predictability by offering residents access to higher levels of care at a more controlled cost, protecting them from the rising expenses of healthcare services. This allows for better financial planning and can reduce the burden of unexpected medical bills.
  2. Priority Access to Care: LifeCare® guarantees priority access to on-site healthcare services, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. This immediate availability of care ensures that residents receive the appropriate level of support as their needs evolve.
  3. Aging in Place: With LifeCare®, residents can seamlessly transition between levels of care within the same community, avoiding the stress and disruption of moving to a new facility if their health changes. This continuity of care fosters a sense of stability and comfort for both residents and their families.
  4. Comprehensive Wellness Approach: LifeCare® communities are designed to support whole-person wellness, offering various health and wellness programs that focus on the physical, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of life. Residents have access to health screenings, fitness programs, and personalized care plans that help them maintain their well-being.
  5. Estate Protection: By managing future healthcare costs, LifeCare® helps protect residents’ assets and estates, ensuring that more of their savings can be preserved for their families or personal use. This financial safeguard is a significant benefit for those who want to protect their legacy.
  6. Peace of Mind for Families: LifeCare® not only benefits the residents but also provides peace of mind for their families, knowing their loved ones are in a safe environment where their healthcare needs will be met, no matter how their circumstances change.

These benefits make LifeCare® a valuable option for those looking to secure their future while enjoying an engaging and active lifestyle in a supportive community setting.

two senior women smiling at each other

Amenities of a Life Plan Community

Independent living residents have access to an array of amenities and services that allow them to live engaging and active lives. With all these options available to you, each day is exciting and full of new opportunities. These can include amenities and services like:

  • State-of-the-art fitness center, aerobics and yoga studio
  • Heated indoor pool and whirlpool spa
  • Salon/spa
  • Postal services
  • Multiple dining options
  • Transportation services
  • Library
  • Walking paths
  • Movie theater
  • Putting green and croquet court
  • Weekly housekeeping services
  • Home maintenance

“These are just a few examples of the amenities available within our Life Plan Community. We’re also pet-friendly,” said Elizabeth O’Connor.

Health Services of LifeCare®

With a LifeCare® contract, you join the community in independent living, and you have priority access to the community’s care levels without worrying about cost. Care levels include:

  • Assisted living
  • Memory care
  • Skilled nursing
  • Rehabilitation

As an independent living resident, you also have access to the community’s health screenings, therapy services, and wellness programs, where you can focus on wellness in multiple categories to lead a balanced life:

  • Physical
  • Vocational
  • Social
  • Emotional
  • Intellectual
  • Environmental
  • Spiritual
  • Health Services

senior women in exercise class

The health services at a Life Plan Community can help you improve and maintain a high quality of life, allowing you to focus more on doing what you love each day.

Join the Blakehurst Community

Does LifeCare® sound like the right senior living fit for you? Call us today at 410-441-5996 to learn more about Blakehurst, where all residents have security for their futures.