State advisory commission hears overview of CCRCs, focuses on contracts, refunds and resident representation

The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence met to review the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) model, with presenters describing contract types, disclosure rules and common consumer questions about refunds and governance.

The panel heard that CCRCs combine housing and health services under multi‑year contracts and typically require an entrance fee plus monthly payments. "A contract is effective for either the life of the individuals or for a period of time in excess of 1 year," said Alyssa Sherman, president of LeadingAge Massachusetts. Sherman told the commission that CCRCs are often referred to as "life plan communities," but that the commission’s statutory work uses the term CCRC.

Why the issue matters: commissioners and members said many consumers are satisfied with CCRCs but that affordability, transparency and advertising practices can confuse prospective residents. Jennifer Filarew, researcher for the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, said survey responses the commission received so far show financial viability and affordability, consumer protections, and regulation and monitoring as top priorities for the panel.

Presentation highlights and contract types Jim Freleng, president of Brookhaven at Lexington, described Brookhaven as a Type A ("life care" or "extensive") contract community. "Brookhaven is a type a, contract. That is a contract that our consumer wants, our residents want," Freleng said,…