Learn about Care Options

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Learn about Rights and Responsibilities

In addition to the rights that CCRC residents are guaranteed in the contracts they sign, state and federal law ensure them broad rights to be treated with respect and dignity, and free from discrimination. Facility owners are also legally bound to inform residents of all rights in a language and manner they can understand.

Resident Rights

The residents of CCRCs have a number of legal rights, including the rights to:

1. Live in an attractive, safe, and well maintained physical environment;
2. Live in an environment that enhances personal dignity, maintains independence, and encourages self-determination;
3. Participate in activities that meet individual physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs;
4. Expect clear communication between residents and staff -- and between residents and the administration;
5. Receive a clear and complete written contract that establishes the rights and obligations of the resident and the retirement community;
6. Maintain and establish ties to the local community;
7. Organize and participate freely in resident associations; and
8. Be provided with a written copy of all residents' rights before being admitted.

Provider Responsibilities

A CCRC must also maintain an environment that enhances the residents' self-determination and independence. To that end, the provider must:

1. Permit residents to form a resident association and elect a governing body;
2. Provide space and privacy for association meetings;
3. Establish policies and procedures that promote sharing information, communication between residents and management, and access to the provider's governing body; and
4. Conduct a resident satisfaction survey every two years that is available to the resident association, its governing body, or a committee of residents.