America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2024

America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2024

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are emerging as a desirable option for seniors looking for both the independence they want and the care they may need. There are approximately 2,000 CCRCs in the U.S., and that number is expected to continue to increase as the population ages. These communities provide a continuum of care that adapts to the evolving needs of aging people.

Today's senior citizens are more active than the generation before them. Consequently, senior housing options have changed to meet the expectations of these active retirees, with a wide variety of activities like fitness classes, gardening, dance lessons and book clubs, just to name a few. From living independently to assisted living and skilled nursing, each facility offers comprehensive services, ensuring residents can age with dignity and grace.

To help our readers make informed decisions, Newsweek has partnered with the respected global research firm Statista to rank America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities for the first time. This year, we are proud to award the leading 250 CCRCs in the United States—places where residents not only live but thrive.

LICENSING

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METHODOLOGY

The U.S. population aged over 65 will grow continuously over the next few decades. Subsequently, the demand for retirement housing with various levels of care options will increase in the future.

As members of the elderly community prefer to live in the same place, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are a promising opportunity to spend one's retirement.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also known as Life Plan Communities, are facilities that offer a continuum of long-term care options, allowing residents to access higher-level care when medical needs progress. The communities typically include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care and Memory Care.

To provide people looking for guidance on CCRCs with a comprehensive resource for informed decision making, Statista and Newsweek have partnered for the first time to award the leading 250 America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) 2024 in the US. The 20 states with the most CCRCs were included in the ranking.

To create the ranking, a score was calculated for each CCRC that was part of the analysis. The total score is based on national online surveys of medical professionals and acquaintances of residents/residents living in CCRCs and accreditation data.

National Online Surveys - Reputation Score

The Reputation Score (90 percent of total score) is based on two scores:

* Professionals' Score

* Acquaintances'/Residents' Score

1. Professionals' Score:

a) Professionals' Recommendations

From August to September 2023, Statista conducted a nationwide online survey among medical professionals (e.g., registered nurses, therapists, and physicians) and staff working in the management/administration of Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The survey was available to medical professionals on Newsweek.com. Additionally, the survey was promoted on several social media platforms.

Participants were asked to recommend notable Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Recommendations for own employer/CCRC were not allowed.

Recommendations received different weights depending on the order in which they were given, with the first recommendation being the highest weight. Additionally, the professional experience of the participant was considered.

The Professionals' Recommendations constitute 90 percent of the Professionals' Score.

b) Care Level Assessment

For each recommended Continuing Care Retirement Community participants were asked to rate the following four care levels on a scale from 1 ("Would not recommend") to 10 ("Would strongly recommend"):

* Independent Living

* Assisted Living

* Skilled Nursing Care

* Memory Care

The Care Level Assessment Score constitutes 10 percent of the Professionals' Score.

2. Acquaintances'/Residents' Score:

a) Acquaintances'/Residents' Ratings

From August to September 2023, Statista conducted a nationwide online survey among thousands of acquaintances of residents and residents living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The survey was available to acquaintances to participate on Newsweek.com. Additionally, the survey was promoted on several social media platforms.

Participants were asked to rate notable Continuing Care Retirement Communities they have visited in the past three years, or they currently live in, on a scale from 1-10.

The Acquaintances'/Residents' Ratings constitute 80 percent of the Acquaintances'/Residents' Score.

b) Quality Dimensions Score

For each recommended CCRC, participants were asked to rate the following eight quality dimensions on a scale from 1 ("Poor") to 10 ("Excellent") for each recommended CCRC:

* Accommodation (e.g., qualifications, experience, number of courses)

* Commercial Services (e.g., transportation, postal services, maintenance, service, housekeeping)

* Community Services (e.g., number of activities offered, quality of leisure activities, fitness center, library)

* Financial Factors (e.g., affordability, value for money)

* Food (e.g., variety of menu, product quality, room service, restaurant)

* Overall Care (e.g., safety of residents, communication, hygiene measures)

* Overall Safety Measures (e.g., treatments/therapies, consultation with doctor/therapist)

* Overall Staffing (e.g., size of room, quality of furnishing, leisure, activities)

The eight quality dimensions were presented randomly in the survey, and a Quality Dimensions Score was assigned based on participant-reported importance.

The Quality Dimensions Score constitutes 20 percent of the Acquaintances'/Residents' Score.

Accreditation Score

CARF International, an independent nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, plays a vital role in setting global standards for aging services.

The scope of the accreditation covers a broad spectrum of care options within the continuum of care, including adult day services, assisted living, person-centered long-term care communities, home and community services, case management, independent senior living, and personal support services.

In addition to clinical considerations, CARF evaluates non-clinical aspects, such as food quality, menu variety, room service, and restaurant offerings, as part of its accreditation process.

Accredited facilities received 10 percent towards the total score.

Disclaimer

The rankings are comprised exclusively of Continuing Care Retirement Communities that are eligible regarding the scope described in this document. A mention in the ranking is a positive recognition based on peer recommendations and publicly available data sources at the time. The ranking is the result of an elaborate process which, due to the interval of data-collection and analysis, is a reflection of the last calendar year. Furthermore, events preceding or following the period October 24, 2022 to October 24, 2023 and/or pertaining to individual persons affiliated/associated to the facilities were not included in the metrics. As such, the results of this ranking should not be used as the sole source of information for future deliberations.

The information provided in this ranking should be considered in conjunction with other available information about Continuing Care Retirement Communities or, if possible, accompanied by a visit to a facility. The quality of Continuing Care Retirement Communities that are not included in the rankings is not disputed.

Statista R Text:

Statista R is a world leader in the creation of company, brand, and product rankings and top lists, based on comprehensive market research and data analysis: Statista R recognizes the best. With a team of over 100 expert analysts and in cooperation with more than 40 high profile media brands across all continents, Statista R creates transparency for consumers and business decision makers and helps companies build trust and recognition across a plethora of industries and product categories. Visit r.statista.com for further information about Statista R and our rankings.

Statista R is a division of Statista. The leading data and business intelligence portal provides an extensive collection of statistics, reports, and insights on over 80,000 topics from 22,500 sources in 170 industries. Find out more at statista.com.

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