By Jack Cumming
“The CCRC model will [never] protect the buyer.”
A small group of thoughtful agers regularly discusses the pros and cons of CCRC living among themselves. Some are residents. Most are not. Recently, one of those wanting CCRC advantages but unable to find such a CCRC responded to a similar seeker as follows.
“I wish I could be more helpful. I cannot. I am guessing that it will not help to see an attorney as I am guessing that the provider will not be willing to change any of the terms of the contract. Maybe that means that the answer is to go to a month-to-month situation and not a buy-in. Do not seek community – though you can develop community wherever you go. Maybe, create an intentional community that sets its own rules and regulations. But, I don’t believe the CCRC model will ever protect the buyer. That does not mean it will be a disaster. It may turn out perfectly. My two friends, east and west, are loving it.”
A Wake-Up Call
That conclusion, after much research, that “the CCRC model will [never] protect the buyer” is devastating for the industry. This kind of public understanding is spreading. The industry cannot afford to continue to claim a positive mission while ignoring these anguished cries.
This is not a new understanding. There have been resident advocates for almost as long as there have been provider advocates. Even now, providers are opposing a resident initiative in the State of Washington and a resident-protective initiative in Florida. We are seeing resident disasters in New York, North Carolina, Florida, and Illinois, and there are likely others elsewhere. Why not instead focus on what is best for residents and give it to them?
Time To Be Bold
When an influencer prospect, who has delved deep and wide into your industry, concludes, “The CCRC model will never protect the buyer,” then it’s time to pull a Steve Jobs and totally upend and reinvent the industry for the better. “You’ve got to start with the customer.” – Steve Jobs.
My husband recently died after 7 months in 3 CCRCs in Texas. Each had significant but different problems. I, who had devoted my entire career to working on policy and programs for Older Adults in some outstanding health care companies, and then as Chair of the Board of the largest AAA in Michigan, thought I was prepared – WRONG.
The worst of all was a community that set my husband’s care level at the highest allowed in TX – a “3” without interviewing him. Took two plus months to get it reassessed to the “1” it should have been and had the commitment of the ED to refund the money. She told me she had approval from Corporate to do so. The contract says refunds are generally paid 2 months later. That would have been December 2 – nothing. She also has refused to release the records my husband’s LTC policy needs to determine qualification for payment under the policy – Nothing.
This is the mini-version of a shocking saga that I still can’t resolve .
I’m so sorry, Karen, to hear of your loss. It seems like you’ve gone through a traumatic experience during a very difficult time for you. I wish it weren’t so. Our hearts go out to you, and we hope that the better natures of those involved will come forward to help you cope.
You’ve brought back memories for me of when my father died of heart issues many years ago in 1976. The medical providers then hounded my mother for payment of charges in excess of what Medicare allowed. I still remember the horror, not only of losing my father, but of trying to reassure my mother, who fell apart every time ruthless bill collectors called to intimidate her.
Now is the season of renewal and I can only hope that you can find grace as you endure these sad months of loss and uprootedness. All my best, Jack Cumming