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Definitions
A continuing care provider is an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity that has applied for, and received, a Certificate of Authority from the Department of Social Services to enter into continuing care contracts with persons 60 years or older at a continuing care retirement community.
A continuing care contract is an agreement between a person 60 years or older and a continuing care provider. Contracts include a promise to provide a range of services at a continuing care retirement community for a period longer than one year, in exchange for payment. Usually, but not always, the promises is effective for the life of the resident. A continuing care contract may consist of one or a series of agreements.
A continuing care retirement community is a facility where services promised in a continuing care contract are provided. Continuing care retirement communities can be apartment-type dwellings, high-rise buildings, a subdivision setting, or any other housing design. Most continuing care communities have designated assisted living units and a skilled nursing facility either on or near the facility.