CCRC in Chicago, Illinois

Contract types (Type A / B / C)

• Type A (life care): higher entry fee; monthly fee stays relatively stable as care needs rise. Extensive prepaid healthcare risk pooling.
• Type B (modified): mid-range entry fee; some care days or discounted higher levels included, then higher rates apply.
• Type C (fee-for-service): lower entry fee; you pay market rates when you move to assisted living or nursing care.

What families typically pay (national, cited ranges)

National consumer guidance commonly places entry fees from about $100,000 to $1,000,000+ (studio through large unit, refundable vs non-refundable) and monthly fees often in the $2,000–$5,000+ range before higher-acuity care. Figures vary widely by campus and contract. See AARP CCRC overview. These are national ranges, not a Chicago, IL median.

12 questions before you sign

1. What contract type is this (A, B, or C), in plain language?
2. What exactly does the entry fee buy, and what does it not cover?
3. Is any of the entry fee refundable, on what schedule, and to whom?
4. How do monthly fees change when care needs increase?
5. What is the historical annual monthly-fee increase (last 5–10 years)?
6. What health conditions can force a move or contract termination?
7. Who decides the level-of-care move: the community, a doctor, or you?
8. What happens if the community's finances weaken?
9. Can you review audited financials and occupancy trends?
10. Is the community registered with the state CCRC / insurance regulator?
11. What is excluded (memory care, private duty, medications, second person)?
12. Have an elder-law attorney review the contract before deposit?