CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

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Over the past three decades, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) have experienced a remarkable transformation. Today’s CCRCs are more dynamic and diverse than ever, offering a broad spectrum of experiences that reflect the evolving expectations, lifestyles and priorities of older adults. With enhanced amenities, thoughtful design and deeper resident engagement, the model has increasingly come to represent wellness, purpose and choice. Few have seen this evolution more closely than Paul Gordon, partner at Hanson Bridgett , who has worked with CCRCs for 50 years. “When CCRCs first emerged in California, they followed a fairly consistent model – similar in structure, philosophy and scope,” he said. “Over time, that’s changed. We’ve seen a real diversification in how communities are structured and the types of experiences they offer.” That diversity is evident in today’s wide range of community designs and cultural orientations. “You now have everything from traditional campus models to lifestyle-specific communities,” he said. “It speaks to how CCRCs are adapting to meet different values and expectations.” Gary Smith, CEO of Vi Senior Living , echoed that sentiment. “Across the board, expectations have shifted – people want more choices, more engagement and more flexibility in how they live,” he said. HOW THIS MODEL OF CARE IS ADAPTING TO A NEW ERA By Kevin Swartzendruber, CALA Director of Marketing and Communications

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