Median occupancy rates for continuing care retirement communities (92.2%) beat those for skilled nursing (92.2%) and assisted living facilities (91.7%), according to a study of CCRCs released Monday in Washington. Only independent living complexes registered higher (94.7%).

CCRCs also continue to expand services and amenities, according to “Continuing Care Retirement Communities: 2005 Profile,” which was jointly produced by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the American Seniors Housing Association, and the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industries (NIC). 

The “Profile” includes data on geographic distribution, age of communities, occupancy rates, resident profiles, staffing ratios and other key operational, financial and demographic categories.  The authors’ survey of nearly 200 CCRCs (covering more than 56,000 residents) also found that women residents outnumbered men nearly 3 to 1, and approximately 10,000 couples lived in responding facilities.

Two-thirds of communities surveyed said they have a wellness center on campus, while 73% offer educational opportunities for their residents, and 65% offer high-speed Internet access.

“Continuing Care Retirement Communities: 2005 Profile” can be ordered for $125 (association members) or $150 (non-members) by visiting www.aahsastore.org.