If you’re exploring Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) for yourself or helping a parent or loved one evaluate their options, you’ll quickly discover that communities differ in more ways than floor plans, amenities, and care services. One of the most important distinctions is whether a community operates as a non-profit CCRC or for-profit organization.
While both models can offer quality housing, services, and care, the way they’re structured influences how decisions are made, where financial resources are invested, and how the community plans for the future. Understanding these differences can help you choose the CCRC that best aligns with your goals and long-term expectations.
What Is The Difference Between A For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Older adults have a variety of senior living options to choose from based on their lifestyle and healthcare needs, including active adult communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. CCRCs are unique in that they offer multiple levels of living and care on one campus, allowing residents to remain in a familiar community as their needs change over time.
While both for-profit and non-profit CCRCs charge a monthly fee, each model differs in its governance, financial priorities, and approach to investing in the resident’s experience.
What Is A For-Profit CCRC?
For-profit CCRCs are typically owned by corporations, investment groups, or private companies and are accountable to owners or shareholders. Many are part of regional or national organizations, with strategic decisions and financial oversight provided by a corporate leadership team that may be located outside the community’s local market. While these communities often offer quality services, amenities, and care, decisions about capital investments, operational priorities, and long-term planning are frequently made within the broader goals of the organization. After operating expenses are covered, a portion of revenue may also be distributed to owners or investors as a financial return.
What Is A Non-Profit CCRC?
In contrast, many non-profit CCRCs are mission-driven organizations focused on serving older adults rather than generating profits for investors, and reinvest their profits back into the organization and communities.
Many are affiliated with religious, professional, or ethnic organizations whose values help shape the community’s culture while remaining welcoming of residents of all backgrounds. Non-profit CCRCs are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of compassionate leaders with diverse experiences and skillsets. Their focus is on securing the long-term financial health of the organization and making thoughtful decisions that enhance residents’ quality of life, support team members, and strengthen the community for generations to come.
According to MyLifeSite, there are around 2,000 CCRCs in the United States, and approximately 80% of these are owned by not-for-profit organizations. This high percentage of non-profit CCRCs reflects the important role mission-driven organizations have played in serving older adults for generations.
Is There A Difference In The Quality Of Care At Non-Profit And For-Profit CCRCs?
When comparing the quality of care offered by various communities – whether non-profit or for-profit CCRCs – it’s important to recognize that each community is different. However, several foundational differences in how these organizations operate influence the delivery of care and residents’ experiences.
Because for-profit organizations are designed to generate returns for investors, portions of available resources may be directed toward shareholders versus the resident experience and care.
Conversely, non-profit CCRCs reinvest available resources into resident care, services, and amenities, helping strengthen the resident experience while supporting the community’s long-term financial stability.
What Are The Benefits Of Non-Profit CCRCs?
When it comes to continuing care retirement communities, ownership structure is more than a business model—it influences how decisions are made, where resources are invested, and the overall resident experience. While both non-profit and for-profit communities can provide exceptional services, many older adults appreciate the mission-driven philosophy of a non-profit organization, where success is measured by resident well-being rather than financial returns.
Some of the key benefits of a non-profit CCRC are:
Their Mission Drives Decisions
While many older adults chose a non-profit CCRC for their financial model of fees being reinvested into their community, others find more comfort in knowing the community is being driven by a mission and vision that align with their own values and shape resident experiences. A strong mission helps guide everything from resident programs and team member culture to the way decisions are made and long-term priorities are established.
As part of the non-profit organization Christian Living Communities, Someren Glen is guided by a mission to enrich the quality and dignity of life for older adults. Rooted in Christian values while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds, our community fosters a culture of compassion, purpose, respect, and belonging.
A Volunteer Board Of Directors
Non-profit organizations are governed by volunteer Boards of Directors that provide legal, ethical, and financial oversight while helping the organization remain financially sound and mission focused. Their perspective encourages resident feedback, community partnerships, and thoughtful long-term planning.
As part of Christian Living Communities (CLC), Someren Glen is supported by an all-volunteer Board of Directors composed of experienced, local leaders with a wide range of expertise and who understand the needs of the communities they serve. Their stewardship and understanding of our Denver metro region helps guide CLC’s strategic direction, safeguard its mission, and make decisions that continue to benefit current and future residents.
Opportunity For Additional Funding Sources
One of the unique advantages of a non-profit senior living community is the ability to secure funding beyond resident fees through grants and philanthropic donations. These additional funding sources allow communities like Someren Glen to invest in meaningful programs, services, and campus enhancements that might not otherwise be possible through operating revenue alone.
Someren Glen has benefited from the generosity of donors who share in the mission of enriching the lives of older adults. These charitable gifts have helped fund impactful projects and initiatives, including:
- The repair and restoration of resident garden boxes
- Team member scholarships
- Resident groups and committees that enrich daily life
- The upkeep of the woodworking shop, where handcrafted items are created to benefit the greater community
By supplementing traditional revenue sources, philanthropy helps Someren Glen continue creating opportunities that enhance the lives of residents and team members while strengthening the community for the future.
Individualized Care
For those researching assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing communities, a top consideration is quality of care, which can be impacted by the staffing levels at a community. While many for-profit communities provide outstanding care, they must also balance staffing decisions with financial objectives. In a non-profit community, available resources are reinvested into the people and programs that directly support residents, which can help maintain strong staffing levels and create opportunities for more personalized care.
Strong staffing levels allow team members to spend more meaningful time with residents, build trusted relationships, and provide individualized support. At Someren Glen, that commitment is strengthened through Christian Living Communities’ adoption of The Eden Alternative®, a nationally recognized philosophy of person-directed care that emphasizes dignity, choice, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
Experience The Benefits Of A Non-Profit CCRC At Someren Glen
Choosing a continuing care retirement community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your future. By understanding the advantages of a non-profit CCRC—from mission-driven leadership and financial stewardship to reinvestment in residents, team members, and community programs—you can make your decision with greater confidence. If you’re exploring non-profit CCRCs in Centennial, Colorado, we invite you to schedule a visit and discover how Someren Glen combines exceptional care, meaningful connections, and a commitment to helping older adults live with purpose, dignity, and peace of mind.
