An acts retirement community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operated by Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. According to Acts' own corporate website, the organization operates more than two dozen campuses across nine states and describes itself as one of the largest not-for-profit CCRC operators in the United States.
The problem many families face is that CCRC contracts, fee structures, and care levels are confusing — and choosing the wrong community can lock you into a long-term financial commitment.
This guide breaks down the five most important facts about how these communities work, what they cost, what the contracts cover, and how to evaluate whether one fits your retirement plan.
What an Acts Retirement Community Actually Is
An Acts retirement community operates on the continuing care model: you move in while still independent, and the same campus provides increasingly supportive care if your needs change. This model is sometimes called a Life Plan Community, a term the industry increasingly uses to emphasize that planning happens before a health crisis.
The structure typically includes three care levels on one campus:
- Independent living — private residences with amenities and maintenance included
- Personal care/assisted living — help with daily activities such as bathing and medication management
- Skilled nursing care — round-the-clock medical support for chronic conditions or recovery
Acts is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, meaning its mission statement emphasizes service rather than shareholder returns. How to apply this: when comparing campuses, ask each provider for its organization type (for-profit vs. not-for-profit) and the full list of care levels offered on-site.
How the Entrance Fee and Monthly Cost Structure Works
Most Acts campuses use an entrance fee model — a large upfront payment that secures your residence, followed by ongoing monthly fees.
Entrance fees vary widely by community size, location, and contract type; industry groups note that entrance fees commonly range from the low six figures to well over half a million dollars at premium campuses, so you should always request the specific figure in writing.
There are several contract types to understand:
- Type A (extensive/life care) — higher entry cost, but care costs stay predictable even if you need skilled nursing
- Type B (modified) — moderate entry cost with a set amount of covered care
- Type C (fee-for-service) — lower entry cost, but you pay market rates for care when needed
A common scenario: a couple chooses a Type A contract so that if one spouse later needs memory care, the monthly cost does not spike. How to apply this: request a written fee schedule and ask exactly how many days of skilled nursing each contract type includes before rates change.
What Medicare Does and Does Not Cover
Medicare does not pay for the ongoing monthly fee of an Acts retirement community, nor for long-term custodial care. This is one of the most common misconceptions among retirees. Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care only after a qualifying hospital stay — generally up to 100 days under current rules, with coinsurance applying after the first 20 days.
As the official Medicare.gov site explains, Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care only when it is medically necessary following a hospital stay — it does not cover long-term custodial care. For long-term care costs, many residents rely on long-term care insurance, personal savings, or the predictable cost structure of a Type A contract.
How to apply this: before signing anything, sit down with your current Medicare plan and confirm which parts (A, B, D, or a Medicare Advantage plan) coordinate with the community's healthcare services.
Comparing Contract Types and Costs at a Glance
Because contract terms drive both your upfront risk and your monthly budget, comparing them side by side is essential. The table below summarizes the standard CCRC contract types you'll encounter at an Acts retirement community and similar providers.
| Contract type | Upfront cost | Care cost predictability | Action to take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A (life care) | Highest | Predictable regardless of care needs | Ask for the exact nursing days included |
| Type B (modified) | Moderate | Covered for a set period only | Get the day limit in writing |
| Type C (fee-for-service) | Lowest | You pay market rates for care | Compare market nursing rates locally |
| Rental | None | Pay-as-you-go, rates can rise | Ask for a fee increase history |
AARP publishes consumer guidance on CCRC contracts and recommends reviewing the disclosure statement and having an elder law attorney review the agreement before you sign.
As AARP advises, "understand exactly what services are included and what happens if the community can no longer provide the care you need." How to apply this: download each campus's disclosure statement and bring it to a fee-only financial planner before committing an entrance fee.
How to Evaluate and Visit Before You Commit
Choosing an Acts retirement community should involve at least two on-site visits — once casually and once at a scheduled event. During visits, focus on the details marketing brochures skip.
What to check on your visit:
- Health services staffing — ask about the ratio of nursing staff to residents
- Resident turnover and satisfaction — request references from current residents' families
- Financial stability — not-for-profit communities publish financial statements; ask for the latest one
- Refund policy — clarify what happens to your entrance fee if you leave or pass away
In one common scenario, a family visited a campus twice before noticing that the skilled nursing wing was on a different campus — meaning the "same campus" care promise didn't apply. Verify care levels are physically on-site, not just affiliated.
How to apply this: use the checklist above on your next tour and ask the marketing director to answer each item in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions About acts retirement community
Who is eligible to live in an Acts retirement community?
Most campuses require residents to meet a minimum age — typically 62 or older — and to pass a health assessment confirming they can live independently at move-in. Exceptions exist: some campuses accept younger residents with a spouse over 62. If one spouse fails the assessment, ask whether the community offers a waitlist or alternate pathway.
What happens if my savings run out in an Acts retirement community?
Not-for-profit CCRCs, including Acts, typically maintain a benevolent fund or resident assistance program for residents who outlive their resources through no fault of their own. Coverage depends on your contract type and the community's written policy. Request the specific financial assistance policy in writing before signing, since terms differ by campus and state regulations.
How does an Acts retirement community compare to aging in place at home?
Aging in place works well when your home is accessible, care needs are light, and family support is nearby. An Acts retirement community trades home equity for predictable care access and social amenities. The tipping point is usually care: once you need 20+ hours of home care weekly, community living often becomes the more manageable and predictable option.
Can I sell my entrance fee or get it refunded?
Refund terms depend entirely on your contract. Some agreements offer 90% refundable entrance fees, others offer declining-balance refunds over a set period, and many traditional Type A contracts offer no refund — the fee buys lifetime access to care. Ask specifically: "Under what circumstances, and on what timeline, is any portion of my fee returned?"
How do I know if an Acts retirement community is financially sound?
Request the community's audited financial statements and ask about occupancy rates, which drive revenue stability. Independent watchdog resources such as CARF International accredit continuing care providers against financial and service standards, and accreditation status is a useful signal. Also ask how long the organization has operated that specific campus without major fee restructuring.
Conclusion
Choosing a continuing care retirement community is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you'll make in retirement. The key takeaways:
- An Acts retirement community bundles independent living, personal care, and skilled nursing on one campus
- Contract type (A, B, or C) determines whether your care costs stay predictable as you age
- Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care — plan for that gap now
- Two campus visits and a written disclosure review reveal what brochures won't
Your next step is simple: contact the campus nearest you, request the disclosure statement and fee schedule, and schedule two visits — one structured, one unannounced. The more questions you ask before signing, the more confident your decision will be.
