AARP Directory Reviews Lifecare Facilities for Older Americans

Continuing care retirement communities--those offering such services as nursing, transportation and meals--are becoming an increasingly popular option for older Americans, according to the American Assn. of Retired Persons.

Sometimes called lifecare facilities, continuing care communities usually guarantee their special services by contract for the life of the resident.

To help seniors looking for such facilities, AARP Books has updated its “National Continuing Care Directory” to include 365 individual communities in 39 states.

In addition to the address and phone number of the community, each entry details the social, health care and other services included in the contract and those available at no additional cost. The book also includes information for evaluating the financial soundness of the community, a checklist for evaluating services during an on-site visit and a work sheet for comparing current living expenses with the costs of a continuing care community.

Co-published by the association and Scott Foresman and Co., the book is available in bookstores through Little Brown and Co. Or send $19.95 ($14.50 to association members who include membership number) plus $1.75 for handling to: AARP Books, Scott Foresman & Co., Dept. 838, 1865 Miner St., Des Plaines, Ill. 60016.