Health and Medical Services Use: A Matched Case Comparison Between CCRC Residents and National Health and Retirement Study Samples

Little is known about the health status of adults living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). Using matched-case control, 458 adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) or a CCRC-based sample were compared on total comorbidity, self-rated health, home health services use, and hospitalizations. At year 2, the CCRC sample reported more comorbidities (96%) but significantly better self-rated health (96% good/excellent) than the HRS sample (93% comorbidity, 73% good/excellent; p < .01). There were no significant differences in frequency of home health use or hospitalization. Living in a CCRC appears to be associated with higher self-ratings of health in this sample.