These facilities are commonly referred to as continuing-care retirement communities (CCRCs). This industry has a positive outlook, given that America’s fastest growing population segment is the elderly community. As of the recent census, there were nearly 14,000 elder care facilities that were distinguished from nursing facilities. The primary distinction between the two types of residential facilities is the lack of constant medical supervision for the former. Hence, there is little to no medical insurance revenue associated with these retirement centers.

Significant functions of this industry include facilities management, employee management, and service management. As residential facilities, elder care centers must be specially suited towards senior living. Employees may check patients’ pulse rates, temperatures, and respiration rates; help with simple prescribed exercises; keep patients’ rooms neat; and help patients move to bed, bath, dress, and groom. Maintaining a qualified and reputable staff is central to this personal services business. Other significant operation within the business is managing the facility’s enrollment. Deposits are often required of residents, along with the established monthly fees.

These centers may assist seniors by providing meal preparation, offering assistance with physical care and house keeping. There are many operators in this industry that are non-profit, which are nevertheless a direct form of competition.

Dominant leaders in the CCRC business include Sunrise Assisted living, Inc. and American Retirement Corp. As of December 31, 2004, Sunrise Senior Living operated 380 communities, of which 367 communities were in the United States. American Retirement Corp was a distant second, operating 67 senior living communities in 14 states as of March 2005.