Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also known as Life Plan Communities, are growing in popularity as people realize the freedom and peace of mind that they offer. CCRCs differ from other retirement living options because they offer a continuum of housing and care, under an agreement that works similar to long-term care insurance. For that reason, most CCRCs require prospective residents to be in reasonably good health, determined by a medical exam completed prior to moving in.