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A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is housing planned and operated to provide a continuum of accommodations and services for seniors, including but not limited to independent living, congregate housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The resident can take advantage of the full range of services available and the ease of transfer to a different type of facility as his or her condition and needs change without needing to look for a new facility, relocate, or adapt to a new setting - this is referred to as "continuum of care".  For example, the resident may begin in the independent living residences, move to assisted living as he or she needs help with activities of daily living, and eventually move to the nursing home as ongoing care becomes necessary.

A CCRC resident contract often involves either an entry fee or a buy-in fee in addition to the monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical services required. Entry fees may be partially or fully refundable. The fee is used primarily as a method of privately financing the development of the project and as payment for future health care. CCRCs are typically licensed by the state.

Most CCRCs have restrictions on the age of the person who purchases or leases property within the retirement community. Typically the minimum age is 55 for acceptance. These communities vary in terms of the quantity and quality of the activities and community facilities. They are oriented for active and independent seniors. They may offer golf, tennis, swimming pools, hiking, exercise rooms, and a variety of clubs and internet groups. However, some residents in these communities may depend on outside caregivers contracted through local home health agencies when their health deteriorates or they become temporarily disabled.