Patterns of service use in a continuing care retirement community

The authors analyzed the use of 16 onsite services reported by 91 residents of a new continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The most frequently used services appear to be those of convenience to the residents, including an onsite pharmacy, insurance billing, and a bank, as well as health and fitness services. Perceived health and multiple illnesses were associated with greater use of health and auxiliary health/fitness services, whereas age and marital status were not. In addition, respondent reports of spouse service use predicted respondent service use, whereas measures of social connectedness and friendship did not. Community service use before relocation to the CCRC was predictive of total CCRC service use only in unmarried respondents, demonstrating the complex nature of the relationship between informal support and the use of formal services. The behavioral model appears to be applicable to the study of CCRCs.