by Emily Udell

At the highly rated Meadow Lakes in Mooresville, Ind., 70-year-old Annie Woodard receives physical therapy and treatment for diabetes. She moved three years ago from assisted living to a nursing home, which provides round-the-clock medical care. "I just couldn't take care of myself," says Woodard. She shares a room with another resident and enjoys perks like game night and choir practice. "People are friendly here - I love it," she says.

Like Windsor of Wilmington, Meadow Lakes is part of a CCRC, which offers a spectrum of housing options - from independent living to nursing care - on a single site so seniors can stay in one community as they age. For those who receive care for an extended period, the cost can be significant. For example, the New York Department of Health reports that CCRC entrance fees in that state begin at $115,000 for a single person in an independent living unit and monthly fees at $2,100 or higher.

"I think that people have this assumption that health insurance is going to pay for it," says Dan Benson, the COO of American Senior Communities, which operates Meadow Lakes. He recommends meeting with financial and legal professionals to help plan your retirement, no matter what living options you're considering. "I'd encourage seniors to make the decisions so your kids don't have to."

— additional reporting by Staci Giordullo and Meranda Watling