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Sun Communities Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

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Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for Sun Communities employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Sun Communities employees over age 65 can expect to need extended care services at some point in their lives. So understanding the various types of extended care services – and what those services may cost – is critical as you consider your retirement approach.

What Is Extended Care?

Extended care is not a single activity. It refers to a variety of medical and non–medical services needed by those who have a chronic illness or disability – most commonly associated with aging.

Extended care can include everything from assistance with activities of daily living – help dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, or even driving to the store – to more intensive therapeutic and medical care requiring the services of skilled medical personnel.

Extended care may be provided at home, at a community center, in an assisted living facility, or in a skilled nursing home. And extended care is not exclusively for the elderly; it is possible to need extended care at any age.

How Much Does Extended Care Cost?

Extended care costs vary state by state and region by region. The 2021 national average for care in a skilled care facility (single occupancy in a nursing home) was $108,405 a year. The national average for care in an assisted living center (single occupancy) was $54,000 a year. Home health aides cost a median of $27 per hour, but that rate may increase when a licensed nurse is required.

What Are the Payment Choices?

Often, extended care is provided by family and friends. Providing care can be a burden, however, and the need for assistance tends to increase with age.

Sun Communities employees who would rather not burden their family and friends have two main choices for covering the cost of extended care: they can choose to self-insure or they can purchase extended care insurance.

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Many self-insure by default – simply because they haven't made other arrangements. Those who self-insure may depend on personal savings and investments to fund any extended care needs. The other approach is to consider purchasing extended care insurance, which can cover all levels of care, from skilled care to custodial care to in-home assistance.

When it comes to addressing your extended care needs, many look to select a strategy that may help them protect assets, preserve dignity, and maintain independence. If those concepts are important to you, consider your approach to extended care.

GenWorth.com, 2022

ACL.gov, 2022

What type of retirement plan does Sun Communities offer to its employees?

Sun Communities offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Sun Communities match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sun Communities provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Sun Communities employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Sun Communities are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

How can Sun Communities employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Sun Communities employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?

The Sun Communities 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can Sun Communities employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Sun Communities can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to certain restrictions.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sun Communities has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Sun Communities 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Are there any fees associated with the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Sun Communities 401(k) plan may have administrative and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can Sun Communities employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Sun Communities allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.