The Meaning of Church Affiliation for Continuum of Care Retirement Communities

ABSTRACT Results of a 1987 national survey of 284 continuum of care retirement communities related to Christian faith groups are reported. Findings indicate a diversity of structural relationships between church-affiliated organizations and their parent religious bodies, and that most parent bodies do not assume financial liability for their affiliates. Major advantages to religious affiliation are consumer trust, opportunity to carry out the church's mission, and marketing. A major disadvantage are perceptions that these communities serve only “their own.” Implications of affiliation are discussed.