Maybe you have realized it is time to sell your home for various reasons, and a retirement community seems like an excellent option.
Choosing where to retire is an important decision. There are many options, and you want to pick the one that best meets your requirement.
We look at what to know about retirement communities so that you can make a more informed decision and ensure you pick the right place.
Choosing the right retirement community
There are various types of retirement communities to choose from. There are active 55+ communities, assisted living, continuing care retirement or life plan communities, skilled nursing care, memory care communities, and more.
These different types of retirement communities cater to the requirements of seniors to create a better living experience.
When you are ready to choose a retirement community, these are the things you need to consider:
The location
One of the reasons why the location is important is the weather. Will you enjoy the weather all year round? What is there to do in the area? You will want access to activities to enjoy your retirement years. Being close to family and friends is another reason location might be important.
If you don’t know the community’s area well, look around before deciding.
Type of housing
Are you looking for the same type of home as you previously had, or do you want to downsize? Many housing options exist within retirement communities, from apartments and condos to townhouses and single-family homes. Choose somewhere with enough space for you and your possessions.
Imagine yourself living in the home; does it suit your lifestyle? Is there enough closet space?
Remember that townhouses and condos will likely have condominium associations, so you must follow their rules.
Activities
Are activities organized in the community? Activities allow you to socialize, have fun, and learn new things. Ask about a schedule of activities to see what living in the community might be like.
Check the recreational amenities available. They could have a fitness center, craft shops, or a library.
Dining
A few food choices in the community will make living there more enjoyable. They might have cafes, formal dining, and more. Don’t just check the menu, have a meal to test it out.
Medical care
The available medical care will be important. Are there nearby specialists? The retirement community should offer information about reputable medical facilities in the area. The community might even offer some medical provisions itself.
Accessibility
As well as having great access inside, with wider doorways, stairlifts, ramps, and elevators, how walkable is it?
You should check for safety features as well. There should be handrails, grab bars, and walk-in showers to reduce the risks in the home.
Security measures
You want to feel safe in your home, so ensuring the community has good security is necessary. Do visitors have to check in? Are there security cameras, gates, security lights, and more?
Are there medical alert systems, and is there an emergency room nearby?
The care available
Some retirement communities offer different levels of care to residents. These communities are known as continuing care retirement communities or life plan communities.
They can allow independent living but have more care when needed so that residents can continue living in the community even when their situation changes.
Even if you don’t need help, knowing that care is available in the community can remove many concerns.
For seniors that require more help, personal care facilities can provide daily assistance with meals and showering.
There are memory care facilities that help seniors suffering from memory conditions. If short or long-term care is required, there are healthcare centers to take care of seniors.
You should check if the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance, even if this isn’t a concern now.
Costs
While you might find a great retirement community, can you afford to live there? You must compare your current expenses with what you will pay in the retirement community.
What is included, and what will you pay extra for? They might charge extra for utilities, cable, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping, but how much more will your monthly costs be?
Sitting down with family members or a financial professional to discuss your situation will help you understand what you can afford.
Choosing the best retirement community for you
Remember, there are pros and cons to buying into a retirement community. It will be essential to do your homework before committing.
You can enjoy your golden years if you find a retirement community that fits you and your lifestyle well. Make sure you visit retirement communities you are interested in, look around, talk to residents, and ask questions.
