Retirement Communities

Advice For Deciding On A Retirement Community

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As more baby boomers approach retirement and face all the details of estate planning, medical care, IRAs, and more, new homes designed for aging adults are popping up everywhere. There are numerous housing developments and adult communities springing up around the country designed for residents over the age of 55.

Many of these retirement communities offer the opportunity for socializing, recreation, outdoor maintenance that’s taken care of, on-site restaurants, golf courses and numerous other amenities. There are generally four types of retirement communities. These are independent living facilities, active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living residences.

Some are blended and offer the support and services of on-site health professionals or home care workers without forcing residents to give up their independence.

If you’re thinking about moving for your retirement, new homes in age-restricted resort communities can be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how do you choose the right community for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should look for in a retirement community.

How Close is it to the Kids?

If being close to your family is important, then you’ll want to look for a home or retirement community that’s close to your kids. Another consideration is space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you’re planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may want to look for a community that offers larger units.

How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to Yours?

Different retirement communities have varying focuses and philosophies. Try to find one that matches your own. If you’re an avid yoga lover, for example, and committed to sustainability, then you may not enjoy yourself in a community targeted toward avid golfers and hunters.

Some retirement communities have a “green” focus, others have an “active lifestyle” focus, and still others are committed to social activities and recreation. Make sure you understand the priorities and direction of your community before you commit and move in.

Pedestrian and Transit Friendly

For example, can you walk to a nearby store, or will you always be dependent on a car to pick up a carton of milk? While you may be active and driving now, that may not be the case in 10 or 15 years. Ideally, you want to seek a retirement community that’s pedestrian friendly.

Would I Get Along with the Other Residents?

Before you buy into a new retirement or adult community, you should always attend an information session to get a feel for other potential residents. Alternatively, if you’re moving into an existing community, ask to spend the day at their recreation hall or community lounge.

Look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending your retirement with these people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of retirement together? Whether or not your home is new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical part of enjoying your overall retirement community experience.

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Another great article, this time from http://superiorseniorliving.blogspot.com

What are my housing options?

Selecting the Right Type of Retirement Community

Selecting the right type of retirement community and level of care can seem like an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider. Retirees have varying desires, abilities and needs. Luckily, the retirement housing industry understands these varying needs and offers different types of communities to serve those needs.

Retirement Communities Retirement or "Active Retirement" communities promote a rich life experience based on active recreation and social interaction with other seniors. Retirement communities tend to offer personal living space such as apartments with low maintenance or maintenance-free lifestyle. Retirement communities promote an independent lifestyle.

Assisted Living Retirement Communities Assisted Living is an option for seniors who may need assistance, but are not in need of a nursing home. Assisted Living communities offer independent living areas and may include services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, medication and laundry.

Memory Care Communities Memory Care retirement communities specialize in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related impairments. Typically, memory care communities provide specific care by specially-trained staff who have the knowledge and experience to care for residents with Alzheimer's. Features of memory care communities include a safe and secure environment, activities that nurture a familiar environment and make the most out of life.

Respite Care Communities "Respite" refers to short term, temporary care, retirement communities provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of care giving. Unlike child care, respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time. One of the important purposes of respite is to give family members time and temporarily relieve the stress they may experience while providing extra care for a family member.