Is It Time to Consider Moving to a Retirement Community?

The number of retirement communities in the United States continues to rise, with every type of community you can imagine. Most likely, there is just the right one for you.

Many seniors know very little about retirement communities unless they or someone they know is living in one. What little I knew was wrong or distorted, as I soon found out when I decided to make the move.

Aside from the many amenities the communities provide, they can be a refuge, a sanctuary, a place where you can find companionship and make new friends. As it turned out, it was just what I needed after losing my life partner and a near-fatal medical siege. I now enjoy new friends, a healthier lifestyle and a way of life I look forward to each day.

Everyone has their own special needs and aspirations. Some seniors have recently lost a life partner or a close family member. Others are tired of living alone. And still others are just tired of doing housework, cooking and yard work, or are bored with their life. Living in a retirement community can revitalize your life. It can open up a new world of interests and hobbies.

I found that there is so much going on, it was difficult choose what to do next. There are trips, games, card games, social events, crafts and hobbies I was familiar with and others I had always wanted to try. New friends are easily found in a retirement community where you come into contact with people every day.

Is a retirement home right for you? There are many reasons why a retirement community might be right for you, and why you might be right for a retirement community. Here are just a few:

• Did you lose a life partner?

• Are you living alone?

• Do you require assistance on occasion?

• Are you lonely?

• Is it difficult to make new friends?

• Would you like to be more active?

• Would you like to have more freedom?

• Do you like organized activities?

• Are you eating regularly?

If you are trying to decide if a retirement community is right for you, the next step could be checking out one or more to get a feel for what it’s like. Some offer a free stay overnight for you to get acquainted and provide you with the opportunity to talk to other seniors living there. Others offer guided tours and one-on-one discussions with management about their facilities, costs, support and the amenities they offer. They will almost always invite you for lunch or dinner to give you an opportunity to sample the food and perhaps chat with other residents.

If you can, have a relative or friend accompany you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good source of information is from someone actually living in the community you are considering – they can be candid and informative, especially about the food!

There are many different retirement communities ranging from a little more than an apartment to full support with caregiving and many amenities, services and recreational activities.

Here is a sampling of questions to consider asking when you visit a retirement community:

1. What type of retirement home is it – independent living, assisted living, continuing care or a combination?

2. Do they have 24-hour emergency assistance available?

3. Do they provide caregivers or help you arrange for outside caregivers?

4. Do they serve one or more meals a day?

5. What kitchen amenities are in the apartment itself?

6. Do they provide a washer and dryer in your room?

7. Are grocery shopping and other resources available within walking distance?

8. What is the square footage of the rooms?

9. What is the monthly cost of the facility?

10. Are all costs covered in the monthly rate? What charges are not covered?

11. Are there any extra charges for TV, electricity, phone, cleaning service, etc.?

12. What are the initial fees, charges or deposits and are they refundable or non-refundable?

13. Are there any charges when you leave?

14. What are the termination notice requirements?

15. Do they offer organized exercise activities?

16. Is there a gym and/or a swimming pool available?

17. Do they have a library?

18. Do they provide transportation for shopping and appointments?

19. Is there an on-site beauty shop?

20. Ask for a printed copy of all rules, regulations and procedures.

21. Add your own list of questions.

For some, the activities, companionship, new interests and nutritious meals prepared for you contribute to a more interesting and healthier life. Everyone will eventually face the challenges of major life changes. A retirement community is an option that can help make those latter years more enjoyable, interesting and productive.

Find out what a retirement community can do for you.