How to Select the Ideal Retirement Community

Independent seniors considering moving to a retirement community may be unsure of how to choose a home that meets their needs in terms of appearance, comfort and cost. These active seniors often care less about care and more about neighborhoods and amenities.

11 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Retirement Community

Ultimately, their purpose in moving to a senior community is to enhance rather than drastically change their current lifestyle. So what aspects should you consider when choosing a retirement community? There are a few, but let’s start by explaining what independent senior living is.

Life in an Independent Living Community

Independent seniors considering a move to a retirement community may be unsure of how to choose a home that meets their needs. The services offered by senior living facilities vary in size and shape.

How to Select the Ideal Retirement Community

Seniors who live independently, as if they were in their own home, are said to be in an independent living community, a term perhaps most directly associated with people’s notions of retirement communities.

Their lives may be made easier by some amenities and services, such as a fully stocked community dining room, but overall, independent living is no different than what active seniors may be used to before they move.

1. Dining

Dining services will be a major consideration when choosing a community, especially if you have a preference for fine dining or know there will be occasions when you don’t want to prepare meals. Is your food prepared and served by a professional chef and wait staff, or is it mass-produced in a cafeteria? And if, in the middle of the day, all you want is a cup of coffee or a small snack? As you research senior living facilities, keep these things in mind.

2. The Greater Community

What activities—such as sports, tourism, religious events, entertainment, and just general fun—are offered in the surrounding and greater metro area (which, if you’re moving from another country, you may not be familiar with)? An independent living community should be more than just an individual building; Rather, it should be an integral part of the larger neighborhood.

3. On-Site Services and Amenities

This is where choosing a retirement community becomes more specific: What services does a community offer to help you lead the lifestyle you want? Great communities are distinguished from merely adequate ones by features such as hair salons, libraries, gardens, music rooms, housekeeping, exercise courses (more on that later), laundry facilities, and concierge services.

4. Exercise and Wellness

The best retirement communities should provide ample opportunities for fitness and wellness because active seniors need these things. Senior-focused yoga, tai chi, and strength training programs keep seniors in shape. Exercise facilities and swimming pools, among other community amenities, encourage activity and support a healthy lifestyle.

5. Pets

Pet policies vary across retirement communities. This may not be a problem if you don’t currently own a dog or cat, but pet policies are important to consider for seniors who have furry friends and may need to decide to give them up or move them to a new residence. .

6. Help When it’s Needed

Some energetic seniors enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living in an assisted living complex even though they may not need much or any daily assistance. They know they will have help when they need it for things like moving furniture, carrying groceries, or recovering from a fall. If this describes you, consider living in a community that offers supported and independent living.

7. Transportation

If you want to keep your car, make sure the neighborhood you choose allows and provides convenient parking. If you don’t drive yourself, ask about local shuttle services and public transit options. No independent senior wants to be confined to their home

8. The Activities You Are Interested In

Moving to a retirement community should improve your interests and ability to engage in recreation. You run the risk of getting bored quickly if an otherwise tidy and well-run community doesn’t include activities you enjoy, such as painting classes, music, gardening, movie nights, cultural outings, etc.

9. Family Focus

If your grandchildren will visit and play an important role in your life, make sure the neighborhood you choose accommodates them. Even in communities with fully furnished apartments, family visits can be restricted, so before you commit, make sure you’re aware of the rules. 

10. Cost

When choosing a retirement community, cost is an important consideration. Even if you know how much you can afford to spend, you may need to budget more for the amenities you want.Estimate Your Cost of Living With the Senior Cost Calculator

11. Relationships

Be attentive to how residents and staff interact with each other. You want to live in a neighborhood where everyone wants to get to know you and build lasting relationships—from supportive team members to friendly neighbors. These are just a few things to think about when choosing a retirement community

You may have different priorities, but keeping your unique preferences on top is ultimately the most important. As you research these types of communities, decide which issues are most important to you and keep them at the forefront of your mind how to Select the Ideal Retirement Community .

Select the Ideal Retirement Community

Select the Ideal Retirement Community

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