Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Retirement Community

Choosing a retirement community, whether for you or a loved one, can be a difficult decision. There are so many factors to consider, from cost to amenities. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask is helpful in narrowing down your options.

What types of care is available in a retirement community?

There are three main types of care available in a retirement community. A community may have all three or just focus on one type of care. Independent living, sometimes marketed as active adult communities, is a living situation for those that are fully independent and do not need aide of any kind. This type of senior is capable, but wants to live and interact with people their own age. 

As residents grow older, they may need more help. Assisted living provides a variety of help for its senior residents, from medical care to household cleaning and food prep. You can use as little or as much of the assisted living services as you need. 

Lastly, many retirement communities offer a memory care unit that helps residents with Alzheimer's and other dementia. Many families try to keep their parents together by finding a retirement community that offers all three options so spouses can stay together as they age and their needs change. 

What setting do you prefer?

Active adult communities are typically individual houses within a larger community while assisted living and memory care are typically apartments within a larger building so that staff can easily travel from one unit to the next. 

What are the rules on family visits?

Be sure to ask what the rules for family visitation are. When you own a single family home in an active adult or independent living community, you will most likely have a second bedroom for guests, particularly if the complex is located in an area that people like to vacation in, like California, Arizona, or the Eastern seaboard of the United States. That does not, however, mean that they can stay for an unlimited amount of time. It is fairly common for guests under 18 years of age to be limited to a two week stay. 

What are the rules on pets?

Likewise, depending on your setting and the community that you choose, there may be rules regarding pets. If you can't imagine life without Fido, be sure to inquire about pets before choosing a community.

Is there a variety of activities and services on-site?

Life does not end when you move to a retirement community. On the contrary, residents are expected to stay active. Amenities can include everything from on-site golf and exercise classes to walking trails and gardening clubs. Be sure to choose a community that features activities that you love. 

Choosing a retirement community can be a difficult decision. Take your time and ask plenty of questions until you determine which is the right fit for you. 

Have you ever considered looking at Leisure World Property for Sale? This is also another option for retired people.