Ever wonder what it feels like to live in a community wherein you are free to roam the area but at the same time, monitored—The Truman Show-style? It can be unnerving, yes, but believe me, you are better off in this type of housing than in doldrums of a retirement home.
Of course, the type of retirement setting solely depends on the needs of the senior who will move and live there, but for active seniors who do not wish to be bound between a recreational room and their own assigned room, retirement communities are your best bet. Luckily, retirement communities are mushrooming all throughout America and there bound to be one near you.
If that got you interested, here are my tips in choosing the best retirement community for you:
• Start local. Retirement communities are becoming more and more popular these days since most seniors who are left alone with no one to care for them are usually active enough not to be thrown in a retirement home. If you choose to stay local, there is a big chance you’ll end up with your longtime friends there.
• Do a quick background check on the community. Almost all retirement communities are fairly new, so it is best if you do a little background check on the owners and their financial stability.
• Make sure they have all the services you need—or at least nearby. Your medical needs should be a priority, the community should be in close proximity to a hospital in case an emergency happens, if not within the community itself.
• Ask for a sample contract, if possible, along with a detailed breakdown of fees. Sometimes, this is where lines become blurred so you need to be very careful with these details. Go over it with a lawyer if you must.
• Ask to be toured, get friendly with residents. This is the only way you’ll be able to get a good feel of the community—being one of them for a few hours. Pay attention to what your gut tells you as they are, most of the time, right on the spot.
• Check its amenities and programs for residents. Since you are paying for your stay, might as well enjoy it! There should be an activity director in the area whom you can ask for these things.
• Assess your own financial standing. Living in a retirement community can be expensive—way more expensive than a boring retirement home! If you plan to stay longterm, you should be able to pay for it.
