7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Senior Living Community
by Robert Borges on May 6, 2021
With a variety of senior living communities for retirees these days, there are options for all ages, needs, and lifestyles. Planning and deciding where to spend your golden years can be a stressful process, but with some well-informed research, finding a senior living community that offers comfort and peace of mind is easier than you might think.
If you’re wondering what to look for in a senior living community, here’s a short list of the 7 key things you should keep in mind.
1. Type of Community
From totally independent senior living to skilled care to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that offer it all, there are many types of senior living communities. Additionally, they come in many shapes and sizes, including everything from single homes and cottages to apartments and duplexes. Depending on personal preferences as well as financial considerations, one type of community may be a better fit than another.
2. Medical Care
A high priority for many when looking for a senior living community is available medical care. Regardless of your current health status, finding a retirement community that can give you detailed information and meet your needs when it comes to area/onsite medical providers, necessary specialists, and access to rehabilitation and skilled nursing care is crucial.
3. Recreation
You’ve finally got the time and freedom to do what you want, when you want. The best senior living communities offer a variety of schedules packed with social, recreational, and cultural activities that make leading an active retirement lifestyle stress-free and fun.
4. Lifestyle
Speaking of lifestyle, a key to senior living is finding a community where you won’t sacrifice your comforts. Most senior living communities have set rules and regulations, and pets are just the beginning. Be sure to dive into the details so there are no surprises if you can’t set up your grill, enjoy an after-dinner cigar, or plant that garden you’ve always wanted.
5. Maintenance
Chances are your relocation to the ideal senior community won’t include you handling much maintenance and repairs. Find out who takes care of your property when things need upkeep, fixing, or when you’re away. Is it all covered by your monthly fee, or are you charged per project?
6. Location
Looking for the ideal location of your senior living community is a big factor. Do you prefer a more natural setting, or urban environment? Will you be moving closer to family or off to warmer climates? Especially if you’re retiring in another state where you may not be as familiar with the climate, take some time to research the weather.
7. Budget
No surprise that affordability is often the most significant factor when choosing a senior living community. Entrance fees. Monthly fees. Hidden fees. Also the income, property, and estate taxes may play a huge role in considering your location in relation to your finances and long term savings. Look at all the details, talk with a trusted individual or even an attorney if you have questions regarding the financial aspect of your big move.
Start Your Senior Living Community Research with PCR
Many senior living communities, especially the more active-lifestyle oriented ones offer comprehensive discovery packages to immerse yourself in the surroundings and get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Others that are more about assisted living and skilled care usually provide all-encompassing tours for potential residents and their family.
Deciding on a senior living community--and making what will probably be one final move--is a life-changing decision. Be sure you do your homework, and if you have questions or need help getting started, head over to PCR to begin your search.
