When choosing an active senior living community, look at various options. List personal wants and needs, and consider the community’s location, services and amenities. Visit a community on multiple days to get the best lifestyle feel there. Ask for a copy of the current calendar to see available activities.
Cost
For those who don’t require the daily assistance of higher levels of care but would like to have their home maintenance, cooking and yard work taken care of, an active senior community may be the perfect choice. These communities are equipped to provide on-campus long-term care and nursing services if needed but usually do not charge a buy-in fee like CCRCs. Look for a community like Westminster Communities that offers amenities and perks specifically tailored to the needs of seniors, such as wellness centers with state-of-the-art equipment, yoga classes, and personal gardening plots. Also, be sure to consider the cost of living in each location.
Community Reputation
Word of mouth plays a key role in community reputation. If a senior is satisfied with their living experience, they’re likelier to leave positive reviews online and recommend the community to others. Many communities also have faith-based affiliations with a particular church or religion. These can offer additional services and programs rooted in that faith tradition. Finally, it’s important to consider a community’s long-term healthcare options. For example, some independent living communities are part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). These allow residents to move from an independent lifestyle into on-site assisted living and memory care as their needs change.
Community Amenities
When choosing a senior living community, residents seek amenities that will make their lives more comfortable. This includes the availability of on-site services such as housekeeping and restaurant-style dining. Many communities also offer pools, sophisticated fitness equipment, and gardens. Some communities even have golf courses, which are particularly popular among retirees. If you’re searching for a retirement community, consider making appointments to visit multiple locations. Just as you did when you chose a college, it’s important to see a community more than once to ensure it feels right.
Community Environment
The culture of an active senior living community can greatly impact how you feel about life there. Consider this process similar to choosing a college and visiting neighborhoods to see if the atmosphere and culture appeal to you. Some 55+ communities are age-restricted, but others are open to people of all ages. Some are outfitted with senior-supportive amenities, like pools and fitness centers, while others may host activities for a wide range of ages. Regardless of what you choose, ensure that the community meets your needs.
Community Activities
Whether you enjoy volunteering or want to be more involved, an active senior living community will provide plenty of opportunities. You can help clean elderly neighbors’ driveways, host a blood drive, or help with neighborhood cleanup after natural disasters. Ask about community programming and the social calendar when touring communities. Explore various options, including educational lectures, trivia, fitness classes, and art activities.
Some communities are also faith-based, offering onsite religious services. Ask about this, especially if it is important to you or your loved one. Also, check out if they have a benevolence fund that helps residents with unexpected expenses.
Community Dining
The location is as important as the amenities and services offered when finding an active senior living community. Some communities near cities have easy access to entertainment, shopping and dining options. In contrast, others are situated in quiet towns with a network of walking trails and quaint coffee shops. If cooking is not a priority for you, consider the food services offered in the community. Is it restaurant-style dining with chefs and waitstaff or cafeteria-style food? Both have their benefits but may not be what you’re used to. Please find out more about the community’s food service by visiting them several times on different days of the week.
