One of the most significant concerns for aging seniors is related to finding a good retirement community that offers the environment they need. The new generations of seniors live longer than before and are significantly more active – which is great. However, sooner or later, some of them are going to realize that their home became too big for them and they cannot cope with housekeeping and maintenance requirements; or that there are too many stairs to climb, every day. These are only a couple of situations that could make a senior consider other living arrangements.
Retirement communities are one of the best options for people who are not in need of assisted living and prefer to remain independent, although there is also the possibility to opt for a form of assisted living, provided by home care agencies. Proactively, you may also want to look for a retirement community that offers transition to nursing home Odessa TX facility care as well.
What is a retirement community?
Retirement communities are housing complexes or residential communities designed for aging seniors. They come in many types and sizes, but the main characteristic is their ability to provide an environment that meets the needs of older people.
These communities are typically located in the suburbs of metro areas and welcome people aged 55+ (but only one member of the household is required to qualify). They are nice, safe and private, with accessible homes and small yards, easy to tend. There are homeowner’s associations and the money from the fees is used to handle maintenance and pay for various amenities.
Some retirement communities have one or more of the following amenities: golf courses, libraries, swimming pools, tennis courts, billiard rooms, fitness centers, arts& crafts rooms, media centers etc. They have evolved a lot into places where retirement is actually active and pleasant. Some of them even became resort-like communities.
The benefits of living in a retirement community include
- having a comfortable, single-story home, that you can access very easily, even if you have troubles with the knees and aching bones
- living in a peaceful neighborhood, with no screaming children or noisy teenagers around
- aging in a place where you can remain active and which allows you to continue working, if this is what you want
Buying a home in a place like this is like buying a regular home; the procedures are the same.
If you want to find a good retirement community, there are a few important things to look for.
First, the costs that also include membership fees and monthly charges for different variables such as health care. There are also the taxes, although some of the regular payments may be tax-deductible. Take time to visit several communities and see what they have to offer in terms of living environments amenities, resident control and health arrangements.
Make sure to know your priorities. Some people prefer a certain climate; others want to live in a community that allows them easy access to theater, opera or other city events; some would like to keep taking part in sport and outdoor activities.
Last but not least, you should know that not all retirement communities are pet-friendly, so if you have a furry companion, make sure to find a good place for both of you.