Selecting one depends on a number of crucial considerations.
Are you considering a senior adult community, even though you’re not yet retired? The terms “senior” or “retirement” can be misleading. Often, as in the case of Lake Gibson Village, residents may not actually be retired. Many of these communities provide a variety of housing options catering to adult residents, allowing you to choose from independent-living or assisted-living apartments.
There are many questions to ask and considerations to weigh when looking for the right senior adult, retirement or assisted-living community.
1) Assess your situation. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you pay someone to clean your home and provide yard services?
- Do you use all the space in your home?
- Do you wish you had amenities like a local gym nearer to your home?
- Do you want a more carefree lifestyle, one that’s free from cleaning gutters, taking out trash and washing windows?
- Are you lonely?
- Do you rely on others for transportation?
- Do you live near people who can help you in the event of an injury or illness?
- Would it give you peace of mind to move into an environment that provides the ongoing resources and services you need to live a happy, healthy and secure life?
2) Research senior adult communities online. Make a list of the things you absolutely must have and the things that are not necessary but would be nice to have. Make a list of advantages and disadvantages of each community — from location to amenities like a hair salon to services offered like chef-prepared meals. Questions to ask the community’s management team include:
- Are meals provided? How often are meals served?
- What kinds of activities are offered?
- Can I have a car? Is transportation offered?
- Can I have a pet?
- Are overnight guests permitted?
- Are there laundry facilities?
- Is there a fitness center? Are exercise classes offered?
- Is there an option to move into assisted living when necessary?
3) Schedule a tour. Once you narrow down your list, take a tour of each one and get to know the people and location. Do residents seem friendly and involved? Does the staff seem helpful and kind? At Lake Gibson Village, we understand the benefits of staying socially active for our residents. When you move to our senior adult community, you’ll find a variety of fun, enriching programs, events and outings, beautiful grounds and common areas to enjoy, and access to health and wellness programs.
4) Determine your budget. A senior adult retirement community may seem expensive, but remember, you will no longer have your house expenses or any services you use, such as paying a housekeeper, your gym membership or lawn service. Make sure you understand what all the fees are in the senior adult community.
These are just a few factors to consider when choosing a senior adult community. What’s most important is for you to determine your priorities, and then keep them in mind as you research potential communities.