Choosing the Right Retirement Community

Article submitted by Brenda Dever-Armstrong with Timberhill Retirement Community.
For more information, she can be reached at 210-684-3480.

As senior citizens begin to explore the many retirement living options available today, the choices seem somewhat overwhelming. However, the task of choosing the right retirement community may be much simpler when seniors are armed with some basic information and a check list of desired amenities and services.

The first step in the selection process begins by taking a moment to do a little personal inventory. Reviewing such important characteristics as age, health, marriage and financial status, religious preference, personal interests and even hobbies will help define the type of retirement community suited to an individual's personality and capabilities.

The Independent Living Options: These communities and/or facilities are designed for seniors who are relatively independent both physically and socially. The major benefit seniors enjoy in this type of arrangement is its maintenance-free living. With no house and lawn upkeep, seniors find the freedom in enjoying their "Golden Years." Activities conveniently planned and carried out in Independent Living settings often include crafts, exercise classes, live entertainment, movies, parties, outings and overnight bus trips, each adding a new dimension to the senior's experience. Other maintenance-free amenities include such things as linen service, trash pickup, transportation, and noon meals served in a community dining area. Residents generally choose apartments from one of three floor plans, and have the option to bring in their own furniture or purchase what the facility may offer in its display rooms.

Today some retirement communities are even offering custom homes/cottage style dwellings built on facility grounds.

Some retirement communities also offer Assisted Living and Nursing facilities under one roof. This allows the retirement community to meet the needs of their residents throughout the many stages of Senior Life.

After understanding the basic types of retirement communities and taking stock of personal strengths and weaknesses, it is a good idea to actually visit a variety of facilities. Talk with current residents, site manager, and ask questions that may come to mind and then, revisit, if necessary. Some communities will allow interested seniors to spend the night for a minimal fee to get a "real sense of the place." So, whether the final choice is a facility with a religious affiliation, government subsidized, or is privately owned, remember, taking the time to make such an important decision is time well spent. Choosing the right retirement community goes a long way in making a senior's "Golden Years" truly golden.