Navigating Senior Living Options: how do you know if a retirement community is right for you?

If you’ve been exploring options for your future, you may have come across the terms “continuing care retirement community,” “Life Plan” or “full-service retirement community”. This concept in retirement living is based on the idea that, no matter how your situation changes, you’ll have all the support you need to live your fullest life. But is this the route you should go for your next home? You can start by asking yourself a few very important questions.

What are you most looking forward to in your retirement years? Think of those things you wish you had time to do more often. Do you enjoy learning new things? Meeting new people? The right full-service retirement community could be the answer, since enrichment and socialization are part of the community experience.

What will give you peace of mind when it comes to planning for the future? Do you worry that you’ll be a burden to loved ones? Are you concerned about the costs of more advanced care, should you need it? Full-service retirement communities are designed to provide you with the care you need, typically with support in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, and there are often financial advantages to this approach.

What type of setting would you love living in? Do you want to relocate, or do you prefer to stay close to the area you’re living in now? Do you enjoy nature and green spaces? Do you want to be close to cultural activities, restaurants and airports? Think of both your immediate community and the area outside the community.