Visiting multiple retirement communities is essential in making your retirement dream come true. It is wise to see at different times of the year because a community can have a completely different feel on a Saturday afternoon than on a Wednesday morning.
Also, consider how close the community is to doctor’s offices, hospitals, and veterinary clinics (if you have pets). Loneliness can negatively impact your health.
Table of Contents
Location
Location is critical when choosing a community for those not driving themselves in retirement. If a retiree needs to be near healthcare, shopping, or entertainment, these locations must be within comfortable walking distance or accessible by shuttle service.
Visiting family members should also be close, which benefits emotional and mental health. For this reason, many people live in retirement communities close to their families, which allows them to enjoy frequent visits from children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. Similarly, being near a veterinarian clinic is essential if a retiree has a pet. Considering the distance to doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other emergency services is also helpful. Lastly, consider the proximity of grocery stores and other shops that may be needed regularly. Having these amenities nearby will help make the transition to retirement living seamless.
Amenities
A retirement community’s amenities can also make a big difference in whether it fits you. Do they have a swimming pool, fitness center, and plenty of outdoor space? What about libraries, game rooms, and more?
Visiting a community like Cambridge Village Senior Living multiple times will help you get a feel for what life is like within that community. It’s also a good idea to find out how far away doctors, hospitals, and veterinary clinics are. It’s important to consider how long you want to drive for routine doctor visits and emergencies.
If you plan to take up a new hobby full-time in retirement, look for communities with spaces where artistic recreation, crafts, and other passions can thrive. Many top independent living communities have such facilities, connecting you with others who share your interests. You’ll also want to ensure your family and friends can visit whenever they wish. Some communities restrict visits, so it’s essential to determine if that’s an issue for you.
Convenience
The location of the retirement community is vital, especially for seniors who choose to give up their cars. The retirement home should be within comfortable walking distance to local activities, beauty salons, restaurants, libraries, shopping and continuing education opportunities, entertainment, and cultural outings.
It is also essential for a retirement community to be located near healthcare facilities and everyday essential services such as grocery stores, banks, and post offices. If you have pets, make sure that the community is pet-friendly.
Finally, consider how close the retirement community is to family and friends who might visit occasionally. Loneliness can hurt and negatively impact health, so being close to loved ones can help you stay healthy and happy. You should also research the building company to find out if they have developed other retirement communities in the area and what their reputation is like. Then, you can decide if this community is right for you.
Security
Many retirees want to craft the retirement they have always dreamed of, a place where they can socialize and spend quality time with family. That’s why it is essential to take the time to tour communities and list the things that are must-haves and those that you are flexible with.
It’s also important to consider the safety features of each community. For example, does the community have excellent access inside with wide doors and stairlifts? Are there medical facilities nearby that offer a variety of specialists? If not, does the retirement community have on-site medical care?
Once you have listed potential locations, scheduling tours to experience each one firsthand is essential. That’s why having a list of questions to ask during the time will help you narrow down your options even more and find your perfect home. Visiting different retirement communities can feel overwhelming, but having the correct information can make the process much easier.
Also read – Top Considerations for Boutique Retirement Communities