As many older adults approach retirement, they often consider moving into a retirement community due to the numerous benefits, amenities, and supporting services provided. Retirement communities in the U.S. present an opportunity to live amongst peers while enjoying these features. However, to determine the right fit, familiarity tours of these facilities are highly recommended.
Proper research is a crucial part of this process, including devising a comprehensive list of questions related to services, costs, healthcare provision, and other factors that can provide a clearer picture of the community's offerings. Many potential retirees neglect this important step, resulting in a lack of crucial information about the environment they may soon live in.
As recommended by Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert and Editor at SeniorLiving.org, reservations about hidden fees and an understanding of which services are included in the basic monthly charges are key. It's not uncommon for retirement communities to advertise a variety of attractive amenities and services, some of which may incur additional charges.
When touring a potential retirement community, try to engage with residents and learn from their personal experiences. Current residents can potentially provide an unbiased outlook on the pros and cons of living in the community. Future neighbors can offer insights about daily life within the community, creating a broader perspective than the staff might provide.
Dining options are another critical decision factor. During your tour, inspect the residential dining facilities and request to dine with the current residents. This practice grants an insight into the food quality, accommodation of dietary restrictions, and overall ambience of communal dining.
If social activities and community engagement are important to you, make a list of desired activities and ask your tour guide how regularly these events occur. Request to see the social calendar and understand the level of resident involvement.
Understanding provisions for healthcare and medical services is another critical aspect to consider. The extent of on-site services can greatly influence the levels of convenience and care you'll receive. Consider if they offer a wellness center for regular health checks or a continuous care system that covers various levels of care needs.
Is the community you're scrutinizing the right fit? Answering this requires consideration of both your current lifestyle and future needs. Michael Smith, a Managing Director for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, advises visitors to assess the atmosphere and culture, financial policies, and reputation of the community, including online reviews.
As highlighted by Meagan Buckley, CEO of Wake Robin, a crucial aspect of this decision often comes down to a subjective, personal "gut feeling" of identifying a potential future home. Remember, a retirement community tour brims with crucial decision-making factors - make a note of questions and observations, which will aid in evaluating if a particular community aligns with your preferences.