How to Choose the Right Retirement Housing
Active Adult Communities and Assisted Care During the Golden Years
Apr 14, 2009
In the past, retirees had two basic options for retirement housing: live solo or in a nursing home. Today, a far greater range of living options is available to seniors including independent living arrangements, assisted care facilities, and resort-style active adult communities. And with many seniors thriving well into their 70s, active lifestyles have made retirement a far less stressful transition, opening the doors to a wide range of retirement lifestyle choices.
Consider Retirement Lifestyles and Health Needs
Selecting a place to live in retirement should be treated just as any other real estate decision. Some independent-minded retirees choose houses in the suburbs, while others choose a condo in a beachside retirement community. Some have a strong desire for socialization, while others are more reserved. Still others have health needs that require around-the-clock care. All these factors should be taken into consideration when deciding upon retirement housing.
Retirement Homes for Seniors
Retirees need to take a close look at their finances before they decide on where to live. Is that luxury retirement community affordable? Or should they stay in their home which is already paid off? Or maybe it is more important to live in a retirement community for 24/7 access to healthcare? Here are some housing options seniors may want to consider:
- Independent Living Communities. Like active adult retirement communities, independent living communities provide retirees with independent living in houses, townhouses, condos, or apartments with other seniors. Independent Living is an umbrella term for housing communities designed specifically for those 55 and older.
- Active Adult Retirement Communities. These retirement communities provide not simply a place to live for seniors, but also a wealth of activities including golfing, boating, walking/hiking trails, swimming, working out, and tennis. Many active adult retirement communities also feature a country club. Living is independent with a strong focus on socialization and physical activity.
- Assisted Living Retirement Communities. Unlike active adult retirement communities, assisted living communities combine housing and healthcare to respond to the special health needs of seniors. Assisted living provides seniors the help they need to carry on their activities of daily life. Living is independent, but with help when the person needs it.
- Alzheimers Care Centers. This retirement housing option specializes in providing care for those with Alzheimer’s Disease, a degenerative brain disorder that effects memory and cognition.
- Continuing Care Communities. Continuing Care communities are a sort of mix between independent living, assisted living, and hospice care. Seniors living in a continuing care community can receive the desired level of support based on current needs.
Bottom Line on Choosing the Right Retirement Housing
Choosing a place to live during retirement has many emotional considerations as well as considerations regarding health, finances, and socialization in the Golden Years. Once seniors understand the housing options available to them, they can choose their retirement housing based on activities, socialization, and access to healthcare among other factors important to their health and happiness.
See related articles, “How to Keep the Mind Sharp During Retirement,” “How to Deal With the Emotion of Retirement," and "Best Towns for Baby Boomer Retirements.”
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