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As senior citizens begin to explore the many retirement living options available today, the choices may seem somewhat overwhelming. However, the task of choosing the right retirement community becomes much simpler when seniors are armed with some basic information and a check list of desired amenities.
The first step in the selection process begins by taking a moment to do a little personal inventory. Reviewing such important characteristic as age, health, marriage and financial status, religious preference, personal interests and even hobbies will help define the type of retirement community best suited to an individual’s personality and capabilities.
The Independent Living Option: 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 to truly enjoy 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 meal served in a common dining area. Residents generally choose apartments from one of three floor plans, and have the option of bringing their own furniture of purchasing what the facility may offers in it display rooms.
Today some retirement communities are even offering custom homes built on facility grounds. Many senior couples are opting for this type of arrangement, finding it meets their current needs with greater accuracy.
The Assisted Living Option: These facilities range in size from small home-style settings to large full scale facilities. The idea behind Assisted Living is to provide specific retirement options for seniors who need more assistance than those in Independent Living Communities, but less than those in a Nursing Facility. The services typically include help with meals, bathing, dressing and other routine daily needs, while at the same time promoting as independent a life-style as the resident’s limitations allow.
Nursing Facilities: These facilities provide 24 hour a day skilled nursing care with physical and mental rehabilitation programs generally on site. Assistance with eating, bathing, grooming and continence care is provided as well as a certified staff to dispense medications. Generally an activity director is employed at such facilities to implement light activities and programs for residents who are capable of participating.
The Total Package: In the past, more often than not, these three types of retirement living options were separate entities. Today, however, more and more retirement communities are providing all three services 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 weakness, it is a good idea to actually visit a variety of facilities. Talk with current residents, ask the site manager any questions that may come to mind and revisit if necessary. Some communities will even 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 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.
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