subject: Senior Communities - Choose Carefully For A Lasting Move [print this page] Living facilities especially designed with senior citizens in mind are gaining ground with the retired crowd. These days senior citizens want to spend their retirement years relaxing and enjoying their favorite hobbies and sports rather than mowing the lawn and keeping up with home maintenance. Senior communities help senior citizen downsize to a secure building or neighborhood where they don't have to worry about building and landscaping upkeep. Though most have condos or apartments with full kitchens and living areas, the complex usually has one or more restaurant style dining options. They also offer emergency medical response in case of accident or illness.
Some senior communities have activities for groups or individuals. These vary from complex to complex. Some fill days with endless generic activities or entertainment. Others find out the interests of the residents and provide targeted activities that appeal to the desires of the specific residents. Some apartment buildings or communities have in house salons, business centers, libraries, game rooms, computer rooms, or cafe/coffee houses. Often designed to be within walking distance of shopping and entertainment, many complexes also provide group transportation to concerts, shopping, tea rooms, or other urban delights.
Some communities are close to golf courses, tennis courts, or swimming pools for more active guests. However, outdoor enjoyment does not have to be strenuous. Beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens are almost always included for the enjoyment of the residents. Some facilities located in forested surroundings have the added benefit of wildlife. Birds chirping, squirrels frolicking, and gentle deer walking on the lawn provide entertainment to the watching residents. Finding the right senior living home is a matter of searching senior communities for the one that offers the amenities you are interested in.
Another factor to consider is the amenities or assistance you may need in the future. Having to move often because you need a little help with things like housekeeping, laundry, or medications is never fun. It is especially hard when you have connected with a community of neighbors. Some senior communities offer tiers of service, so levels of assisted living are available when you need them. Talk to the current residents and see how happy, or unhappy, they are with facility, staff, and services. See how the staff treats the residents. Several complexes allow short term trial stays to try out the facility before a permanent move in. It's important to research such a major move thoroughly to avoid mistakes.
