Retirement comes with a long list of new opportunities and possibilities. You have a new level of freedom from the working world. That means you can slow down and take life at a more leisurely pace than you did beforehand. On the other hand, if you prefer, you can pick up the pace and start traveling, trying new hobbies, developing new skills, and exploring new interests. The choice is yours, and there’s really no wrong answer here.
Aside from those aspects, you’ll need to think about senior living arrangements. Several types of communities are designed around seniors’ needs, and each one caters to a specific range of requirements. Take a look at the following options to give you an idea of what each one has to offer and which one might be the best fit for you.
Assisted Living Communities
One common option for seniors is assisted living. These communities allow residents to maintain their freedom as much as possible. At the same time, they offer care and assistance as needed. Caregivers can help with personal care, meal preparation, mobility issues, medication management, and a range of other needs. Medical care and transportation are also readily available. Residents have access to numerous amenities as well, including restaurant-style dining, salons, fitness programs, social events, and enrichment classes to name a few.
Independent Living Communities
If you’re a healthy, active senior who doesn’t need help with everyday activities, an independent living community may be a better fit. These communities offer freedom and independence with assistance and medical care available should you need them. As is the case with assisted living communities, you’ll have access to a vast range of services and amenities. Housekeeping, home and yard maintenance, and other responsibilities will be taken care of for you as well, so you won’t have to worry about them.
Memory Care
For those who’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a memory care community is a more suitable choice. Caregivers at memory care communities have specialized training to assist with the unique needs of people with these conditions. These communities also offer special programs and therapies for their residents to help prevent cognitive decline, isolation, nutritional deficiencies, and other issues that often come with dementia. Residents are closely monitored, and as their conditions progress, caregivers adapt to their changing needs.
Life Plan Communities
That brings us to life plan communities, also know as continuing care retirement communities. These communities offer an alternative to aging in place for people who know their needs will change over time. If you need little or no assistance with daily activities right now but you anticipate physical or cognitive decline moving forward, this may be the best option. As your needs evolve, the level of care you receive at a life plan community will follow suit. Along the way, you’ll have all of the services and amenities that are available at other types of retirement living communities.
Choosing Your Senior Living Arrangements
Think about your life at present and how it may change in the future. Each of the retirement living options listed here is designed around different potential needs. Matching your lifestyle, medical and physical needs, and potential future developments to the services and amenities mentioned above will help you find the right fit for your golden years. No matter what you have in mind, there’s a senior living community that can bring your visions to life.
