| Retirement communities can combine independent | | | | where you can get a higher level of care. If you stay |
| living with professional healthcare, a wide range of | | | | in your current home, or move somewhere that |
| amenities and the opportunity to live within a | | | | does not have as much professional help available, |
| community of retirees. Living in a retirement | | | | you could end up having to move later on. By taking |
| community is like living in any small community, but | | | | the decision into your hands now, you can take the |
| with the added benefits that come from living in an | | | | time to make the right choice for you. Retirement |
| environment that has been designed with the retiree | | | | communities that offer both active and supported |
| in mind. | | | | care can be a good idea for couples who need |
| Different retirement communities offer different living | | | | different levels of care. |
| environments and facilities. They often have | | | | Location is also important, particularly if you want to |
| swimming pools, exercise and art classes, craft | | | | be near your family. Other factors that should be |
| making areas and a selection of clubs. There are | | | | considered are the quality of the community and its |
| usually a number of organized social activities, as well | | | | cost. |
| as informal spaces where you can meet the other | | | | It is always a good idea to visit the community |
| residents. | | | | before you commit to it. This will let you get a feel |
| Some retirement communities offer a range of | | | | for the place and meet some of the current |
| different levels of health and personal care, from | | | | residents. If you cannot go there yourself then you |
| independent living within the community to on-site | | | | may be able to get a friend or relative to take a look |
| nursing homes. Some specialize in active living, while | | | | around for you and bring back plenty of photos. |
| others cater for residents who need more support. | | | | Make a list of questions that you have or things you |
| There are also mixed communities. Professional care | | | | would like to look at before you go. A list ensures |
| services can include assistance taking medication, an | | | | that you don't forget anything that is important to |
| escort for outdoor walking, or help around the house | | | | you. |
| and with meals. Unlike in a retirement home, care is | | | | If you are looking at retirement communities on |
| tailored for the individual and someone can be there | | | | behalf of a relative, you should consider the same |
| at any hour of the day or night if you need them. | | | | factors. It is a good idea to discuss the matter |
| Choosing a community that will be able to support | | | | thoroughly with your relative and get an idea of what |
| your healthcare needs, even if your needs are | | | | type of place they would like to live in, as well as the |
| greater in the future, can be a good idea. This allows | | | | activities and amenities that they would like to have |
| you to stay among the friends that you have made | | | | available in their new home. |
| rather than having to uproot yourself again to go | | | | |