Senior Retirement Living Overview...
What Should You Do?

Senior retirement living involves a myriad of choices, decisions

And not just retirement investing, or saving for retirement, or basic retirement planning. Retirement options also may mean choosing senior retirement communities, whether active adult communities or assisted living.

(The word "senior" nowadays, of course, can mean anyone over age 50 or 55!) Many seniors opt to stay in their current homes. Others prefer retirement communities, either renting or buying. These can include condo living, buying into co-op housing, senior apartments, or independent living within a continuation of care community. For those experiencing more serious elderly issues, long term care options are assisted living, nursing home, memory care, some which include congregate living.

But first it's always important to clarify what you really want and what your needs and goals are. There are specific questions to ask yourself or your loved one before any decisions are made regarding either a newly-retired or elderly living strategy.

Your Current Home:

…Do you currently live in your own home.

…Is your mortgage paid in full.

…Are you able to afford the property taxes, home insurance, etc.

…Does the layout of the home and its size suit you.

…Are you able to manage the stairs, if any.

…Are you able to maintain your current home, inside and out.

…Is having your own property important to you.

…Or has it become too expensive.

…What is your current budget.

…Would you consider a reverse mortgage.

…If you home is suitable now, how long do you think you can remain there.

Relocating:

…Have you looked at retirement locations. Favorite retirement living communities are in Arizona, California, Florida, North and South Carolina, New Mexico, Alabama.

…Consider how far away you would be from family and friends – a strong support system is important as we age.

…Do you know what the cost of living would be if you move.

…What is the availability of senior medical care and other elderly services.

…How often have you visited this retirement location – in what seasons.

…If you do move, consider renting before you buy.

Special Needs:

…Do you have health issues that demand a change of climate.

…Do you or your spouse have special medical needs, or disabilities.

…Does one of you require special accommodations, but the other does not need them.

…Do you have a pet, and do you intend to keep it.

…What about opportunities for elderly activities.

These are just a few of the questions needed to make an adequate assessment for senior retirement living.


More information on senior retirement living:

Independent Retirement Living Communities. -- Retirement living communities and their options vary widely. This page provides overall descriptions of types of retirement communities. It will give you a head start of additional info to your own research into any individual community you are considering. This will give you an idea of what you may expect.
Senior Retirement Communities - Long Term Care. -- Senior retirement communities can also mean long term care. And sometimes one spouse may have special needs; whereas, the other does not. How do you sort it all out when the time comes? Our guidelines will give you some tips.
Important Co-op Housing Hints -- Not all coop housing is created equal. Ever been curious about what it’s about? Before you get into anything, here are some serious issues you should know about.

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For more resources, also see:
Senior independent living at Seabridge Bathing.
RetirementHomes.com Your Guide to Retirement Homes and Retirement Living.