Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

Surprising Tips For Choosing A Retirement Community

by Julia Gregory

Not all retirement communities or senior centers are alike, which is why a retired person or couple would do well to start shopping around for such a community long before they decide to move. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the choices presented, and adult children would also do well to consider the variety of options they offer if they're part of the decision making process. Once retirees move into such a community, they probably don't want to move again; taking your time to choose wisely is recommended. Consider some surprising tips in this regard.

1. Remember that you may be paying for activities you might never use

Many senior centers and retirement communities pride themselves on the number of activities they offer to their residents. This can be a good choice if the retirees in question want to participate, but it's also good to look over their list of activities carefully. Are they actually ones that the retiree will enjoy, or will you be paying for activities that don't interest you? Don't make assumptions as to the types of activities they may offer; ask for an actual calendar so you can review these and determine if you're likely to be involved in them.

2. Note if you're expected to participate in decision making for the community

Some retirement communities are much more than simple senior living complexes; they are actual communities who expect their residents to participate in decision making and planning. If you're looking to simply have an age-restricted complex at which to live, be sure you read all the bylaws that come with your purchase agreement and don't get involved with a community that expects more from you than you're willing to give.

3. Note what memberships are mandatory

While some retirement communities may not offer certain activities, they may actually require you to have memberships in certain clubs. They may refer to these as an equity membership or private club membership, and their costs can add quite a bit to the cost of living in the community. Note that these club memberships often have little, if any, resale value if you do decide to move out of the community, so be cautious about choosing these properties for yourself.

4. Never purchase without seeing the list of restrictions

As with condominiums and co-ops, there can be a long list of restrictions that come with a retirement community. Some actually ban cigar smoking and outdoor grills and even talking on your balcony after dark. Don't assume that just because you own your unit that you can enjoy it as you please; be sure you see any list of restrictions before you buy or lease at a retirement community.


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About Me

Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.

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