Choosing the Right Senior Community for Your Senior Lifestyle

What do you imagine when you think of living in a senior or retirement community? A bunch of “old” people sitting on a porch in rocking chairs? Whoa…that’s not the life for you! You’re still healthy, independent and active, you want more than that. On the other hand, you may be someone who is ready to slow down a bit, and a nice rocking chair sounds pretty good to you.

Everyone has a different idea of what they want from retirement living, whether it’s active, slow paced or somewhere in between….what is your criteria?

Choosing the Community That’s Right For You…

Retirement communities aren’t what they used to be, they are so much more. Today they can accommodate people who are looking for an independent lifestyle, but maybe fewer life responsibilities…such as freeing you from planning and preparing all of your meals to preparing just some of your meals, and no more yard work. In addition you would like social and recreational opportunities. Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you act or want to feel old!

Begin the process of choosing your new community by making a list of the amenities, activities and services you would like available. Then as you begin looking around you will have identified what things you are looking for, and what is important to you.

• One of the biggest considerations is cost, can you afford to live there?
• How convenient is the location to such things as shopping and family?
• What types of onsite medical services are available to you?
• Is there onsite transportation or a convenient bus route?
• Are pets allowed? For many of us, are pets are our families, being separated from them is unacceptable.
• Are there meal plans, and what are they?
• What types of social and physical activities are offered?
• Do they offer continuing education, lectures or presentations, and are there other types of learning or craft opportunities?
• Are there group trips and outings?
• How convenient is it for family members to visit, are overnight visits a possibility?
• Are spiritual services available or convenient?
• What housekeeping services are available?
• How is the security?
• Though you may be independent now, health issues can arise…are there assisted living services?

Ask the questions that are important to you, no matter how probing they may feel…this could be your future home.

It’s also a good idea to get help from an Assisted Living Placement Specialist, who can give you information on locations, amenities and cost…I have several that I work with and would be happy to give you a referral.

Choose 2 or 3 communities as potential residences, then make sure you visit each one.

• It might be a good idea to visit during a meal or a social event. By doing this you will get a first hand experience of the community’s culture and if it would work for you.
• Get references, and talk to some of the residences.

For most people moving into a senior community is a pretty major downsizing move…that alone can be an overwhelming and daunting task. That’s where Smooth Transitions Phoenix East Valley can help…After my clients have made the move and are settled in, I like to touch base with them and make sure they are adjusting to, and happy in their new community. Please feel free to contact me for a list of the communities I work with.

Whether its during the decision making time, the downsizing and organizing, or the packing or unpacking, Smooth Transitions AZ can make it all go smoother…we can help save not only your back and knees, but your relationships too.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASSM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make our client’s move a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior move anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area. We would love to serve you.