We all want to experience a relaxing and enjoyable retirement, but failing to plan ahead can cause older adults to miss out on the carefree retirement they deserve. Here are three ways to get started today.
Start researching well in advance
Many older adults don’t leave their longtime homes until their eighties, at which point they may be rushed to move into a retirement community due to illness or another emergency situation. Families can avoid this problem be researching retirement villages well in advance and before an emergency occurs. A simple online search for nearby retirement villages can be a helpful start to your research process.
Understand future health care needs
When it comes to planning for retirement, it’s important to consider your loved one’s future health needs. While many older adults want to live at home for as long as possible, living alone can pose serious health and security threats over time. As you start researching retirement living options, consider the benefits of a retirement village that offers a continuum of care. A continuing care retirement community offers living options at every level of care, from independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, all within the same community. This way, it’s easy to transition through the continuum of living options as your care needs change.
Take a tour
Once you’ve begun researching retirement communities, it’s often helpful to take a tour of campuses. On your tour, you can get a better feel for the community, sample the dining options, learn about activities and clubs, and even get feedback from other residents. You will also have the chance to meet with a senior living consultant to discuss living options and financial concerns. With so many choices, there’s bound to be a retirement living option that fits your desired lifestyle!
