When it comes to searching for a retirement community, there are many different reasons people choose to make the move. For some, it’s a practical decision of no longer needing—or wanting to maintain—a large, single-family home. For others, it’s a desire to be closer to family while ensuring that family doesn’t have to worry about their health and safety as they age. Sometimes, it’s the children looking for a long-term plan for aging parents. Whatever the case, the search is never easy, and oftentimes, simply knowing how to start is the hardest part. As you begin your search, here are five things to keep in mind.
Location
Location is a key piece of any moving decision. If you’re planning to settle in a different area altogether to be closer to family, you’ll likely want to be in close proximity to them. But for many, the decision to move into a 55+ community comes with the desire to do so in an area that has relative familiarity. Either way, location should be the first consideration in your search. Set your search radius and look for communities within it to start.
Once you find available communities, consider their location to nearby amenities, such as grocery stores, churches, and recreation activities that are part of your regular routine.
Timing
As is often the case, timing is everything. If you’re looking without an urgent need, you may be able to wait until the right unit becomes available, and it isn’t irregular for that to be the case. If you have a more immediate need to make the move, your choices may be a bit more limited, both in terms of community and dwelling type. As you enter your initial discussions, ask about availability early on.
Leadership and community ownership
There are a variety of 55+ communities throughout the DMV. Some operate independently, while others are part of a larger brand with multiple locations. Both come with advantages, and you’ll find every company has its own history and values.
As you begin your search, take the time to understand who runs the community and explore things like whether it’s a not-for-profit or for profit, along with key values and priorities. While these may not be immediately visible when you visit, they will undoubtedly affect your day-to-day experience as a resident.
Continuity
One of the common reasons people move to a 55+ community is the opportunity to age in place. However, not all communities offer a continuum of care. If continuity of service is important to you, make sure to explore varying levels of care available in a given community during your search. You’ll find that some communities focus more on amenities and social clubs, while others may offer extended services like memory care and hospice.
Activity and lifestyle
While some adults look for a retirement community for healthcare purposes, many are looking to begin the next chapter of their lives and want an active social calendar with a range of activities. Consider the overall “vibe” of each community and how it maps to the lifestyle you want to live as you move. There is truly something for everyone in the grand scheme of retirement communities, so take care to find the right fit for you.
