Important Things to Know About Retirement Communities

Also referred to as a life plan community, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers everything that older adults need during various stages of aging. These communities address seniors' unique needs after retirement, such as housekeeping, transport, meals, fitness, and wellness programs. Below are important things you might not know about CCRCs.

Couples and Pets Are Welcome

Even couples that have lived together and aged together won't develop the same conditions or have the exact same needs. The declining health of one partner shouldn't be a cause for separation, and many retirement communities accept and accommodate couples.
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If one partner is in good health, but the other suffers a stroke or develops a chronic condition, caring for their partner might prove difficult. Juggling between doctor's visits, timing medications, providing personal care, and maintaining the house is overwhelming, and might lead to isolation and the onset of health problems.

If sending your spouse to a retirement facility alone isn't appealing, most facilities have options that allow couples to share with the residence while receiving care and assistance. Most retirement communities have one and two-bedroom units with different floor plans for couples.

Similarly, pets are also welcomed to these centers. Generally, animals help reduce stress and blood pressure while increasing physical activity and social interactions for old adults.​

You Can Customize Your Experience

Most retirement communities don't provide a general experience to all residents. Instead, you get to choose the level of care based on your unique needs. At Riverview Retirement Community, residents can choose between:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Memory care

Independence is best for aging citizens who want to live a free life after retirement. Here, you won't have to worry about maintaining your house or yard. Seniors who need assistance with their daily activities can choose assisted living options. Facility staff provides care and assistance according to your needs. Memory care is best for old adults who need compassionate care.
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The benefit of choosing a community with all levels of care is that you won't have to move if your status changes. For instance, suppose you chose the independent living option on admission, but your health condition changes some years later, necessitating assisted living services, you will get these services within the community.

Senior Living Isn't What You Think

​Most people mistake retirement communities for nursing homes. Unknown to them, retirement communities and senior apartments are far from their antiquated misconceptions. Modern retirement communities are designed to meet aging adults' physical, emotional, mental, and social needs.
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This loosely translates to beautiful décor, good meals, exercising opportunities, professional staff, onsite entertainment, and endless opportunities of connecting with peers. A recent report concluded that seniors consider the quality of services when choosing a retirement community. Fortunately, this is what current retirement communities focus on.

Endnote

​Whether you are looking for perfect retirement ideas for you, your spouse, or your parents, which allow them to maintain their independence, retirement communities are an ideal solution. These facilities also care for seniors who need assisted living services, memory issues, such as dementia, and other old-age associated conditions.