How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community

As you approach retirement age, you may be considering a move to a community designed specifically for this season of life. Senior living communities are a wonderful option and offer various services and amenities to help you live independently, comfortably, and joyfully throughout your golden years. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one? We’re here to guide you through the process!

For a bit of background, Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC) offers all-inclusive, independent, resort-style living. Our retirement communities are designed to make life worry-free, comfortable, secure, and fun. We know all of the ins and outs of this industry, so we’ve put together a list of important things to consider. We want to be sure you select a retirement community that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle today and for years to come. Let’s get started…

1. Location: One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a retirement senior living community is its location. Think about what matters most to you. Do you want to stay close to your hometown and friends, or are you looking to move to a new, exciting location? Consider factors like climate, proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping centers, golf courses, cultural attractions, and family. If you’re thinking about living at RLC, we have communities nationwide. To see a complete list of our locations, click here.

2. Living Space: Another factor to consider is the type of living space you’d like to have. RLC offers apartments with various floor plans and sizes. Other retirement communities have duplexes, townhomes, and condos. Evaluate these options based on your space, privacy, and design preferences, ensuring the living arrangement suits your lifestyle and comfort.

Amenities & Services: It’s important to know what amenities and services are offered within a retirement community. You’ll want easy access to the things you love most. For instance, do you enjoy gardening, swimming, painting, or taking yoga classes? Many communities will offer fitness centers, gardens, and other exciting amenities. Would you like assistance with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or transportation? These happen to be amenities that are included at RLC. We suggest making a list of your must-haves and prioritizing them when researching. And, consider the quality of the amenities and services offered, as well as the cost and additional fees. We’ll talk more about that in a bit.

Care Options: There is a difference between assisted and independent living, so it’s important to understand what each has to offer. One of the most significant differences is that assisted living is designed for those who cannot safely live alone. Because of this, assisted living facilities offer support with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility. They will have one or more full-time medical personnel, such as certified nursing assistants, trained to meet older adults' needs. However, this staff isn’t typically available around the clock like in a traditional nursing home. 

Independent living is for seniors who want to continue to live an independent lifestyle, with added perks that make life more comfortable and convenient. RLC is independent senior living and offers all the luxuries you’d expect: beautiful accommodations, resort-style dining, around-the-clock concierge services, housekeeping, a fitness center, a travel program, and much more. And should the need arise for additional support, you have the freedom to contract with your choice of home health provider.

Full Cost: You’ll want to understand the full financial aspects of the retirement community. Ask about the pricing structure and what is included in the monthly fees. Ensure you have a clear picture of your budget and how the costs will fit into your financial plan. Many communities will have hefty upfront fees, so you will want to know what that looks like. At RLC, we don’t charge a buy-in fee. We just have a simple all-inclusive monthly cost that covers everything from rent and utilities to food and transportation. These are things to keep in mind as you’re researching and comparing costs!

Reputation & Reviews: Research the reputation of the retirement community by reading online reviews, talking to current residents, and visiting the community in person. A positive reputation and satisfied residents indicate a well-managed and enjoyable retirement community. RLC, for example, takes pride in providing a high level of customer satisfaction and happiness among its residents. Each of our communities has a vibrant Facebook presence, where you can see what’s happening and what residents and their families have to say about their experiences! You can also check out our corporate Facebook page for reviews: 

Safety and Security: This is paramount when choosing a retirement senior living community. Ensure the community you select has appropriate security measures, such as secure access, emergency response systems, and staff trained to handle medical emergencies. At RLC, we have live-in managers and on-site staff that assists through a 24/7 emergency call system for added peace of mind.

Availability of Pets: Pets offer so many health benefits. In addition to being great companions, they’re great for boosting physical activity and reducing your risk of developing certain illnesses. Whether you’ve had pets in the past or not, now could be a great time to consider adopting one. And, you’ll want to be sure your living situation is pet-friendly. If you’re wondering, RLC does allow furry family members to move with you - with no extra fees!

Visiting and Personal Assessment: Before making your final decision, it’s a great idea to visit each of the retirement communities you're considering. This will allow you to see firsthand the facilities, meet the staff, and interact with current residents. Pay attention to the atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall community vibe. If you’re thinking about visiting RLC, we would love to have you. Simply find a location near you to book a private tour. 

Choosing the right retirement senior living community is a significant decision that can impact your retirement years. We encourage you to ask lots of questions throughout the process so you feel good about your ultimate decision. Please know we’re always here to help, and we wish you the best as you embark on your retirement journey!