RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Make life easier for yourself, or find the care your loved one needs, from active living to nursing care, a retirement community could be the right path.

What is a Retirement

Community?

Retirement communities are designed to help retirees relax, flourish, and enjoy life. The options found here will

accommodate a wide spectrum of wants and needs: from the active weekly tennis player searching for an easier

lifestyle, to those needing a bit more help while living with the challenge of declining abilities.

Active Living Communities

Active adult living communities are low-maintenance residences, often found in planned neighborhoods, designed for people at or nearing retirement age. They offer services and amenities aimed at giving residents a more carefree lifestyle. These communities are usually managed by a homeowners’ association.

What Do Active Adult Living Communities Look Like?

Active adult living communities are often a neighborhood of single story homes with a variety of amenities and well-groomed landscapes. Many are gated, with security guards and 24-hour surveillance systems, allowing residents to travel for long periods of time without concern of home safety or home maintenance.

Types of homes in these communities can vary in size and price point by neighborhood, and can include one or any of a combination of these styles:

o Sprawling custom-built homes with first floor living

o Single story cottages

o Condominiums

o Duplexes

o Townhouses with a downstairs master

Amenities vary by neighborhood, and may include:

o Swimming pools

o Golf courses

o Clubhouses

o Recreation centers

o Walking, jogging, and biking paths

o Pickleball Courts

o Tennis Courts

In addition to neighborhood activities, communities are often located near shopping centers, libraries, hospitals, pharmacies, and churches to foster a walkable lifestyle. Many also offer shuttle buses going to and from shopping areas.

What Is It Like to Live in an Active Adult Community?

While active adult communities may feel almost resort-like, especially since yardwork isn’t a concern, residents typically maintain their interior spaces, cook their own meals, and run their own errands. Some communities will offer housekeeping and butler services, while others are appropriate for the more price-conscious consumer. Some residents choose to work full- or part-time.

Lifestyle

Without having to worry about yardwork or exterior maintenance, residents have the freedom to pursue their own hobbies and interests. Many communities offer social activities such as:

o Cooking classes

o Arts and crafts sessions

o Book clubs

o Card tournaments

o Exercise groups

o Travel groups

Active adult communities aim to foster a social environment, regularly offering planned social events and gatherings. Many neighborhoods accommodate a variety of communal spaces, which can be made available to residents (though sometimes a small fee will apply). And because these communities are filled with residents of similar lifestyles and interests, friendships often form easily. Furthermore, outside friends and family can come by at any time.

Services

Since active adult communities are designed for the comfort and leisure of their residents, many services related to homeownership are covered in the monthly homeowners’ fee; these are typically higher than a single-family community HOA fee.

The services covered may vary, but generally include:

o Trash and recycling pickup

o Exterior home maintenance

o Lawn care

o Security and surveillance

o Cable or satellite TV

o Wi-Fi

o Transportation

Cost of Active Adult Communities

The cost of active adult communities can vary greatly among neighborhoods. Similar to conventional real estate, these factors are often based on:

o Community location

o Location of the residence within the community

o Type and size of residence

o Amenities

Whether accommodations are shared or private. When evaluating whether a neighborhood is a good fit, it may be helpful to review the covenants and historical board meeting minutes. These documents will provide insight to the priorities of the community board, and the culture they are facilitating. Reviewing the financials of their reserve fund and ongoing operating cost may also be insightful.

Questions to Ask When Researching Active Adult Communities

o Are there a variety of floor plans within the community?

o What activities and social clubs are available?

o What other amenities are offered?

o Is everything included with the cost, or is there any à la carte pricing?

o What is the surrounding area like?

o How close is the community to places you frequent, like church, gym, or family?

o What is the monthly HOA fee, and what services does it cover?

o How frequently does the fee schedule increase? Are there any anticipated special assessments planned in the next two years?

o What is the resale process?

Is an Active Adult Community Right for Me?

Consider the following statements:

o I am in good health and completely independent

o I like having my own living space

o I want a home that’s easier to maintain than where I am now

o I want to live in a community with people my own age

o I would like to travel for long stretches of time, and not worry about my home

o I want to move to make life easier

o I want to maintain my comfortable lifestyle

o I’m comfortable with an upfront fee to invest in my peace of mind

o It would be refreshing to dine with others on a consistent basis

o I would like to have hobbies and social gatherings within walking distances

What Is an Assisted Living

Community?

Assisted living communities are for seniors who need help with various daily tasks, but still want to remain as independent as possible.

The communities provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and services such as:

o Bathing and personal hygiene

o Managing medications

o Dining

o Housekeeping and laundry

These services can either be included in the monthly price, or provided at an additional charge.

What Does an Assisted

Living Community Look Like?

Assisted living communities come in a variety of layouts, sizes, and types of housing. Their hallways and common areas are often wide and spacious, allowing for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. They tend to be on one level, or provide first floor access to elevators. The appearance often ranges; some are laid out like a typical apartment complex, while others may look more like a sprawling campus-wide retirement community.

The more encompassing campuses may also feature:

Independent Livi ng : An active residential community with housing, amenities, and entertainment specifically designed for independent seniors; however, these do not include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Memory Care: Assisted living communities, or sections within an assisted living community, tailored specifically to individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They provide secured units where residents can wander safely, and will often utilize furnishing and design solutions that specifically help with memory issues.

Skilled Nursing Care: Around-the-clock care provided by a registered nurse who monitors the health of residents while also administering necessary treatments and procedures.

What Is It Like to Live in an

Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living facilities seek to make their residents’ day-to-day lives as simple, comfortable, and engaging as possible. These communities provide everything from housekeeping to meals to 24-hour security, and help remove many daily concerns seniors would otherwise face. Residents and their families have the peace of mind knowing that if help is needed, someone is always nearby.

Residents can also spend more time enjoying their hobbies and interests, such as painting, music, playing cards, and reading – and even in many cases, cooking and gardening.

Lifestyle

Assisted living facilities are designed to cultivate a strong social connection among residents, as isolation can have a negative effect on one’s physical and mental health. Many communities have group dining and common areas. They also offer regularly planned group recreation to help keep seniors engaged, with activities ranging from creative to active such as:

o Bridge groups

o Arts and crafts

o Yoga

o Music

o Gardening

o Game nights

o Live entertainment

o Day trips or outings

Most communities encourage visitors anytime throughout the day, and many even allow family members and close friends to come after the building has been locked up at night.

Some also allow residents to have a pet, as long as it is cared for and well-behaved. Much like an apartment community, weight limits often apply.

Services

Many daily chores are done by the assisted living community staff, basic services which are typically built into monthly fees. These often include:

o Meals

o Laundry

o Cleaning and housekeeping

o Transportation

Medical and Special Needs

Options

Potential residents qualify for assisted living when they require help with at least three activities of daily living (ADLs). Staff are on hand to assist with these daily activities as needed, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Other basic medical services include:

o Medication reminders

o Medication administration

o Wound treatment and other types of medical care, often administered by a third party

o Physical, speech, or occupational therapy, often offered onsite by a third party provider such as a home care or home health agency

Questions to Ask When

Considering an Assisted

Living Community

Financial

o Is there an entrance fee?

o What is the monthly fee?

o What does the monthly fee cover?

o What other services are provided at an additional cost?

Social

o Does their activity program appeal to you?

o Do they have multigenerational programming?

o Is there scheduled transportation?

o Are there regular outings or field trips?

Environmental

o Does it appear to be a warm and hospitable setting?

o Do the residents seem cared for and content?

o Is there a controlled entry system (especially important if there’s a concern about your loved one wandering)?

o Visit during off hours (like in the evenings or on weekends). Does the community still look as well maintained and organized as it did during daytime hours?

Staffing

o Is the staff friendly and helpful?

o Is someone available 24 hours a day?

o How often and how many caregivers are staffed at a time?

o Does the person giving a tour of the facility know the names of the residents they pass in the hallway? This is a good indicator of the staff involvement.

o What is the average length of employment for the community?

Is Assisted Living Right

for Me?

Consider these statements below to determine if a couple of them describe you, or your loved one:

o Having an extra set of hands would be helpful

o I would like to connect with others and don’t want to be isolated by living alone

o Having meals prepared for me would be helpful

o I no longer feel safe living in my home

o I need help getting in and out of the tub or shower, or need help bathing

o I need help getting dressed

o I do not have family or friends nearby if I need help with daily tasks

o I need help navigating the stairs of my home

o I grab onto furniture for stability as I move around my home

If most or all of the above statements apply, then an Assisted Living Community may be a good option. You could also consider the following solutions:

o Residential Care Home

o Memory Care

o Home Care

If you or your loved one are in better health than these statements indicate, the following solutions may be a better fit:

o CCRC

o Active Adult Homes

o Senior Apartments

o Independent Living

If you or your loved one need more hands-on care, the following options may be a better fit for you:

o Medical Home Health Care (if you prefer to stay in your home)

o Skilled Nursing Care (if a move makes more sense)

Understanding the Cost of

Assisted Living

The cost of assisted living can vary greatly among facilities. These factors are often based on:

o Community location

o Location of the residence within the community

o Amenities

o Type and size of residence

o Staff ratio

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the National Monthly Median cost of assisted living care in the United States is $4,051. Many communities have à la carte pricing, which makes the starting monthly price point more affordable; however, with additional needs – such as additional care – comes additional cost. Statistically, the average stay in an assisted living home is 2-3 years. For budgeting purposes, some things to keep in mind:

o What is the length of the contract term?

o What type of notice is required for terminating a contract?

o How frequently are rate increases introduced?

A more expensive, higher quality community often comes with additional features and amenities. These include:

o Better social programming

o More outings and field trips

o More opportunities for entertainment

o Better meal offerings

o Higher quality fixtures, furniture, and overall more upscale living spaces

Typically, assisted living is funded by private funds and long-term care insurance policies. There are financial assistance programs available to families in need; these tend to be available on the state level. Other funding sources can be veterans’ benefits, and in rare cases, Medicaid; availability varies state to state.

For information on the cost of assisted living in your area, visit one of the links below:

Licensing and Inspection

Requirements

Though there are no federal regulations in regards to assisted living, individual states have their own guidelines in place. Find more information about assisted living facilities in your state below:

What is Nursing Care?

These options are for patients or residents that have a higher acuity of need, whether because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, chronic illness, or recovery from a recent hospital stay.

What are the different types

of nursing care?

Long-Term Care

What is Long-Term care?

A long-term care community refers to any community that provides 24-hour care on a long-term basis.

Assistance generally includes regular supervision, help with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, medication reminders, housekeeping, meals, and social activities.

In addition, long-term care services may also be provided in-home. Either way, long-term care is designed to help people live as independently and safely as possible.

Long-term care may refer to the following types of communities:

o Continuing Care Retirement Communities

o Assisted Living

o Memory Care

o Skilled Nursing Care

Long-term care can also be provided at home via home care agencies.

Memory Care

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care describes the type of long-term care that helps those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory care may be provided in a stand-alone memory care community, or offered as an add-on service at an assisted living facility, continuing care retirement community, or nursing home.

What Do Memory Care

Communities Look Like?

Much like in assisted living communities,

memory care community residents live in private or semi-private accommodations, ranging in size from shared small bedrooms to large individual apartments (without kitchens). Memory care centers and memory care units always feature secured areas, a key difference from a typical assisted living community.

These security measures allow residents with declining memories to walk around safely, without accidentally wandering away from the building. Some communities even provide secured outdoor spaces in courtyards or gated areas.

In addition to personalized care, these communities cater their programming and environments to specifically address memory issues. For example, staff may put personalized memory boxes outside of each unit to help residents remember which room is theirs. Many memory care communities will incorporate activities and spaces – such as dolls, kitchens, and workbenches – intended to mentally bring residents back to a more engaging time in their lives.

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can “actively live” in a time gone by, and these references may bring them comfort.

Memory care centers may be stand-alone facilities, or part of a larger senior community campus that provides other levels of care such as:

o Independent Living

o Assisted Living

o Skilled Nursing Care

Though they are typically located in or near residential or urban areas, residents do not have the freedom to come and go at their leisure in a memory care facility. Security is tighter, and residents are more closely.

monitored in an effort to prevent wandering. However, friends and family are welcome and encouraged to pick up a resident for an outing or appointment.

Family members can feel at peace knowing that their loved one is safe, secure, and that emergency help is nearby if needed.

What Is It Like to Live in a Memory Care Community?

Residents at memory care communities are more closely monitored than in assisted living. Not only is there a greater staff-to-patient ratio, but security is tighter and residents may be limited to certain higher-secured areas. In addition, all staff members are specially trained for memory care, and work to keep residents stimulated, on task, and calm.

Lifestyle

Most communities offer a full range of on-site amenities, such as beauty salons, activity rooms, and recreation areas. They typically contain dining and common spaces where residents can gather and socialize with visiting loved ones, along with secured outdoor areas like courtyards and gardens.

Their spaces tend to be more controlled, and more intimate than other areas within an assisted living community.

The programming of a memory care unit or memory care community centralizes on the needs of those suffering with dementia. It is intended to create predictable routines and limit disorientation. Caregivers in these centers will often go through training to help manage residents’ fall risks, agitated states, confusion and disorientation, and other unique behaviors and challenges of this population.

Services

Memory care communities offer supervised care around-the-clock by staff trained specifically to treat those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care treatments are provided, as are meals and assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication administration.

Other services typically covered include:

o Housekeeping

o Laundry

o Fitness programs

o Transportation

Is a Memory Care Community

Right for My Loved One?

Consider these statements below to determine if a memory care community may be beneficial for your loved one:

o I’ve noticed the stove gets left on and basic housekeeping is not kept up

o My loved one forgets names of people they’ve known for a decade

o My loved one gets lost and doesn’t know how to get home

o My loved one often gets agitated and disoriented

o I no longer feel that my loved one is safe in their environment

o My loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia

o My loved one’s needs cannot be met easily through myself, friends, and family

o I am worn out tending to the needs of my loved one

If most or all of the above statements apply – and your loved one does not require regular nursing or medical care – then a memory care community may be a good option.

If most or all of the above statements apply – and your loved one does require regular nursing or medical care consider …

Cost of a Memory Care Community

Costs of memory care communities are generally greater than senior living options such as independent living and assisted living, due to the higher staff-to-patient ratio. However, costs range depending on the level of care needed.

Costs will also vary based on:

o Community location

o Amenities

o Type and size of residence

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the National Monthly Median cost of assisted living care in the United States is $4,051. Memory care is typically 20%-30% more expensive.

Questions to Ask When Researching Memory Care Communities

Financial

o Is there an entrance fee?

o What is the monthly fee, and what does it cover?

o What other services are provided at an additional cost?

Social

o What types of programming do they have?

o What types of therapy, physical activity, and other activities do they offer?

Environmental

o Does it appear to be a warm and comfortable setting?

o Do the residents seem well cared for?

o Are residents in their rooms alone, or out in the communal areas?

o Is the community well secured?

o Visit during off hours (like in the evenings or on weekends). Does the community still look as well maintained and organized as it did during daytime hours