After much discussion, your parents have decided to rightsize. It’s a milestone for the whole family to celebrate! Now that it’s official, the only thing left to do is figure out where they will be spending this new and exciting chapter of their lives.
There are several major factors to consider when choosing 55 and older communities. Are your parents moving together, or is this a single-parent situation? Will proximity to family and friends influence their location options? Do they have pets they want to keep when they move? It’s time for a family sit-down to explore the possibilities. Here are a few conversation starters that will make choosing a senior living community easier.
Location, Location, Location
The first and most important question: Where? Will your parents want to stay close to their current location or move to a different part of the country or a warmer climate? If you and your children live out of town, will your parents want to relocate closer to you?
Some senior apartment communities are more suburban, while others take full advantage of country living. Others offer easy access to major cities and their amenities. For outdoor enthusiasts, some communities offer proximity to beaches or scenic mountains. What environment will your parents thrive in?
Who Are They?
Every active adult community features slightly different layouts and amenities. Each has its own draw, whether it’s proximity to championship golf courses, an active gardening club, or a fully equipped gym. Depending on location, 55 and older communities may offer wellness programs, tech classes to help residents stay connected, or pet-friendly living. As you explore the options, think about what type of home and community would best suit your parents’ personalities. Ask to see class schedules and check out the community’s facilities.
How Are They?
Choosing a senior living community is as much about your parents’ health as who they are. If they need care or support, there are assisted living options that provide varying levels of services. If they are looking for the freedom of a stress-free, turnkey lifestyle, active 55 and older communities could be the perfect fit.
Consider your parents’ mental health as well as their physical condition. Our social circles tend to shrink as we age, leading to isolation, loneliness, and depression. Active adult communities provide the social opportunities that are critical to maintaining health and well-being at this time of life.
Go Where the Action Is
For a vibe geared toward the young at heart, look for a community that is age qualified to the 55+ crowd. The last thing right-sizers need when taking a daily power walk is to dodge teenagers whizzing by on skateboards or bikes. An active adult community designed with your parents and their needs in mind will provide an atmosphere that is safe, welcoming, fun, and filled with potential new friends.
Don't Rely on Brochures
Once you and your loved ones have narrowed down your choices, make appointments to visit each one. Encourage your parents to hang out for a Happy Hour to get a feel for the neighbors. Maybe they can sit in on a lecture or participate in a wellness class. It’s easier for them to picture fitting into a community once they’ve experienced it firsthand. Make it a point to join them so you can feel confident that they will be living in a safe, friendly environment. Explore the surrounding neighborhood to get a sense of life outside the community as well.
Choosing a senior living community will maximize your parents’ enjoyment of this exciting chapter of life. Make it a family adventure and arrange a tour of one of our Overture senior apartments! We’ll make your parents feel welcome while answering any questions you have about living in 55 and older communities.