Have you decided enough is enough with household chores, home maintenance, isolation and boredom? If so, a retirement community might just be what you’re looking for. If you choose your retirement location wisely, you can say goodbye to all these hassles and even more.
Among all the senior living options – from independent living and assisted living communities to Continuing Care Retirement Communities and long-term skilled nursing communities, where do you start? Independent, active seniors often opt for independent living communities, which offer a full, enriching lifestyle. Many of these communities, like Waterstone of Lexington, also offer dedicated care and support, giving seniors the best of both worlds along with confidence for the future.
Of these independent retirement communities, how do you choose which is best for you? If you’re not sure, Waterstone of Lexington is here to help with tips on choosing the right retirement community for you.
5 Steps to Choosing the Right Retirement Community
Step 1 | Identify what you’re looking for.
Many older adults ponder what type of senior living community they’d like to live in far before actually making a move. If you’re among these seniors who have planned for life at a senior living community, you may already have a list of what you’re looking for. If you don’t have an idea of what you’d prefer, consider these points.
Location
Do you prefer to live in a beautiful setting, but still close to a city where there are plenty of things to do? If your ideal retirement community offers a range of on-site and off-site programs and activities, Waterstone of Lexington might be perfect for you.
Programs
Days within retirement communities should be full of engaging programming, wellness opportunities, and fun social events. At Waterstone of Lexington, this is certainly the case! Our calendar is full of social, cultural and recreational programs designed with our residents’ preferences in mind.
Dining
Dining options should be something you savor. At Waterstone of Lexington, it’s always a delight. Learn more about our exquisite dining experience featuring chef-prepared, seasonal meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Step 2 | Consider your current and future needs.
If you’re searching for a community where you can receive the care you’ll need as you age, you’ll want to be sure to choose one that offers a range of supportive services. Communities like Waterstone of Lexington offer personal care assistance and support in our assisted living community, and even memory care in a separate building on our campus, BridgesⓇ by EPOCH at Lexington.
Step 3 | Schedule tours.
Once you’ve honed in on what you want, and what you could need in the future, schedule tours of senior living options that offer as many items as possible on your list.
During your tour, ask plenty of questions, like:
- What do residents’ days look like?
- What is included in your lifestyle?
- Are care options available?
- How do your programs and services enrich the lives of your residents each day?
As you visit, remember to talk with residents, families and team members to hear their thoughts as well.
Step 4 | Narrow down your choices.
After your tours, evaluate how each community made you feel. If a specific tour of a community left you with a good first impression and joy, it might be a sign you’ve found a good community for you.
To evaluate which communities you should continue exploring, ask to visit again, and see whether you can try some programs, attend their events, and even enjoy a meal. It may also help to show up unexpectedly, which will give you a deeper look into the lifestyle you may be choosing. Then, based on your experiences, narrow your choices down.
Step 5 | Make your decision or start again.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you should be left with one final step: choosing the senior living community that is the best fit for you, or starting over. If you’ve made a firm decision, contact your chosen community to begin the process and find out what’s next.
If finding the right senior living community didn’t happen this time around, consider why this is the case. Use those answers to reevaluate and restart the process when you’re ready to dive into the senior living search again.
WELCOME TO LUXURY LIVING IN LEXINGTON.
There are many reasons to choose Waterstone of Lexington as your new home. Convenient location is only part of the equation. With independent living and assisted living on site, as well as memory care by the experts at BridgesⓇ, you’ll have access to convenient amenities, wellness-focused services, and a truly exceptional lifestyle. Schedule a visit to learn why Waterstone of Lexington might be the right senior living community for you.