Retirement - Question 67

What should I look for when checking out the facilities of adult communities?

If you know people who are living at a community you’re considering, you have an excellent source of information. Visit at different times of the day and week, talk to the residents, and ask what they like. Ask them if they had to do it over again, would they select this community? If there was anything they would like to change, what would it be?

- Find out what happens when and if health problems occur. What facilities are available? What are the costs?
- Learn about annual fees and the rate of increases for these fees.
- What transportation facilities are available when residents can no longer drive their cars?

The more information you have, the mo.r. e comfortable you will probably feel making a decision.

Many senior citizens, when visiting a community for the first time, say, “This is a great idea, but I'm just not ready.” Once they make their move, though, they are likely to say, “I wish I had done this sooner.”

Senior communities provide people with adult cornpanionship and help eliminate anxiety about being victimized by crime or being alone when one becomes injured or ill. As baby boomers enter their 60s, these living arrangements will probably grow in popularity.