April 2008 - "To enhance the quality of the day. . .that is the highest of the arts", Henry David Thoreau

Are you dreaming about retirement?  Are you overwhelmed with the choices?

In today’s world, retirees have a variety of options available to fit their lifestyles.  If you look around, you will see this generation is retiring differently than any generation previously.  In year’s past, Grandma and Grandpa stayed in their home and maybe vacationed a few weeks out of the year, if at all.  The “homestead” was the place to live, work, and retire.

Today’s retirees are choosing retirement communities.  Why?  Because they are smart shoppers who carefully investigate and consider all of their options.  They know making a choice to live in a retirement community means planning ahead and moving into a retirement community long before a crisis occurs.  This allows retirees to make very personal decisions on their own terms.

The retirement community lifestyle provides retirees the freedom to enjoy the leisure activities they love the most.  It allow retirees more time to enjoy doing what they like, adding to the quality of their lives.  Communities can alleviate everyday worries like the stress of home maintenance and upkeep on a property by taking on those responsibilities.

Selecting which geographic location to retire to revolves around a myriad of choices.  Deciding to be closer to adult children, family members, and life-long friends, or even choosing to return to one’s hometown are often considered.

Retirement community living provides one with an opportunity to fellowship with other residents who are at the same stage in life within a campus environment through a variety of structured programs and interactive activities.  Retirees have the chance to create new friendships and establish lifelong bonds.  Participating in the varied activities of the retirement community also helps to promote important socialization.

What To Ask When Visiting

All retirees should to take the opportunity to visit the retirement communities in their area.  While visiting, if available in that particular community, ask a representative to show you the various choices of both independent and assisted living residences.  Researching independent living choices, such as cottages and apartments, gives you the opportunity to choose what is most appropriate for your needs and desires.  Some communities offer a number of services a resident could add, such as housekeeping, dining, and transportation.  Retirement communities are focused on keeping residents as independent as long as possible, while ensuring their safety.

When you visit a retirement community, have a list of questions and issues that are important to you.  Some examples could include:

• What residence choices do I have?
• What are the differences between living in a cottage versus an apartment?
• If I choose a cottage, can I choose to someday move to an apartment?
• If my needs change, what opportunities exist to acquire additional services or move to higher levels of care?
• What services and amenities would be available to me?
• What facilities would available to me?
• Are there volunteer opportunities available?
• What types of programs and activities are offered?
• What kind of exercise and healthy living programs would be available to me?
• Are there any cultural events planned?
• What attractions are in the surrounding area?
• What are my financial responsibilities?
• What if I want a larger unit?  What if I want a smaller unit?  What is the process?
• Tell me about the other residents.
• What type of security is on campus?
• Is a pet allowed?
• What about the issues of selling my home?
• How do I find a new doctor or other services I need?
• What if I need emergency services?
• What are the policies regarding family visitation?
• What are my options if a higher level of care is needed?
• What services are available to me with assisted living or skilled nursing?

• What are the fees?  What do those fees include?  If there is an entrance fee, how much is refundable and how is it refunded?

And lastly, involve your family in the process.  Inform them of your feelings and thoughts.  Visiting a retirement community can be a fun outing for the entire family.  Your family will be more at ease to see what you are planning and may offer keen insights.  Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours, but having your family’s opinion and support is important, too.

As the Marketing Counselor for Heritage Village Retirement Campus (Gerry, New York), I have the privilege of working with retirees to assist them in making the very best decisions for them.  I want to make sure they are aware of all their options so they will choose the option what best fits their needs and desires.

If you have any specific questions regarding retirement communities. or if I can share what Heritage Village Retirement Campus can offer you, please call me at 716-985-6839 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it