According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the current full retirement age is 67 years old. Whether you’re one or 10 years away from this age, it’s never too early to think about what you’ll do in your golden years.
You might initially be able to retire comfortably in your own home, but eventually, you may need senior living in Salisbury, MD. Before that happens, you should know how to sift through your senior living options so you can make the right decision.
In this article, we’ll go over the criteria you should consider when choosing a retirement community.
Assess Your Lifestyle Preference
As we gain life experiences, we often develop a preference for a certain type of location and lifestyle that’s ideal for us.
Regarding the location, think about the climate and type of surroundings (urban, suburban, or rural), as well as the proximity to family. If you prefer a suburban feel, then senior housing in Salisbury, MD is right for you.
You should also think about what types of community amenities you’d like to have. For example, there are the following options:
- Fitness centers
- Common areas
- On-site beauty salons and barbershops
- Dining options
Another factor you have to consider is the activities available. Typically, senior communities have:
- Clubs
- Classes
- Social events
- Volunteer opportunities
Lastly, if you want to bring a pet, it’s essential that you check if the community will accommodate your furry friend. There’s nothing worse than moving into assisted living in Salisbury, MD, and finding out you can’t bring Fido!
Evaluate the Types of Retirement Communities
Generally, there are three types of retirement communities available: independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Independent living is for those who have an active lifestyle. You’ll have your autonomy and a social environment, but you’ll enjoy benefits such as housekeeping and landscaping.
Assisted living in Salisbury is almost the same thing but with more help. Staff members will assist with daily activities like:
- On-site medical and therapy services
- Medicine management
- Dressing and clothing selection
- Assistance with showering and bathing
- Personal grooming
- Continence management
Lastly, memory care in Salisbury is for those who have memory-related issues (such as dementia). The staff members are specifically trained to provide personalized programs that will help residents stay stimulated.
Plan for the Future
Some communities may have one or two of the above types of services listed. And you may be currently satisfied with them.
However, your needs may change over time. Make sure that the community you pick can accommodate them, or else you’ll have to make inconvenient moves.
If you have loved ones who’ll visit, then check the policies for visiting hours and family participation in events too.
Set Your Budget
Living in a senior community will be similar to renting a property. You’ll have costs to take care of, so you want to be prepared. According to Statista, the annual median cost for long-term care ranges from $24,700 to $116,800.
When factoring in all your costs, you should understand the upfront costs. In addition, be aware of monthly fees and additional charges for services like dining, housekeeping, and healthcare.
Investigate the financial stability of the community too. Request financial disclosure statements if they’re available; you don’t want to risk your accommodations falling through during your later years.
You should also compare contract choices. To find the best fit for your financial situation, look at the:
- Rental agreements
- Buy-in options
- Monthly service plans
Research the Reputation
A senior living community may seem wonderful, but is it truly? Don’t leave things up to chance, and do your due diligence.
Look through online reviews on sites like AARP, SeniorAdvisor, and Caring.com. View both the good and the bad that residents have to say about the communities. You should also sort the reviews by “Recent” to see if the quality of care has gone up or down in recent years.
In addition, review state inspection reports. See if there are any violations or complaints.
Another thing to check is the community’s accreditations. If they have some from organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), then that’s a good sign.
Analyze the Safety and Security Features
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that 4-35% of seniors fall, and this number increases with age. This is why it’s vital that the community you choose is ADA-compliant with features like ramps, wide doorways, and handrails.
Safety goes beyond falls though. The community should also be located in an area with low crime rates. Plus, the property should have emergency call buttons, fire safety measures, and round-the-clock security.
Visit Multiple Communities
You might fall in love with a senior living community on paper, but it may not feel the same when you visit it in person. Also, pictures and videos may look good online, painting a false picture.
This is why it’s important to at least take virtual tours if possible. However, the better option is in-person tours, where you can personally experience the amenities, layouts, and overall ambiance. You can speak to current residents as well, which will give you personal testimonies.
While walking around, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel completely welcome or comfortable, then the community probably isn’t a good fit for you.
Do note that some communities offer trial periods. If they’re available, take advantage of them to see what daily life is truly like.
Find the Perfect Retirement Community for You
The future can feel uncertain at times, so you want to be prepared. Now that you know how to select the right retirement community, this should give you peace of mind.
Remember to be thorough in your search and to visit the communities in person if possible. Trust your gut instinct and cross off your options if they don’t feel right. After all, you deserve to spend your retirement in paradise.
Get in touch with us today if you want to hear more about senior housing choices. With our years of knowledge and experience, Lakeside at Mallard Landing can help you determine what’s right for you.
