Retirement is meant to be full of easy decisions, time for new hobbies and improving your golf swing. However, as you settle into your golden years, there are still a few important life decisions you need to make. If you’ve started looking into different retirement living options, you’ve probably considered a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) at some point. And why wouldn't you? With a variety of different living options, access to changing levels of care, tons of great amenities and the chance to make new friends – there’s plenty to love about the modern independent living community.
Whether you’re simply ready to downsize or you’re interested in the benefits of the full continuum of care offered at Havenwood Heritage Heights, it’s easy to see why so many seniors love calling our continuing care retirement community in Concord home. Keep reading to learn more about the process of choosing a great independent living community and what makes ours so great!
9 Questions to Ask as You Choose Your Continuing Care Retirement Community in Concord
1. Where do you want to live?
Some people feel more comfortable choosing a retirement community that is closer to their longtime home, so they can stay in touch with friends and family. Others choose to move closer to adult children or somewhere with a warmer climate and more temperate weather. As you explore your options, it’s a good idea to keep all these factors in mind.
2. Are you interested in living in a communal setting?
If you’ve lived in your own home for the last 40 or 50 years, moving into an apartment-like setting can require an adjustment. However, there are many positives to downsizing as well. Many seniors will welcome the chance to make new friends, enjoy a variety of different amenities and of course, the peace-of-mind knowing they have immediate access to emergency medical care.
3. What type of meals are provided and when?
Most independent living communities offer at least one or two meals per day and kitchens for those who would like to prepare their own meals. Be sure to ask about meal hours, whether residents must adhere to assigned seating, special dining options and how the community works to accommodate those with special dietary concerns. If possible, try to stop by and have a meal with current residents as you start to narrow down your options to get a better feel for the daily mealtime atmosphere.
4. Who are the residents?
Learn more about your potential neighbors before moving in! Ask about the average age of the residents, the current male to female ratio and the overall percentage of couples living within the community. It’s important to find a place where you feel confident that you can make friends easily and stay engaged in social events, so be sure to make this question a top priority.
5. What type of activities are provided and how many people typically participate?
It’s common to find that most retirement communities boast an impressive calendar of events each month. However, many times the events don’t have a great turnout from the community. When are the activities available? Are there regular excursions out into the greater Concord area? If socializing and staying active are important to you, you’ll need to get a good idea for how certain activities work in different communities.
6. What type of transportation options are available?
Most independent living communities provide transportation for their residents but that doesn’t mean that you’ll have access to a private car 24/7. Be sure to ask about transportation schedules, any limits on how far you can travel and if transport is only available at certain times. This will help give you a better idea of how you can plan for your weekly chores and leisurely activities.
7. Which services are provided, and which cost extra?
As modern retirement communities continue to upgrade their housing options and amenities, you may find varying levels of included services. It is common for some communities to charge a flat monthly rental rate for certain services while others provide additional services a la carte. Ask about how utilities are paid, whether housekeeping is included and if there are washers and dryers available in your apartment or if residents use communal laundry rooms. This is the time to learn more about what is included in your monthly rent and what you may need to pay for separately.
8. What happens if my spouse needs a different level of care?
One of the biggest advantages of living in a continuing care retirement community is the fact that couples can continue to live in the same place, even if they require different levels of care.
9. Can I afford the move?
Most continuing care retirement communities are luxury communities. Before you make a commitment, estimate the price that you could get for your home and factor that into your savings, veterans’ benefits, etc. Then calculate the total on what you think you may eventually spend on skilled nursing care or assisted living.
Making the Move – Enjoy Your Retirement at Havenwood Heritage Heights
One of the best things about making the move to our continuing care retirement community here in Concord is the fact that you can retain as much independence as you’d like in a comfortable, relaxed and inviting setting. We offer a number of great ongoing activities and amenities, excellent health care and lifestyle services, dining services, fitness and wellness options and much more. Interested in learning more about what makes Havenwood Heritage Heights special? Contact us today!
