First Person: Choosing a Retirement Community

After a lifetime of hard work, retirement is about taking it easy and enjoying life. The move to a retirement community is about making your life easier and surrounding yourself with people you will enjoy spending time with. As a retiree myself, I have visited many communities and have seen marked differences between the services they offer and the overall atmosphere they create for residents.

We have chosen to move within a block of our adult children and are fortunate to live in West Hollywood, California, a city which provides a strong network of senior services, including free van transportation. This allows us to travel as needed to doctor's appointments and errands, while maintaining a degree of independence. Our great kids and their families are also always available to help us out. If we didn't have this network, we would have moved to a retirement community to have the same level of convenience and assistance.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing a retirement community:

When to Seek a Retirement Community
Begin considering a retirement community at least a year before leaving your job or before the date you plan to move. Consult with family members and ask questions. Do you really need to move, or would it be more advantageous to stay in your current home? Can you cope in a new area without family support nearby?

Before making your decision, discuss your post-retirement plans with everyone who'd be affected if you gave up your home. What impact will moving to a retirement community have on available funds, regular income, insurance coverage and medical services?

Where Will You Go?
Do research about your most favored areas for retirement living. If your medical condition requires it, or if you're just tired of winter cold and snow, research potential retirement communities in warm climates. Arrange visits accompanied by family members to help you make your decision.

Apartment rentals vary greatly in retirement communities. The most expensive are those near tropical beaches and resort city centers. Additionally, consider availability of nearby medical services, shopping, transportation and other conveniences. For example, an average one-bedroom retirement community apartment near a San Diego beach rents for $4,000 a month. A similar one 25 miles away in an inland seniors-only community costs $1,200. Beyond rent, extra expenses can add hundreds of dollars a month more, depending on services provided, such as transportation, meals, assisted care and others.

Your choice of retirement community depends on how much you can pay. Be sure your income is sufficient to cover all expected costs, as well as the possibility of unanticipated ones. If you believe you're eligible, apply for potential financial support from insurance coverages, government allowances and other sources of financial help.

What Type of Community are You Seeking?
Choosing your retirement home offers many options. For example, do you prefer living in a regular neighborhood or retiree-only community? Do you want to be part of usual city activities, or be surrounded only by other seniors. There are also upscale luxury communities for those with the means to afford it, as well as creative communities for artists and other creative individuals.

How to prepare for the big move
Once you've made your decision and are ready to go, make adjusting to retirement living workable. You can give excess furniture, appliances and other items to family members or to charity.

Before you leave your home, it may be convenient to set up a garage sale to get rid of excess items. Ship only what's absolutely necessary. Once settled in, you can always buy new items as needed.

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