Choosing to move from your own home into a retirement home is not a decision to be made quickly or without a lot of thought and planning.
So, what should you try to find?
Don't Worry
Whether you are able to live on your own or need extra care, you want to know that you will have access to the best and safest facilities for your lifestyle.
Modern retirement communities are well-planned and pay close attention to every detail, from the style of the home and its natural surroundings to the distance from shops, hospitals, public transportation, and social places like clubs and restaurants. Most places have security entrances, care lines that are open 24 hours a day, smoke alarms, and lifts to make you feel safe and protected. A house manager is also a comforting person to have around. They are there to help you, whether you need them or not. They can keep an eye on your apartment or answer any questions you might have.
Independence
Not only are the local amenities and facilities outside your home given extra care. To live as independently as possible, you need to have everything you'd expect in your own home, from enough storage space to the types of tap fittings and unit heights. Because of these small things, you'll be able to take care of yourself well into your golden years. Assisted living is a great option for people who can still do a lot of things on their own and are healthy enough not to need full-time care but still need a little help. Many retirement communities offer assisted living for people who need it, but they still give their residents a lot of freedom.
Comfort
For someone to feel comfortable, they need to feel at home, calm, and safe. This is mostly done by choosing a good retirement apartment, but extras like laundry rooms and residents' lounges give you company and conversation when you want it. There are also fully equipped guest suites for when friends or family want to stay overnight.
Cost
Cost of living is something that many people care a lot about. Most of the time, it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, but that's not always the best choice.
Try to find a place that fits your budget and has clear pricing so that there aren't any hidden costs. Service charges like garden maintenance, water rates, using the care line, and paying the house manager, among other things, can quickly add up and cause a lot of stress and worry.
You want good value for your money in a place that works for you, with the amenities you need and a clear idea of any extra costs you'll need to plan for. Energy efficiency should also be high on the list, because the less it costs to run a home, the better it should be.
Location
If you want to retire, it's usually best to pick a place where you already have some kind of connection. Some people might choose a place because it's close to their family, while others might choose a place because it's close to their friends. Many people choose to retire somewhere because it is in the country or near the sea, which is a very popular choice. Many people choose a place to live based on how comfortable they feel there, and their "gut feeling" may be a big part of that decision.
Lastly, no matter why you want an apartment or flat for retirement, it's a good idea to look around and see what's out there. One of the best places to start is with the UK's biggest builder of retirement homes, whose website has a lot of information to help people looking for retirement homes. Have fun looking!
