Retirement Community Options 101

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For many retirement is a time of planning a new adventure in life, while for some it is making a decision on how much care they are going to need in the retiring years.  Retirement communities have become a popular choice amongst many retirees and there are a variety of communities to choose from.

What Types of Communities Are Available?

Retirement communities are generally for people who are at least partially retired and age 55 or older, but choosing the right community depends on the retiree’s health and needs.

Mobile home and RV communities are a popular choice for the active retiree who likes a social atmosphere.  Residents in these communities are independent but like the fact that everyone in the mobile home area have similar interests and also depend upon each other when needed.  These types of communities tend to cost the retiree a little bit less   money and also allows the retiree to take advantage of traveling and living abroad, if they choose to do so.


Congregate community housing is also for the retiree who is less dependent for personal care, but these communities offer one shared meal per day with the other residents.

Independent living is just as it states, the retiree requires no personal care.  However, often times these independent communities offer housekeeping and laundry service for those who choose, and there is typically medical staff available to tend to residents with health needs.

Retiring means having to make choices about the future.  For the unfortunate who have medical issues and do require daily care, facilities called Continuing Care Communities may be their best choice.

Continuing Care Communities

Generally the resident moves in with little care needed, but not completely independent, and knowingly realize that their level of care is going to change, sometimes rapidly,  and with this in mind, the retiree may choose to seek residency in facilities called Continuing Care Communities which offer three levels of care service.

Continuing care communities have become very popular due to their wide range of services they offer. In this type of community, assisted living and nursing care are offered to residents at a much lower cost than services such as home health care.  Within such communities, amenities that are offered may include the same types of amenities offered in independent communities, such as recreation centers, swimming pools, beauty shops, movie theaters, and wellness programs that are intended for keeping the residents healthy and independent for as long as possible.

Due to the popularity of the continuing care community, these types of dwellings are being built in and around major cities nationwide, but especially popular in the warmer climates such as Florida, Arizona, California and Texas.

Another major advantage of the continuing care communities is that it lessens the burden of the retiree, knowing that there will be available care for them as their needs continue to change.
Whatever the lifestyle of the retiree, it brings a peace of mind knowing there are so many options available to them and they can, in fact be taken care of.


C. Jones writes a lot about upscale retirement communities from her home in MO.