September 3, 2024

How to Select the Right Senior Living Community in Your Retirement

Retiring gives you more freedom to choose where you live and how you spend your time. Selecting the right senior living community for the next stage in life makes all the difference in how you enjoy your retirement years. The community you choose affects your overall quality of life, from the amenities to the healthcare services.  Learn how to compare the options and select the ideal home for you. 

Understanding Your Needs

Evaluate your needs.  Some factors to consider include:

  • Location: Retirees often want to live near family or close to local attractions. WindsorMeade provides access to historical sites in the Williamsburg area, ideal for exploring with visiting family members. Consider where you want to live and what types of amenities you want within close proximity. 
  • Residence  options: Explore the floor plans and types of accommodations to find a compatible option. Compare the size of the floor plans to your space needs. 
  • Services: Prioritize the services you expect to make your life maintenance-free. Examples offered by WindsorMeade include weekly housekeeping, trash removal, landscaping, home maintenance, transportation and concierge services.
  • Amenities: Having amenities that fit your needs and goals is also important. Individuals  who value staying active appreciate fitness centers, exercise classes, indoor pools and walking paths. 
  • Safety: A focus on safety and security gives you peace of mind in your new community. WindsorMeade addresses these concerns as a gated community with 24-7 security and a key fob building access system. 

Your preferences also play an important role in your decision. Consider the size of the senior living community you prefer. WindsorMeade provides a smaller community for residents who prefer a close-knit option. Even with the small size, the community offers ample amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated indoor pool. 

Choosing the Right Environment

Senior living communities vary significantly in the amenities and services they offer. Consider your current lifestyle and changes you want to make in retirement. This can help you find a community that complements those desires and improves your quality of life. 

Senior living communities also vary in the overall environment and feeling you get on campus. A visit helps you assess the environment to determine if it's a match for your preferences. Evaluate the following details during a visit to get a feel for the community:

  • The friendliness and attitude of the team members
  • How the team members interact with the residents
  • The overall cleanliness and appearance of the community
  • How active the community is
  • The overall demeanor of the residents who call the community home
  • How easy it is to navigate the campus
  • The social interactions you see
  • The layout of the dining areas

Finding the appropriate environment often comes down to what feels right for you. Notice how welcoming the community is. Do you feel at home when you visit? Do you think you could fit in with the other residents and form friendships there? Look for an environment where you will be comfortable for years to come.

Recognizing the Importance of Healthcare Services Offered

As we age, we may experience  changes in our  health. You might experience a temporary medical event that requires Rehabilitation Services. Permanent health changes could require Assisted Living, Memory Support or  Nursing services. Choosing a community with various healthcare services enables you to receive the support you need quickly. Current Independent Living residents might receive priority entry when they need additional healthcare services based on the community they chose. 

The availability of various healthcare services also benefits couples looking for a senior living community. Both you and your partner can access the level of support you need within the same community. That means you can visit one another easily if your care needs are different. 

Think Long-Term

It's important to look to the future even if you're currently active and independent. Having access to the support and  services you need throughout your life supports maximum independence as you age. Life Plan Communities provide stability and consistency long-term with healthcare services that can support  your changing needs.

As an Independent Living resident at WindsorMeade, you have the option to move to Assisted Living, Memory SUpport of Nursing neighborhoods  without leaving the community. The familiarity can help ease the transition if you need additional support services in the future. Look at all the options when choosing a senior living community to find one that works long-term. 

Visit WindsorMeade

WindsorMeade is a Life Plan Community offering residents a continuum of care through life's transitions. Our wide range of amenities keeps you engaged no matter what your interests are. We also provide services to make life maintenance-free. Visit the community for yourself to decide if WindsorMeade checks your boxes for life after retirement.