12 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Assisted living accommodations are generally by lease agreement and include housekeeping services, transportation, activities, and 1 meal per day in the community dining room. Additional meals, health care, and personal care services are billed on an ala carte basis.

* Skilled Nursing - These are both short-term rehabilitative and long-term care facilities for retirees with mental and physical disability or significant health issues requiring monitoring and management by health care professionals. Most residents of skilled nursing facilities are unable to live independently and require significant assistance with daily living activities and personal care. The environment is more institutionalized and clinical in nature. Residents typically share a room and bath. Skilled nursing facilities charge a monthly fee based upon the level of care the resident requires. Understandably, the cost of living in these facilities can be burdensome. Most retirees enter skilled nursing facilities not by choice, but by necessity.

* Continuing Care These are comprehensive retirement developments that allow residents to "age in place" and are, perhaps, the best choice of all. They offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities to accommodate the retirees' changing needs to end-of-life without the need to relocate. A well-known example of a Continuing Care Community is Leisure World in Seal Beach, CA. Residents enjoy the recreation and social activities of the active/independent lifestyle with the added benefit of on-site medical services, in-home care, and skilled nursing services that they may eventually need. Residents remain firmly rooted in the community. Property is owned and maintained through condominium and owner's cooperative agreements.

Within these general categories of retirement communities, there can be a wide range of unique options available that defy generalizations. Suffice it to say that if your desire is to live in community with other seniors who share your interests, ethnicity, background, or faith, chances are good you'll find that, too. Ideally, it will be a Continuing Care Community that not only meets your present wants and needs, but one that will allow you to remain within that community should your needs change. Then you'll be able to say, with absolute confidence, "This is the right retirement home for me."

Learn more about this author, Jean M. La Rue.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Finding the right retirement home?
We want to hear your view. Write now!