Retirement communities offer residents a variety of amenities and services that remove the burdens of home maintenance. Most communities also provide housekeeping, transportation services, and wellness programs.
Many offer various living options, including apartment homes and freestanding cottages. And they often feature a continuum of care, so when health changes, you can move to the next level of care without leaving your community.
Fitness Centers
When choosing a lifestyle retirement community, active adults are looking for fitness and health amenities. PCR’s research shows that swimming pools, walking/biking trails, and fitness centers are front-runners as the most desired amenities by prospective homebuyers. Communities also outfit their facilities as senior-friendly by providing features like lifts, zero-depth entry, and extra grab bars.
Social Activities
For many seniors, retirement can seem like a lonely time. They often feel dependent on others and struggle with finding things to do independently. Retirement communities like Westminster St. Augustine can help them eliminate these feelings of loneliness and boredom by offering a wide range of fun activities. For example, some communities may offer group quilting classes or painting nights to allow residents to continue pursuing their passions and enjoy lifelong learning. Other perks include community walking trails and greenhouses to provide physical activity in a safe environment and the satisfaction of tending to fresh fruit and vegetables without the hassle of maintaining a personal garden.
Library
Many retirement communities offer libraries stocked with books and comfortable seating. But they also go above and beyond to provide access for all residents, whether providing materials in large print or ensuring easy-access bookshelves for seniors with mobility challenges. They may host lectures or workshops on topics of interest to their residents, allowing them to learn and form new friendships simultaneously. Many also offer mentorship programs that let seniors share their wisdom and experience with younger community members.
Arts & Culture
More seniors live alone and must find ways to stay socially, civically, and psychologically engaged in their communities. Research on creative arts-based activities demonstrates their benefits to elders.
Many retirement communities incorporate creative spaces into their designs to offer art studios and exhibition corridors where residents and guests can explore new artistic pursuits or connect with the community.
Some senior communities, such as CCRCs, provide space for community members to sponsor donation events (food and supplies for animal shelters, clothing and shoes for local resale shops). This gives back to the community while encouraging philanthropy among seniors.
Concierge Services
Independent living, retirement homes, and senior apartments are housing arrangements restricted to aging adults of a certain age (typically 55 or 62). They foster a community feel and offer amenities, activities, and services. Some also feature on-site recreation centers and clubhouses. These communities may be rented or require an up-front buy-in followed by monthly payments covering services and amenities. Concierge services are often offered in retirement communities, including housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation assistance, laundry service, home repairs, and maintenance. Other perks can include medication reminders, companionship, and wellness aides.
Dining
Meals are essential to daily life, and seniors want to enjoy their food in a quality dining experience. Depending on the CCRC, meals may be included in a monthly or yearly fee. CCRCs are focusing on the dining experience and experimenting with newer trends. This includes offering multiple dining venues and bringing in expert chefs. Local eats and made-from-scratch dishes are also popular trends. Residents can also enjoy coffee shops or deli-style markets to meet friends for a quick bite. In addition, some communities offer all-day dining, so residents can eat whenever they are hungry without being constrained by mealtimes.
Pets
As pets become more prevalent in retirement communities, more and more facilities are loosening their pet policies. This makes it easier for seniors to enjoy their retired life with their four-legged friends at their sides.
Often, these communities offer dog parks or walking trails within their grounds. Some even partner with local businesses like veterinary clinics to provide discounts and exceptional services to residents that may not be available elsewhere. In addition to these amenities, many senior living communities offer pet care services such as dog walkers and sitters. This helps residents feel confident knowing that their pets are well taken care of when they cannot make it home to visit them.