Senior Living at Its Best: How to Choose a Retirement Community

Choosing a retirement community that suits your needs is the most important step to living your best retirement lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important to thoughtfully and carefully research your options. While every individual has their own wants and desires, there are certain topics that every senior should consider when looking for the type of community that will best serve them in their golden years. 

Searching for a community that offers everything you desire may feel overwhelming at first. However, making a list of what you want, knowing your needs, and understanding your options will help you narrow down your search and make the right decision for your individual lifestyle, now and in the future. 

How To Choose a Retirement Community

One of the first steps you can take is to visit a research site like SeniorLiving.org. Senior-specific sites like this will have plenty of in-depth information about the different types of senior living, as well as other topics specifically related to the needs and interests of aging adults. Even if you’re an active, healthy older adult, it’s good to learn about considerations for your future needs. 

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what type of senior living community you’d like to move into. For example, would you like to move to a 55+ community, or would you prefer to move to a Life Plan Community like Monarch Landing? Different types of retirement communities have different benefits, and one option may be better for you than another. 

As you’re gathering information, be sure to make your own list of what you want to accomplish in your retirement. Is there something you’re looking forward to doing now, like traveling or learning to speak a new language? What sort of lifestyle would you like to have in five, 10 or 15 years? Be sure to think about your needs and wants now, as well as what you may require in the future. 

What To Look For in a Senior Living Community

We’ve put together a list of some of the most important things to look for in a retirement community. Alongside your own personal list, these items can help ensure that you’re choosing a senior living community that will be a perfect home for you. 

1. Maintenance

Owning your own home is wonderful, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. Senior communities provide a maintenance-free lifestyle for one monthly fee, freeing you up for the things you want to do – not have to do. This includes all interior and exterior maintenance, so don’t even have to change a lightbulb if you don’t want to!

2. 24/7 On-Site EMT Security Staff

Accidents can happen in a blink of an eye, and having a 24/7 highly trained staff available at a moment’s notice means that help is always close at hand. This provides peace of mind for seniors and their families, which allows everyone to sleep well at night.

3. A Focus on Wellness

It’s important to have a variety of available options to stay healthy and fit. At Monarch Landing, our approach to wellness means we offer holistic health classes, a state-of-the-art fitness center with group exercise classes, a dog park, woodworking/hobby shop, gardenscapes, resident library  and countless opportunities for socialization. 

4. Resident Activities

Now that you’re retired, you have all the time in the world to do the things you want to do. Having a full activities calendar is one of the benefits that Monarch Landing offers our residents. From classes to learning opportunities to off-site ventures to happy hours and more – residents can be as social as they want and fill their days with fulfilling fun. 

5. Delicious Dining

What do you think of when you hear the words “senior living dining”? If fine cuisine, made-to-order meals, fresh ingredients, and an ever-evolving menu spring to mind, then you’re right on track. Enjoying a good meal is one of life’s pleasures, and at Monarch Landing, you’ll find a dining experience to savor.

6. Health Care

You may be a perfectly healthy and active older adult, but that can change quickly or gradually. Having different levels of care as well as medical care services available on site makes managing health concerns and changes that much easier. At Monarch Landing, we offer several levels of senior care on our campus, meaning that seniors never have to leave the place they’ve come to love – whether they need memory care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation. 

7. A Community That Cares For and Supports You

The most important thing to look for in a senior community is a place that feels like you belong. This will be your home for many years to come, and having a close-knit community that feels like family will ensure a retirement experience like none other. You want to feel cared for, supported and – yes – loved.

Find a well-rounded senior living lifestyle at Monarch Landing.

If you’re searching for independent living with on-site health services, our community in Naperville, IL, has every amenity and service you’ll need to find enjoyment and peace in each day. The best part is that support is always available whenever you need it, so you have more time to make the most out of every moment.