When our teenage son was a little younger, he received a game called Family as one of his birthday presents.
The game was rather simple, but somehow it seemed to be quite philosophical, entailing the greatest truth of life, As you sow, so shall you reap.
The way you will spend your youth, the consequences you will experience when you retire.
In the game, the winner was one who after a great working life retired in a grand castle, while the loser had a bad career throughout who would emerge as bankrupt in the end.
Now, for most of us common people, ending up in a palace is nothing but a big dream. But with little efforts, we can make our retired lives really enjoyable and truly meaningful.
Remaining healthy and active is the key to a happy retired life. Being happy and healthy on the hand depends to a considerable extent where you stay.
So face the reality and accept the fact that as you grow older, it is always better to move to some kind of retirement home.
It not only makes your life much smoother, but it also saves on your children’s anxiety and unnecessary hassles.
When you are leading a protected life in a retirement community or some kind of board and care homes, it takes loads off your near and dear ones.
But while many of us are quite willing to spend our retired lives in a decent retirement home, we are confused with regard to our choices.
Retirement homes are sprouting up everywhere these days and the commonest question one is confronted with is will the lifestyle suit us?
You also have to take into consideration the financial factors, as to whether the cost of the arrangements will match the size of your retirement fund.
Thus you can clearly see, choice of the right place depends on your own needs.
First of all, you have to specify your needs and expectations and on the basis of that, you have to make a little research on whether a particular center has the capacity to fulfill your expectations?
Here are some tips to help you make the right decision with regard to the choice of a retirement home.
First of all, analyze what kind of lifestyle you will prefer as a retired person. A golf course, a spa, a fitness center may appear to be an extravaganza for many people, while some cannot do without them.
If you belong to the latter group and if you can afford that kind of lifestyle, then there is no harm in choosing one.
But more important than that is to decide on how much space you would like to enjoy? Is a single room is sufficient for you or you will need an apartment?
The answer to these questions depends on whether you will opt for an assisted living or an independent living.
Then location is another important criterion for influencing your decision. Majority of the senior people look for proximity with their children and grand children.
It gives you greater freedom to see your near and dear ones as and when you wish.
Also consider the climate. Does your health condition require you to live in a warmer place? Or are you in perfect shape to withstand all the climatic assaults? Keep these points in mind while choosing the retirement home for you.
A long term arrangement is always preferable to temporary arrangement. So make a planned move to choose a center that is likely to be your home for many years to come.
If you are essentially a private person, carefully assess the arrangements of the home. Remember, as the level of assistance grows, your privacy would be reduced.
If you want privacy, Continuing Care Retirement Community and independent living will be your best solution as opposed to a board & care home or a nursing home.
Also, go through the center’s brochure to know what type of personal and medical care and what types of recreational facilities are provided.
The secret behind a happy and healthy retired life lies in finding the retirement home that matches your lifestyle and your personality.
So take a little trouble to do researches; the above-mentioned tips will give your efforts the proper direction.
Spend some time with the residents of the communities of your choice an insider’s view is the best way to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a retirement home.
