Understanding your senior living options

For many adults, retirement means more freedom. That freedom also brings reduced stress levels, the opportunity to improve overall health and wellness, the ability to take on philanthropic endeavors, more time with family and the possibility of enhancing your lifestyle with new hobbies and interests.

For many older adults, finding more freedom in retirement means moving into a new home that better fits their lifestyle.

Luckily, there are many senior living options to consider — but not all are created equal. Learn more about starting your senior living search and how to evaluate your choices.

In addition to the logistics, you should also make sure the community you choose has the desired lifestyle, city and must-have amenities that you’re looking for. Depending on the community you choose, amenities can be sparse or plentiful. At Liberty Senior Living communities, for example, campuses are located near walking trails and nature parks, with amenities including on-site fitness centers, active social calendars, libraries and art studios.

Active adult communities are typically age-restricted or age-targeted to adults 55 years and older, and they tend to attract residents interested in maintenance-free living. Communities often offer a host of amenities and are usually located near larger cities for the convenience of their residents.

For these reasons, active adult communities may be best for individuals who need less assistance in everyday life.

Independent living communities, or retirement communities, are designed to provide active older adults with low-maintenance residences, social activities and transportation access along with a host of attractive amenities.

“Independent living is a specific type of community in which residents must meet certain age criteria, for most communities this age is 62 or older. Independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live independently but enjoy convenient access to dining, wellness programs, entertainment, social engagement and so much more,” said Maria Drakos, sales and marketing director at Brightmore of Wilmington, a Liberty Senior Living community. “Independent living offers residents a safe living environment with minimal assistance. Things like hospitality and maintenance services are available and included in monthly rent for Brightmore of Wilmington residents.”

Retirement communities are a great fit for people ready to right-size their homes and simplify or eliminate the associated home maintenance that can weigh them down. In addition, travel becomes more accessible, and there is newfound time for hobbies, philanthropic efforts and friendships.

At Liberty Senior Living communities, residents have no shortage of ways to spend their free time.

“Our community allows you to continue or pursue new passions without the hassle and worry of household chores, homeownership and landscaping. It’s designed to feel like a private residence all while giving you opportunities to participate in numerous fitness classes, excursions and social programs, as well as a number of wellness programs taught by our wellness coordinator,” said Drakos. “We are within miles of the beach, so we host a senior beach day for our residents twice a year, and we host ‘Summer Olympics’ as well as a number of birthday and holiday socials each month.”

Since Brightmore is located in Wilmington, residents also have the opportunity to explore the city through special programming, and the community’s Resident Council assists a life enrichment coordinator in planning events and determining new outings in the area.

One drawback, however, is cost. CCRCs can be quite expensive, both in entry fees and monthly maintenance and service fees.

Most Liberty Senior Living communities avoid entry fees by offering a flexible rental model. Residents have found renting to be an attractive way to provide more financial freedom by not requiring a large, up front Entrance Fee and to obtain the simplified lifestyle they desire.

Other senior living options for those requiring higher levels of care and assistance include Assisted Living Communities and Skilled Nursing Facilities. These options offer additional levels of care including assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.

Some communities, like those in Liberty Senior Living, have multiple care options.

“Some senior living communities offer various levels of care, allowing residents to transition to the support they need. The campus of Brightmore of Wilmington offers independent living, assisted living and memory support,” said Joanna Davis, sale director at Liberty’s The Kempton at Brightmore. “Communities that offer various levels of care give residents the opportunity to access the care that they need, without having to move from the community they’ve come to call home.”