Are you nearing retirement age, or do you have a loved one who is? Regardless, you may soon be facing a big decision involved in choosing a retirement community. You want to find the right fit, so take time to research retirement communities online. It’s the best place to begin.
However, there are numerous levels of care, services, amenities, etc. involved in different types of communities. How do you know what to look for? To help you narrow down your options, keep the following tips in mind when researching retirement communities online.
Be Wary Of Some Online Reviews
Should you bother checking online reviews? Absolutely! On the other hand, you have to be careful how much trust you put in them. Regarding any community you’re interested in, helpful information can be gleaned from online reviews. But to fully compare your options, there are any number of directories which can be found online to assist you.
Remember that the true picture of a retirement community will never be entirely told through reviews – be they negative or positive. You want to see for yourself just what it’s like inside the community, how the care team reacts to residents, cleanliness, the outdoor grounds, and more.
Nonprofit Versus For-Profit Communities
You may want to familiarize yourself with the difference between nonprofit and for-profit communities. This refers to the structuring of the facility in question. Many similarities are shared between the two, but you should also consider important distinctions.
For example: Nonprofit communities are often associated with mission-based organizations and are usually privately owned. On the other hand, national, large corporate chains usually run for-profit retirement communities. To see if they align with your beliefs, research both the community’s values and their mission.
Check out All Amenities and Services
The amenities and services offered matter more to some than to others. Not all retirement communities are created equally. Some go so far as to offer the following:
- Multiple dining options
- Laundry services
- Housekeeping
- Transportation/concierge services
- Barber Shops/beauty salons and much more>
Which amenities will be most important to you or the loved one in question? Some retirement communities offer so many amenities, they provide a resort-like atmosphere.
Location Can Be Important
Location will matter to certain individuals. Some would like to live in a different state, far away from relatives, while others would rather remain close to their previous home, friends, and family. Here are some other things you might want nearby:
- A trusted hospital
- A reputable pharmacy
- The person’s doctor’s office and other places of importance (church, synagogue, etc.)
Some people will also want to be sure that there are opportunities for entertainment nearby as well as restaurants, shops, etc.
Have you decided on a couple of retirement communities you feel meet your needs and expectations? Now it’s time to schedule a tour!
Be Sure to Include Our Retirement Community In Your Online Research
With numerous resort-like amenities, a caring team of professionals, programs promoting both mental and physical health, and more, our community offers each and every resident the opportunity to retire in style.
If you have any inquiries regarding sales and leasing, please phone us at 813-358-1747. All other questions can be referred to at 813-642-0860. You can also fill out our convenient online form to open the lines of communication. The best way to experience all we have to offer, however, is to schedule a tour.
Please contact us today – we look forward to meeting you.
