Is a Life Plan Community Right for You? Key Questions to Ask

If you’re exploring your lifestyle options as part of your retirement planning, it’s important to take your time and carefully consider what you want your future to look like. To help you choose the best lifestyle for you and your goals, use this guide.

Questions to Consider

While staying in your own home can be appealing, there are some homeowner responsibilities — and expenses — that you may want to think about.

• How much yardwork needs to be done, and how easy is it for you to do?
• What kinds of home repairs are needed? Are you willing or able to do them all?
• Even if you enjoy fixing things and taking care of the yard, will you still want to do it all in three to five years?

What Do You Want Someone Else to Do?

Check all the household tasks you would like someone else to do:

• Interior maintenance
• Exterior maintenance
• Yardwork
• Snow and leaf removal
• Housekeeping
• Cooking
• Other

Start Enjoying Life on Your Terms

Choosing a senior living community means you’ll have more time and opportunities to fully follow your interests and to discover new ones. Check all the items that interest you and that you’d like to be nearby:

• Book club
• Bocce ball
• Pickleball
• Bridge/poker/card games
• Cultural excursions/activities
• Discussion groups
• Educational presentations
• Exercise classes
• Gardening
• Hiking
• Painting and pottery
• Personal trainer
• Religious services
• Running/walking
• Tai chi/yoga
• Theater/symphony/ballet
• Travel
• Volunteer opportunities
• Weight training
• Other

What Are You Looking for in a Community?

When it comes to senior living communities, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Not every community offers the same approach to senior living, so you’ll find a range of services, amenities, and health services. Take a few minutes to think through which aspects of choosing a senior living community are important to you and then check off your must-haves:

• Pet-friendly policy
• Multiple floor plan types
• Housekeeping
• Home maintenance services
• Freedom to make my own schedule
• Variety of menu choices and dining venues
• Emphasis on overall wellness
• Activities that interest and/or challenge me
• Fitness classes at a variety of skill levels
• Resident voice in community
• Activities and events
• Continuum of on-site care
• Walking and recreation
• Nonprofit business model
• Local ownership
• 24/7 security
• Transportation services
• Other

What’s Your Plan for the Future?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of people 65 and better will use some type of long-term care services for an average of three years. If your or your spouse’s health needs change and you need long-term care, do you have a plan? Ask yourself:

• Where will I go for rehabilitation after illness or surgery?
• What if I need assistance with dressing, bathing, or managing medications?
• Who will provide care if I develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
• If your spouse needs round-the-clock support, will you be able to care for them?

By choosing a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community) with a continuum of care options — like Vista Point at Fairview — you can enjoy your independent lifestyle even more because you’ve taken control of your future.

Check Out Our Perspective on Senior Living

Joining Vista Point early allows you to be proactive about your future, instead of making a rushed decision later. If you have questions about the only Life Plan Community in the area that combines an amazing lifestyle with stunning waterfront views, call (860) 968-VIEW (8439) or contact us here.