From Dear Abby to The New York Times, there seems to be more and more print space devoted to retirement living. Maybe it’s because we are in the eve of retirement for the Boomer generation. It could be the increased availability of quality options. Or, perhaps, people better understand the value of planning for an active, adventurous, independent, “over-65” lifestyle.

Changing your living situation should only be done after a close look at your personal needs and desires. Everyone’s situation is different, and what is right for your friend may not be right for you. It is important to gather as much information as you can on all the choices available and then make a knowledgeable decision.

One popular option, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), offers a complete range of housing and care, from independent living to 24-hour nursing care. The CCRC’s emphasis is on the individual. Coupled with a supportive environment, CCRC’s allow you to pursue your life-long interests.

Here are a few considerations when shopping for a CCRC:

• Determine a general location in which you'd prefer to live.
• Choose several retirement communities in the desired location and call for information.
• Schedule tours of the most desirable communities based on services, amenities, location, and ownership arrangements, to name a few.
• When visiting, consider the accommodations based on your space and social needs. Walk through the entire complex and observe how residents are interacting, including with staff. Ask residents how they like living there. Dining with residents is an excellent way to understand the ambiance of the community.
• Ask specific questions to determine the community's financial stability, such as history of the management and the sponsor. Is the sponsor a for-profit or not-for-profit?
• Examine the occupancy contract to understand the payment structure. What types of contracts are available: Entrance fee? If yes, is it refundable? Monthly fee? What is included in the fees? Utilities? Meals? Transportation?
• Understand the physical requirements for admission to independent living, as well as the policy for moving to assisted living or nursing care. What costs are involved?
  

Moving to a retirement community is one of life's most difficult decisions. It's right up there with marriage, having children and switching careers. Just remember that nearly everyone who moves to a retirement community says after a while, “I wish I had done this years earlier!”

For more information on making the decision to move to a retirement community, please contact Janet Ferguson of Episcopal Retirement Homes at (513) 272-5555, ext. 4215 or via e-mail at jferguson@erhinc.com. You can also obtain information by contacting the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging at (202) 783-2242 or via e-mail info@aahsa.org.