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 yourpersonal 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.

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 one of our Deupree marketing counselors, Verna Lawhorn at (513) 272-5555, ext. 6604 or Emily Allen at (513) 272-5555 ext. 6645. You can also reach them via email at vlawhorn@erhinc.com or eallen@erhinc.com. Additionally, you can 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.