The life-giving benefits of
community living for active
retirees
Moving sooner
rather than later can
improve your health
and wellbeing
by Robin Dance
Aging Specialist and Life Plan Advisor at
Carlyle Place
Today’s retirees are enjoying more
independent living options than ever
with communities offering services and
amenities that rival a resort. Gone are the
old folks’ homes of yesteryear, and in their
place, you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods
that seem to anticipate and meet every
need of their aging population.
Life Plan Communities (aka continuing
care retirement communities) typically
require an entrance fee and monthly service
fee, so the question everyone wants
to know is, “Do the benefits outweigh the
cost?” If so, what are the most important
things to consider in choosing a community?
1. Resident Life. A robust resident life
department should have sufficient staffing,
services, and amenities in place to offer a
holistic approach to your health. Think of
82 LAKE OCONEE LIVING | WINTER 2021
it this way: moving
when you’re able
to take advantage
of fitness programming
and activities
is a smart decision
that will strengthen
body and mind. If you
wait until you think
you “need” to move,
you’ve probably
missed out on one of the most important
reasons to move in the first place: gaining
a partner who’s invested in your wellbeing.
2. Reputation. New communities are
popping up everywhere, but new doesn’t
equal better. New facilities mean new
staff, and they might not have had time to
gain the expertise and experience to serve
a 62+ resident population. Is the community
for-profit or not-for-profit? The
organization’s mission reveals a lot about
why they do what they do. What are the
cash reserves? Is there actuarial involvement
and/or an independent board? Have
they earned the gold standard of CARF
accreditation? (Commission on Accreditation
of Rehab Facilities)
3. Healthcare Options and Availability.
Deciding on a Life Plan Community
means you’re
identifying your
healthcare options
in advance, before
you’re facing a crisis.
You’re securing
guaranteed access
to your preferred
providers. The cost
to not making this
decision means
someone else might be making it for you,
or you simply won’t have access to what
you want. Look for a community that
offers a Lifecare Benefit at no additional
cost. You’ll gain guaranteed healthcare
at significantly reduced rates if/when the
need arises. When you consider today’s
prices for assisted living, memory care, or
skilled nursing ($48,000-$100,000/year),
you’ll understand its importance.
Call the Aging Specialists at Carlyle
Place in Macon, Georgia to learn more
(1-866-608-7104). They’re a trusted source
for information, and they understand the
long-term value and peace of mind retirement
living can offer you. If you’re ready
for the next step, take advantage of 20th
Anniversary pricing before the end of the
year, too!
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