Tips for Retirees Looking into Senior Living Options in Madison
Ready to retire? Choosing a new city can be an exciting, but overwhelming, process. You’ll want to make sure anywhere you choose is the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and affordability. If these factors are important to you, look no further than Madison, Wisconsin. U.S. News ranks the city as #38 on its list of top places to retire in America, and it’s easy to see why. Madison, Wisconsin has that down to earth feel that is characteristic of the Midwest while still boasting modernity and excitement - fueled by its thriving music, dining, and nightlife scene. It’s also a great place for retirees who want to stay active, with 5 lakes in the metropolitan area that lend themselves to great hiking trails and water activities.
Thinking of exploring retirement communities in Madison? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Understand What a Retirement Community Actually Is
Retirement communities also called active adult living or “55-plus” communities, are neighborhoods designed for adults who are at least 55 years old, although age requirements can vary. Most retirees who live in these communities have left their career jobs, although that is not always the case.
The homes types you can expect to find in a retirement community can vary - including single-family homes, condominiums or apartments. These homes normally have a “universal design” floor plan, meaning they are built with senior-friendly features for aging in place. Amenities in these homes may include no-step entryways, monitoring technologies, wider hallways, low counters, and balancing rails in the shower.
Research the Benefits of Living in a Retirement Community
Owning a home can be more of a burden than you want or are able to deal with during retirement - which is a huge reason why retirement communities are such a popular option among older adults. In a retirement community, you can expect management to handle the more burdensome chores that come with homeownership. You can instead focus on the things that make you happy.
“55-plus” communities offer myriad services and amenities intended to help keep retirees as safe and relaxed as possible during their Golden Years without sacrificing independence. Some of the common home maintenance services provided in a retirement community typically include:
*Common area maintenance
*Exterior building maintenance
*Limited replacement cost coverage insurance
*Sewer maintenance and repair
*Roof maintenance and repair
*Pest extermination, if necessary
The benefits of living in a retirement community extend beyond home maintenance - active adult living communities also usually offer a variety of amenities intended to make retirement happier and healthier for retirees. These amenities vary from community to community, but may include:
*Swimming pools
*Fitness centers
*Recreational activities
*Senior happy hours in a community clubhouse
*Organized outings
*Gated security for enhanced safety
Linking up with a trusted real estate professional is a great way to fully understand all of the different amenities and nuances of a given retirement community. Having this knowledge will help you pick the community that is truly best for you.
Consider Other Senior Living Options in Madison
A retirement community could be the perfect option for some, but it is beneficial for you to consider the other senior living options in Madison to really weigh your choices. Aging brings inevitable change, and if you think you’ll ultimately need more assistance due to changing health complications or mobility limitations, an assisted living facility could be a perfect choice. There are several highly-ranked assisted living facilities in the Madison area - each staffed with caring professionals that can help you with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities are ideal for older adults who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, managing their medications or moving safely around their living space.
Ready to Explore Your Options in Madison?
Having the right expert by your side is a critical key to a successful real estate experience, so make sure to carefully choose your real estate professional. Contact Iris Loomans today to get on your way to finding your dream home! 608-572 1736