Transitioning from living at home to living in a retirement community involves, above all else, an abundance of research. After all, it’s only natural to want to live in the best retirement locations possible during our golden years.
The amount of online digging required to find a retirement community can become cumbersome. That’s why this list highlights the most important things you should consider when finding the best retirement location for you.
1. Determine Reputability
One of the most important considerations when determining the best retirement locations is their reputability. If you get a gut feeling that a certain community is not up to par with your standard of living, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself when considering reputability:
- Does the facility have positive reviews and testimonials?
- Are there any formal connections to other reputable institutions?
- How is the staff trained?
For instance, Charter House is connected to the Mayo Clinic via a climate-controlled skyway and underground walkway—one of the nation’s most highly rated hospitals.
![Skyway From Charter House Skyway From Charter House](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/skyway-from-charter-house.webp)
2. Consider Friendship and Community
As you’ll undoubtedly be spending the majority of your time in your new residence, the place you pick must emphasize community and creating bonds. 25% of adults aged 65 and older suffer from social isolation, which is known to be strenuous on both mental and physical health. The best retirement location will have available activities, programming, and courses.
![Residents Playing Dominos Game Residents Playing Dominos Game](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/residents-playing-dominos-game.webp)
3. Look at The Location
The location of your retirement community is crucial. You don’t want to choose somewhere with harsh weather or somewhere distant from the rest of society. Try to find a place accessible to the city so your loved ones can visit frequently. It’s a bonus if the city is a place like Rochester, with four beautiful seasons each year.
![Park With Bench And Trees Park With Bench And Trees](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/park-with-bench-and-trees.webp)
4. Find The Right Floorplan
Having identical units throughout the community is no fun, as every senior has a set idea of what the best retirement location looks like in their eyes. Having a community with multiple floorplans is excellent as it gives you the freedom of choice.
![Interior View Of Dining Room Interior View Of Dining Room](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/interior-view-of-dining-room.webp)
5. Survey Healthcare Options
The healthcare provided for your retirement community is of utmost importance, especially for seniors with pre-existing conditions like dementia or arthritis. A community with service options like home health aides and assisted living can be a great relief.
![Supportive Living Home With Two Leather Recliners Supportive Living Home With Two Leather Recliners](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/supportive-living-home-with-two-leather-recliners.webp)
6. Access to Transportation
Having reliable transportation to places you regularly need to go, like the doctor’s or out to purchase groceries, can be a significant relief. The best retirement locations have complimentary transportation services like shuttle buses, another component to look for.
![Charter House Shuttle Bus Near Entrance Charter House Shuttle Bus Near Entrance](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/charter-house-shuttle-bus-near-entrance.webp)
7. Don’t Forget About Relaxation
While most retirement communities cover their bases on healthcare and exercise, there is sometimes a need for more emphasis on genuine relaxation and fun. For instance, Charter House has a dedicated spa, salon, greenhouse, and library. No matter your hobbies, the best retirement community for you will be one that caters to them.
![Salon Employee Smiling While Painting Residents Nails Salon Employee Smiling While Painting Residents Nails](https://charterhouse-mayo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/salon-employee-smiling-while-painting-residents-nails.webp)
Contact Charter House Today!
If you’re searching for the best retirement location, you’ve come to the right place! Charter House prides itself on its commitment to quality care, with an emphasis on both health and happiness. If you want to learn more about our gorgeous facility, please contact us today!