When to consider living in a retirement community: Questions to ask before you make a decision

Choosing where to live throughout retirement is a choice that deserves careful thought. Deciding what’s right for you can take time, and it should, because you want to ensure your choice is the right fit for your future. There are many options for where to spend your later years, with some deciding to stay in their beloved home, others moving in with loved ones, and a good few moving into dedicated retirement communities.

Considering a move to a retirement community can feel overwhelming. In truth, it is a momentous decision. Moving in your 70s or 80s creates additional pressures in practical, logistical, and emotional terms. There are also adult children’s concerns to consider, and so it’s understandable people find this decision tough to grapple with. Add to this emotional cocktail the understandable fear of being ‘sold to’ through high-pressure sales techniques, and it’s no wonder people shy away from even picking up the phone.

Retirement communities do offer several features you may find appealing, including planned social activities, on-site care, and a strong sense of independence, but they’re not right for everyone. If you’re at the retirement planning stage, you may be considering living in a retirement community. There may be aspects of the lifestyle you’re not sure about, uncovering several questions. We’ll see if we can answer some for you.

When to start looking for a retirement community?

Deciding when to start looking for a retirement community depends on your unique circumstances. If downsizing (some would say ‘rightsizing’) is part of your future plans, whether in the next year or the next few, then now is the perfect time to begin exploring. The best advice everyone should receive is – avoid waiting for a health or age crisis to force the decision. If you think a move could be in your future within the next three years, it’s a good idea to put the feelers out now.

Planning early offers numerous advantages. By beginning your search ahead of time, you’ll have access to a wider range of choices, more time to gather information, and the opportunity to prepare thoughtfully for a transition into community living. It’ll naturally reduce stress and you’ll avoid having to make rushed decisions later on. Starting early doesn’t mean you have to move before you’re ready - it simply allows you to evaluate alternatives and make informed decisions on your own terms. It’s your choice after all.

What about looking for a loved one?

If you’re not looking for yourself but for a spouse or parent, their health and future needs should guide the timeline. In many cases, their circumstances may take precedence over your own preferences. Considering their health trajectories and potential care requirements can help ensure that the right choice is made at the right time.

Starting early is about being proactive. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one, early research and preparation ensure that you’re ready when the time is right.

Here’s some things to consider when you’re thinking about living in a retirement community.

Am I ready to move out of my home?

Before diving into specifics, start by asking yourself: Am I ready to contemplate this move? How do I want my next chapter to unfold? Questions like this are deeply personal but will allow you to assess whether you’re ready to move on from your current living circumstances.

You may be in a ‘thinking’ phase… This is a good time to explore your options without pressure. Begin gathering information, look online, download or request brochures, when you’re ready, visit a handful of communities, and explore your options. There's no rush, and you can take the time to make a thoughtful decision.

You may be planning to move within the next three years… Start by defining your non-negotiables or ‘must-haves (e.g., price range, location, number of bedrooms, proximity to family). Keep in mind that additional amenities like pools, fitness centres, or on-site restaurants, while desirable, might need to be placed in a ‘should-have’ or ‘could-have’ category based on your budget.

What does my ideal retirement living situation look like?

Researching and narrowing down your options is important, as this will give you a better idea on what you’re looking for in retirement. Once you've clarified your priorities, you may find that a retirement community is the ideal fit for you. Now it’s time to focus on identifying a few communities that align with your criteria, especially in terms of location and budget. Here's how to begin:

Request brochures: Reach out to communities via phone or email to request information. Pay attention to how you’re treated during these interactions – it can reveal a lot about the culture of the organisation.

Visit in your home: If venturing out feels like a step too far at this stage, why not ask the community representative to visit you in your home? Many retirement communities offer the option of a home visit, allowing you to discuss your needs and preferences in a space where you feel most comfortable. It’s an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what they offer, all on your terms.

Schedule tours: Arrange for an in-person or virtual tour. Ideally, allocate at least 90 minutes to explore the community and get a sense of its atmosphere and amenities. Some communities may even offer a home visit to discuss your needs.

Do the communities I’ve chosen fit my retirement criteria?

Dedicate some time to visit some retirement communities that may fit your criteria. During your visit, take the time to explore both the physical spaces and the community's culture.

Key steps include:

• Visit multiple communities: Look at different floor plans to assess quality, space, and storage options. Consider your existing furniture and note items you can't live without.
• Observe daily life: Walk around to observe how residents and staff interact. Does the community feel welcoming and vibrant?
• Talk to residents: Ask for private conversations with current residents. Their insights about the lifestyle and quality of services can be invaluable.
• Try their food: If meals are part of the offering, request to have lunch in the community dining area. It’s the best way to assess the quality and variety of the food.

Key questions to ask when visiting communities

Prepare a list of questions before visiting or speaking with representatives. Here are some to consider:

Living arrangements and services

• What does the service charge or management fee include?
• Are there hidden costs, such as a Deferred Management Fee (DMF)? If so, how much is it, and what does it cover?
• Are there options for overnight guests (e.g., guest suites)?
• Is there a minibus or transportation service available?

Care and support

• Is 24/7 care available on-site, or will I need to arrange my own?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio for care services?
• Are staff directly employed, or does the community rely on agency workers?
• What systems are in place for medication management?
• Can I meet the Care Team Manager to discuss their approach to support?

Community and amenities

• What resident satisfaction scores does the community have, and how are they measured?
• Does the community have on-site amenities such as a shop, gym, or recreational facilities?
• Are there social events or activity programs for residents?
• How old is the community? Is it new and still filling up, or established and stable?

Accreditations and reputation

• Is the operator a member of ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators)?
• How does the community support residents during the relocation process?

Does living in a retirement community fit my future?

After your visits and research, reflect on the following:

Emotional readiness: Do you feel positive and excited about the idea of living there?

Lifestyle fit: Does the community align with your vision of retirement?

Practical suitability: Does it meet your ‘must-haves’ while also feeling like a good long-term fit?

Answering questions like these can help you in deciding whether retirement community living is the next best step for you and your future, and how to narrow down your options to ensure the community you choose is perfect for you. 

Preparing to downsize for retirement

Whether you’re looking to move into a retirement community, or simply looking to move into a smaller property in your later years, preparing to downsize is a big step that requires key considerations. Letting go of possessions is often difficult, but can also be liberating. Letting go is a key part of downsizing that will assist you in moving away from your current home, allowing you to leave items behind that won’t necessarily find a place in your new property. Here’s some tips for letting go of items when you downsize:

Start with essentials: Decide which items are absolutely necessary for you to take with you and work from there. Everyone has sentimental items and necessities for their lifestyle, but a lot of items collected over the years have been held onto for the sake of it. Decide which items fall into these categories and begin to plan for finding them a new home. Some large items may have to go due to their size, so make sure they find a good home.

Adopt a positive mindset: Clearing out can feel liberating. Think of new beginnings when you  are deciding what to keep and what to move on. Ask yourself questions like ‘when did I last use this?’ or ‘will this look good in my new home?’. These can help you to decide on certain items you’re not sure on. Most of all, be honest and decisive.

Create sorting spaces: For each item you’re moving on, choose to donate, recycle or throw away. Donating items to charity can shift the downsizing process into a fulfilling process, and having designated sorting spaces for recycling or throwing away will make the process more organised and efficient.

Declutter draws, cupboards and storage spaces: When you go through storage spaces logically you’ll be surprised at how much stuff you don’t need. Shoes, clothes, bedding, cutlery and books, we often have too much of everything just for the sake of it. Now’s the time to organise this into things you need and things you don’t.

Simplify paperwork: We’ve all got a pile of paperwork somewhere. Organise this into things you don’t need anymore and documents you can now access online. Keep essential records and tax information. Recycle what you don’t need.

Breaking downsizing into these steps can feel liberating and make the whole process much more efficient.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do all this in a weekend. This process can take as long as you want. Start with individual cupboards or drawers or simply go room by room. There is no right or wrong way of doing this. If you have any family nearby you can perhaps ask them to help, and remember, whilst you may be getting rid of it, someone somewhere may get more joy and use out of it than you do. Your possessions are simply moving to a new home, just like you.

Write your own story

Considering where you’re going to live in retirement is an exciting decision to make, but one that involves careful planning to ensure you live your retirement years in peace with everything you need. By taking time to ask the right questions, considering your options and discussing with your loved ones, you can ensure your decision is right for you and your future.

Retirement communities are sculpted and shaped with you at heart, designed to promote independence and foster inclusivity, whilst keeping accessibility and your safety in mind. Living in a retirement community is a great opportunity to enjoy these wonderful years with likeminded people, creating a lifestyle that is based on social interaction and a strong sense of independence. To further discuss why an Untold Living retirement community might be the right fit for you, speak to Untold Living today.