We used extensive experience with retirement living options to put together a resource you can use when thinking about 55+ living and active adult communities. Explore the most frequently asked questions at our senior apartments in Minnetonka!
What is an active adult community?
An active adult community is a community specifically designed for age qualified, active adults over the age of 55 that want to embrace stress free, turnkey, empty nester lifestyle. Focused on creating a warm, maintenance-free, inclusive atmosphere, active adult communities provide state-of-the-art amenities, classes, and activities that foster healthy aging and lasting social relationships with peers. You will find fitness, fun and friendship in resort style surroundings. You will not find medical assistance, transportation, or meals but on-site team members are more than willing to assist with locating these services as needed. Active adults want the maintenance and financial freedom that renting an apartment provides, minus the additional charges for services they do not need.
What are the benefits of living in a 55+ community?
The many pros of living in a 55+ community include:
- Floor plans inspired for adults that are nearing or entering retirement, with an emphasis on comfort, style, and convenience.
- A community of like-minded, active adult neighbors with which to create meaningful social connections.
- Peace of mind in a secure environment with other community members who support and watch out for each other.
- Resort-style amenities that may include state-of-the-art full-service fitness centers, yoga studios, swimming pools, professionally outfitted kitchens for classes and demonstrations, theaters, game rooms and well-manicured outdoor spaces.
- A dynamic and engaging lifestyle program, often centered around the Seven Dimensions of Wellness: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational.
- In an active adult community, you are able to utilize the time otherwise lost to home maintenance to spend time with your children, grandchildren, and family.
- Financial flexibility: you are able to add and remove the services that are necessary for your day-to-day, no overpayment of unnecessary amenities and services.
- The freedom to enjoy each day as you please, and the ability to embark on new adventures on possibility at every turn.
What is Senior Living?
Senior Living is an umbrella term applied to the various types of communities that cater to older adults, particularly those over the age of 55.
What is the difference between active adult living, independent living, and assisted living?
- Active Adult Living is the ideal place to call home for active adults that are completely independent and seeking to maximize the freedom that comes with apartment living. For those that are not ready for a higher form of care, want to move out of their home, and are looking to experience all that retirement living, or 55+ living, has to offer, an active adult community is the perfect home to balance low maintenance living with a wellness-centric, engaging lifestyle. With no hidden charges for services community members do not need, no burden of homeownership, and no children at home, it’s a choice that makes sense in terms of both lifestyle and finances.
- Independent Living is for seniors who may need some level of assistance. Services like meals, laundry, linen delivery, maid service, on-site nurse, and planned activities are available as needed or wanted. If a resident needs special care, like an aide to help with daily life, they have to hire from an outside source on their own.
- Assisted Living is for seniors who need a higher level of care. Assisted living facilities have on-site professionals to help with daily challenges and medical care. Those services are generally included in the overall cost of the facility.
How do I find the right active adult community for me?
There are important issues to consider when looking for the right community:
- Where do you want to live? Do you want to remain in your current location or try a new city, state, or town?
- Financially, does apartment-living make sense for you?
- Do you have a pet? Is the active adult community pet friendly?
- Does the design and layout of the community align with your style, taste, and standards?
- Does the lifestyle programming at the active adult community fit your interests, hobbies, and vision of 55+ living?
- After experiencing the community firsthand by taking a tour, does the community have the right feel for you?
What amenities do 55+ active adult communities offer?
Amenities at active adult communities may include:
- Expansive recreational and social spaces that provide new experiences everyday.
- State-of-the-art fitness centers to stay physically active.
- Yoga studios to balance and refine mental and physical fitness.
- Complimentary coffee bars to enjoy in the mornings with neighbors and friends.
- Chef kitchens for cooking classes, demonstrations, wine tastings, and other culinary experiences.
- Private theaters to watch a favorite flick with grandchildren.
- Creative arts studios to discover a new skillset or passion.
- Stunning exterior surroundings and grounds, complete with regular landscaping and scheduled upkeep.
- A maintenance team that fixes any physical problem in the apartment home within 24 – 48 hours.
- An experienced on-site team that is dedicated to providing the highest quality of 55+ living for residents.
What is the best way to start a conversation with my parents about them moving?
- Begin conversations earlier than expected. It will take your loved ones time to come around to the concept of moving out of their home that raised a family.
- Reflect on the reasons why you believe it is time for your parents to move; be transparent and honest with your reasoning.
- Be sensitive to their thoughts, comments, and emotions. Understand their perspective and put yourself in their shoes.
- Research several options first and provide details to make their decision easier. Show your intentionally, show that you are thinking of them.
- Establish a tone of support and always be transparent that you want what is best for them.
How to downsize for a senior living move?
- Take bite size pieces of your personal belongings, don’t try to manage everything at once.
- Be intentional with the time you set aside to downsize. Set a timer to take breaks and avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Create a list to help decide on what needs to be kept, what can be trashed, and what should be donated.
- Lean on friends, family, and loved ones to help! Connect with local senior living advisors, professional downsizers, and organizational experts for support.
