As you explore the host of senior living options available today, you may come across the term active adult community in Kansas. What are the services offered there and how do they differ from other senior living programs? If you are new to the world of senior care and are still narrowing down your options, find out what you can expect from active adult communities.
What Are Active Adult Communities?
Active adult communities offer mainly maintenance-free senior lifestyle programs for older adults aged 55 years and above. The two types of active adult communities include the following:
- Age-Targeted – These communities target older adults aged 55 year and above but are not limited to just those over 55 years old.
- Age-Restricted – No less than 80% of these communities must have a minimum of one resident over the age of 55.
Accommodation options in these 55+ communities can include one- and two-bedroom apartments available in an array of senior living floor plans to cater to differing needs of residents. These communities are often strategically located near town amenities and local attractions to provide residents with social and recreational opportunities.
Why Choose Active Adult Communities
Residents of active adult communities can enjoy a well-rounded retirement experience, having all the services and amenities in one place.
- Maintenance-Free – Residents can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, not having to worry over tedious apartment upkeep that can include plumbing and electrical repairs, flooring maintenance, and others.
- Right-Sized Accommodation – For older adults living on their own, having too many rooms in their house requires unnecessary additional maintenance. Right-sizing to an active adult community lets them reduce time, energy, and costs.
- Community Feel – Being surrounded by their peers will provide residents with social interaction which is essential to keep feelings of loneliness and isolation at bay.
- On-Site Facilities – Residents are given access to a plethora of amenities offered right on site within the grounds of the active adult community. Games rooms, barber shops, beauty salons, gym, and others are readily available.
- Inclusive Services – To ease the burden of daily life, residents are provided with an array of helpful services such as cooking, cleaning, driving, and concierge.
Things to Consider
As you weigh your options, there are several things that you may want to consider to help you make a well-informed decision.
- No Care Services – Residents of an active adult community are relatively fit and able. For those who require greater care like assistance for their daily living activities or medical needs, an assisted living or memory care program is a more ideal option.
- Varying Costs – Your monthly fee depends on the apartment type you choose, the services you pick, and the amenities you want to access.
- Lifestyle Needs – Consider the things you are looking to achieve in retirement. Are you happy staying indoors spending time mostly on your own? Or are you looking to pursue your passions and meet new people, exploring new activities together?
- Pet-Friendly Community – Some active adult communities may be pet-friendly but only certain types of animals are allowed based on their individual pet policies.
