Continuing care retirement communities, also known as life plan communities, provide healthy and active adults with the ability to maintain consistent, fulfilling lifestyles as they age. However, every option is different, and it’s important to know what to look for when touring housing centers. If you’re considering this type of living solution, incorporate the following questions into your screening process to find the best fit.

6 Facts to Know Before Choosing a Life Care Center

1. How Much Will It Cost?

Life plan communities vary in cost depending on their location and services. Most residents pay a one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers housing maintenance, services, and amenities.

2. Who Lives There?

The age at which a person retires can vary, so it’s important to ask what the average age is of the community’s residents. Along with this, you can also inquire about what types of activities the residents enjoy. For example, some communities feature their own fitness centers, day spas, recreation centers, and walking trails.

3. Where Is It Located?

When visiting any retirement community, it’s important to know how accessible it will be to friends and family members. It’s also crucial to consider its proximity to shopping, dining, and recreational outlets.

4. Are Pets Allowed?

Companionship is important to people, especially as they age, and pets have been known to reduce depression, blood pressure, and stress in senior citizens. As such, some communities welcome small pets with prior approval, while others have strict no-pet policies. If this is an important quality for you, select a community that will suit this need. 

5. Can I Customize My Residence?

Life plan communities want residents to feel at home and independent, but policies differ by owners. Ask if you can make changes to the quarters such as painting the walls or adding on to the house or condo.

6. What Does the Dining Fee Include?

Life plan communities offer dining plans for residents as an amenity, but you should ask how much it costs and what it includes. For example, do they offer options such as on-site cafes, lounges, and formal dining, or is there a single dining room that serves as a cafeteria?

If you’re in Austin, TX, and seeking a top-quality retirement community, turn to the compassionate and skilled team at Longhorn Village. Their residents have many senior living options, including independent living, life plan areas, and skilled nursing care. Give them a call today at (512) 382-4664 to schedule a tour of their grounds, and visit them online to learn more about the amenities they offer.