The Right Fit: Four Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Senior Living Community

Retirement today sure doesn’t look the same as it did for our parents’ generation, and that’s true for retirement communities as well. Modern senior living communities are places where vibrant folks grow, connect, learn, contribute, and have a blast.

There are so many communities to choose from, and they all can’t wait to tell you about their dining options, residences, amenities, and social calendars. (Carlyle Place Life Plan Community in Macon is no exception!) But we believe that the first step in knowing whether a community is the right fit is to know what you’re looking for. These four questions can help start your journey.

1. What Kind of “Vibe” Am I Looking For?

Choosing a senior living community can be a bit like a high school senior picking a college (without all the stress about GPAs). Some communities have a folksy, small-town personality, while others have a more urban style of living. There’s also the question of amenities. Do you want options for exercise and wellness right on site? Are you fond of cultural and community events? Will you want to take adult education classes at a local college? Do you spend most of your time indoors or outdoors? Are you more comfortable in large groups or with one or two close friends? All these questions will help you decide which community would be the right fit.

seniors play an outdoor game tossing bean bags

If you asked residents to describe the culture of Carlyle Place, you’d probably hear the phrase “irresistibly engaging.” From the moment you walk through our gates, you can feel the spirit of wellness, purpose, and belonging in the air. Here, vibrant seniors pursue activities like jogging, woodworking, and expanding their horizons in our many resident-led clubs. We’ve also partnered with Wesleyan Academy of Lifelong Learning to offer a wide variety of courses—from art and drama to history and archeology.

2. What’s My Vision for “Home Sweet Home”?

The types of residences offered by senior living communities are as varied as the communities themselves. Some are strictly apartment-style, while others offer garden homes complete with yards and garages. As you’re narrowing down your choices, consider all your requirements. Will you be living alone, or are you making the move with a partner? Do you have frequent visitors? Are you more comfortable in a large or smaller space?

senior couples talk while visiting on a front porch

Some communities, like Carlyle Place, let you choose from a combination of styles and floor plans. Here, though, we understand that a home is more than just a place to sleep. It also sets the stage for entertaining, working, and relaxing. That’s why every Carlyle Place residence—from our one-bedroom apartments to our garden homes—features the extra touches that turn a simple space into a welcoming retreat. Pro tip: Ask our residents about the popular interior designer who helped bring their vision to life, mixing their favorite items with new to create just the right feel.

3. How Much Health Support Do I Need?

As you’ve been weighing your senior living options, you’ve probably come across the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” quite often. But what’s the difference between the two? And which is right for you?

Independent living, as the name suggests, is perfect if you want to live independently—but without the hassles of fighting crabgrass, repairing appliances, or cooking meals when you’re not in the mood. That way, you’re free to spend more time on activities that bring you joy.

Assisted living provides additional care and support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. This option is ideal if you require more help with daily tasks but want to maintain a safe, comfortable level of independence. It can also be a great fit if you or a loved one needs round-the-clock care.

You may want to join the growing number of seniors who choose a Life Plan Community like Carlyle Place in Macon, where all levels of quality healthcare services are available right on campus. The big advantage? It helps eliminate worries about changing health issues, and you won’t need to move, should your needs change.

4. What’s the Best Way to Protect My Financial Assets?

You might think in-demand communities like Carlyle Place are out of reach. But when you add up your monthly and yearly costs—like landscaping, roof repairs, property taxes, utilities, and homeowner’s insurance—you’ll often find that a Life Plan Community is actually less expensive than living in your current home.

For example, if you choose the Life Care contract option at Carlyle Place, you’ll pay a one-time entrance fee, then a monthly fee from that point on. And it’s amazing what you get, including access to fitness centers, multiple dining venues, and live entertainment, all set amidst 58 acres of beautifully kept grounds.

Most importantly, you’ll gain security and peace of mind by taking control of your healthcare before a crisis hits. Should you need to transition into a different level of care, like skilled nursing or memory care, the move will be seamless and affordable.

Come Try Our Macon Life Plan Community on For Size

Like any major (and exciting) life change, choosing a senior living community isn’t something to be rushed. Let the friendly, knowledgeable team at Carlyle Place help you sort through all your options—and experience our community’s personality, amenities, and well-appointed residences for yourself.

To schedule your tour or speak with one of our trusted Life Plan Advisors, call 478-405-4544.

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