Have you reached the point where you’d like your priorities to shift from the daily upkeep of your too-big house to more personal, enjoyable pursuits? Is it travel, maintaining your health or where you live that tops your list of priorities? For many retirees, where to live is at the top of the list, and if you like the idea of maintenance-free, independent living, it’s good to know you have options.
Active Adult Living Communities, also known as age-qualified communities, active adult housing, age-restricted communities or 55 and over communities, are residential neighborhoods for adults aged 55 and older who want to downsize, socialize with people at the same life stage and live a low-maintenance lifestyle.
These real estate developments offer independence and a range of resort-class amenities to residents. Some on-site features may include a golf course, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts and walking trails. Homeowners often pay additional fees for garbage collection, maintenance of shared spaces, security, internet service and cable/satellite TV.
While active adult living communities meet the needs of people reimagining their retirement years, they do have a few drawbacks when it comes to cost and the planning required for your long-term living needs, especially if that includes future care scenarios. Often, these active adult communities don’t include maintenance and upkeep for the interior of the home, so you may still find yourself spending a significant portion of your time on chores.
Independent living communities also lack on-site healthcare services. When one spouse requires more care, couples are often faced with separation or a decision to move to receive the short- or long-term care needed.
Life Plan Communities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer a similar design with many of the same amenities as an active adult community. However, residents choose from many residence styles that provide aging-friendly space and function, plus a range of healthcare services if ever needed in the future. With a full continuum of healthcare services available, spouses never have to move or be separated from one another. Plus, real estate taxes are replaced with pre-paid healthcare tax benefits.
Sound interesting? At Fountaingate Gardens, a not-for-profit independent senior living option sponsored by Gurwin, a local leader for almost 30 years in serving the senior population, residents will experience an active lifestyle and discover a breadth of residential options, rich amenities and plenty of opportunities for socialization and personal enrichment.
Fountaingate Gardens also offers many contract options, including both Modified and Life Care contracts, allowing residents to choose a plan that will work with their financial needs while also securing their future. The long list of campus amenities include landscaped grounds with walking paths, fitness center, heated indoor saltwater pool, library, arts center, multi-purpose rooms, salon-spa, convenience store, three dining venues and much more.
As a new Life Plan Community, Fountaingate Gardens will feature 17 spacious floor plans for independent living. All residences will be complete with high-quality flooring, appliances, cabinetry and expertly crafted finishes.
Finally, a range of healthcare services is located on the campus so you won’t ever have to move, even if you or your spouse need additional care. In addition to independent living, assisted living services will help those who require in-home assistance or personal care for daily living. Skilled nursing care will be available for individuals needing 24-hour, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation will also be available for seniors recovering from illness and injury.
If planning in advance and the security of a Life Plan Community sounds promising to you, call Fountaingate Gardens at (631) 715-2693 to learn more about this innovative retirement community option.
Learn more about your retirement options in this short video!
