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MOST OF US REACH a point in retirement where we think about downsizing. This happened most recently for us when my husband was replacing batteries in our smoke alarms. This required him to stand on a ladder and look up, triggering a bout of vertigo.
This and other elder episodes, happening as we try to perform simple, everyday tasks, caused us to rethink our ability to remain in our current home. We’re not decrepit yet, but we are slowly succumbing to the vagaries of aging.
Many retirees choose to move to 55-plus communities. For those a little further down the road, there are assisted-living facilities and continuing care retirement communities. Today, we also have the choice of 55-plus “resort living” communities, described by the owners as “upscale.” Translation: expensive. These are independent living apartments where you pay rent on a month-to-month lease. There’s no buy-in or one-time fee.
These communities are portrayed as “cruise-ship-style living.” The amenities include executive chefs providing three meals a day, an array of snacks, salads and sandwiches for in-between noshers, room service, free wi-fi and utilities, weekly housekeeping and concierge service. Pets are allowed, and there’s a host of additional services.
My interest in this style of living was piqued when construction began on a resort living community close to my home. A friend asked me to accompany her to an information seminar given by the management. I also wanted to learn more about this Utopian-sounding existence. There’s no home upkeep, no cooking or shopping for food, no worrying about home repairs, lawn care, snow removal and so on.
The salesman giving the presentation was top-notch, with a resonant, booming voice that even those with diminished hearing couldn’t fault. It all sounded like Nirvana, but being a “kick the tires” kind of person, I’ve decided to reserve judgment until I can have a look-see after construction is completed. The company has approximately 50 communities throughout the country, but none is close enough for me to visit for an inspection.
The fee for a two-bedroom apartment is $6,500 a month for one person and an additional $1,000 for a second occupant, putting the price tag at $7,500 for a couple. Studio and one-bedroom apartments are less. This monthly fee is subject to an increase of 3% to 5% annually, depending on location and other factors. Not surprisingly, such communities are all located in affluent areas.
Construction for our local community is expected to be completed by year’s end. My friend decided to make a $500 deposit. The deposit can be applied to the first month’s rent and is returnable at any time, no questions asked, or so they say. This is called becoming a “charter member” and comes with various privileges.
I’ve decided to delay any decision until I can check everything out, including the food. The brochure pictured a tasty-looking prime rib dinner. But if they run out, I don’t want to be eating fried baloney sandwiches. Stay tuned.
Excellent article if you are looking for information on retirement plans.This one is very informative on the many choices available. Never considered cruise-ship-style living.
Bob Stinebaugh, M.D. March 19th, 2023
I am surprised that to date no one living in one of these facilities has commented. We moved into an upscale senior facility, The Tradition at Buffalo Speedway in Houston, Texas in July of 2019. We moved from a million dollar two story home in Bellaire, which is a small town in the middle of Houston, where we had a number of friendly neighbors. We had a very large lot which my wife personally landscaped, a good yardman to care for it after it became difficult for us due to our age, 84 for yer and 87 for me. We had no major maintenance problems as we had developed a service specialist for all of our maintenance problems, including a delightful young Latin housekeeper, who came once weekly. We were very comfortable and had planned to remain in our home as long as possible.
However, I became ill with three episodes pneumonias, a couple of episodes of purulent bronchitis and several episodes of purulent laryngitis, all due to a Pseudomonas bacillus which colonizes my respiratory system, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which has required no treatment,but causes a decreased platelet count and depresses my immunity. As my wife could no longer garden, had her hands full caring for me and was tired of cooking, we began looking for a senior living facility. Most of the available facilities at that time were old, or charged a substantial deposit and had waiting lists, The cheaper facilities with no waiting lists were older smaller that we desired and had less desirable features such as a common laundry room.
Fortunately, our duplicate bridge companions told us about a new development which was planned about 5 miles away near the Houston Medical Center. Our daughter-in-law had been suggesting such a move for a couple of years, so we decided to look at it. At the time the developers from Dallas, were making pretensions in a nearby location, but had just started developing the facility so we attended several presentations and a bus trip to Dallas to examine their two facilities. Needless to say the food prepared by their Dallas chef was superb and we were impressed. The building was to be a 5-story building on a large lot with 6 elevators and 6 sets of stairs in case of fires. We were not anxious to move into a high-rise, so liked the layout. We picked out a 2-bedroom with an office and 1500 square feet in area on the fourth floor with a beautiful view. It was very efficient arranged with all required utilities.
We watched it as it was under construction and moved in as soon as it became available. We were quite lucky to have moved in just before the Covid-19 pandemic. The administration was very strict with COVID precautions. All activities were discontinued and we were urged to remain in our apartments, but were not confined as we could leave the facility if we agreed to to take risks. Food was delivered to our apartments, and with these precautions we had only a couple of cases during the first year, when a couple of residents failed to observe recommended procedures. The restrictions were gradually lifted and at the current time each resident is encouraged to follow the regimen with which they are comfortable. I wear a mask and social distance and avoid crowded meeting because of my depressed immunity.
Since then we have lived here happily. It is very similar to cruise living as we have taken over 50 cruises and are very familiar with this experience. The Tradition also has an attached assisted living facility and memory care. There are daily activities of all sorts and frequent trips along with transportation to any medical appointment. I will not expand on the many activities because this essay is already much too long, but will be happy to answer any questions that anyone may have.
bobstinebaugh@gmail.com
Dr. Stinebaugh…how good of you to share your thoughts and experiences with us concerning your living facility.
it certainly sounds larger and grander than the community looked into.
I guess what all HD readers are dying to know is what the cost is of this desirable living style and without appealing too crass, can you enlighten us?
So glad you and your wife have found an easier, more carefree way to live. I hope your health issues won’t hinder your enjoyment and perhaps this new lifestyle will prove to be to your betterment. I wish you both many happy years.
sincerely, Marjorie