A retirement village is usually a large residential community or housing development designed especially for senior adults, usually with ample housekeeping services, and typically open to the public. Retirement villages near me are a relatively new concept, which emerged in the mid-nineties to help senior citizens with independent living. In retirement villages, there may be larger apartment-style houses or condominiums with attached garages for extra housing. Some retirement villages are designed around recreational activities like golf courses or country clubs.
In retirement villages, senior residents are sometimes allowed to live on their own, but most prefer to live in a self-contained village community with regular visits from visiting family members. In these communities, housekeeping is provided, including a maid service, as well as a limited amount of outside help. Residents have the option of cooking and dining at the main residence, or eating at one of the village’s restaurants. Many communities also offer shopping and entertainment activities on the main or second floors, or access to outdoor dining areas. Residents may also have access to gyms, pools, and other special services.
Retirement villages can be designed around several different needs of seniors living alone, including those with medical conditions, disabilities, allergies, physical limitations, or who have health problems that make home ownership risky. Senior citizens may also need more individual-caretakers while they are recuperating. These needs are addressed by having rooms or condos that are fully furnished and ready for the taking. Furnished units in retirement villages are normally large and well-appointed, with plenty of room to move around and engage in activities. Units may be floor-to-floor or one story, with the number of bedrooms depending on the size of the community. Residents can also choose to live in a fully furnished unit shared with another community resident.
Most retirement villages have a variety of housing options to meet the needs of residents. Some communities offer apartments, townhomes, condominiums, self-contained residences, assisted living complexes, assisted living units, and adult daycare centers. The latter types of home support services are similar to those provided by nursing homes, except that home care services tend to be less extensive and impersonal, focusing instead on a limited range of basic services including food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, errands, and light housekeeping. Residents can get extra assistance with activities such as fitness and exercise or simple light housekeeping tasks, but they have their own space, independence, and the freedom to pursue personal interests.
Independent living units, also called serviced apartments, allow seniors to live independently and receive assistance in the areas of their choice. These living areas can include boutiques, restaurants, libraries, fitness centers, gyms, pools, spas, chapels, and independent living villages. Independent units are intended for aged individuals who want to live independently but do not wish to have to move into a retirement village or other such community. This option can be a good choice for those who prefer to stay in one place permanently.
Most villages have two- to three-bedroom units, but may offer studio or one-bedroom units as well. All retirement accommodation properties will usually include at least one to two parking spaces, depending on the size of the property. Most villages are gated and contain several bedrooms and bathrooms.