Is Retirement Living Your Next Goal? 

Dear Reader, Is retirement living your next goal?  It is wise to think ahead about this decision so that you don't have to make a hasty move.  This way you can plan wisely and leisurely for your future. You will have to know how much you will need in order to rent or buy into the place of your choice.  Can you still drive?  If so, that is good, but the time is going to come when you won't be able to do this.  As a result, you must think of availability for shopping, for banking, for church, for going to your doctors and dentist. I chose my particular retirement community because they provide the answer to these requirements, plus many activity choices.  They provide transportation  to several churches and shopping areas.  You won't be able to keep all your personal choices, but maybe you can find others to share a cab, or even use public transportation to do this.  Where I am, you have the option of taking seven dinner meals per week, or you can take the four-meal plan if you want to do some cooking of your own or you want to go to a restaurant.  Not only that, there is a small convenience store that is open at certain hours of the day for necessities.  You also have the opportunity for breakfast and lunch daily at a counter or small tables plus supper on Saturdays and Sundays. Each floor has laundry facilities.  Limited health services are offered at specified times.  There is a desk attendant on duty from 9:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m. and after hours connection for assistance when needed.  Each apartment is equipped with several pull cords which are to be used when you need emergency assistance.  Another safety feature is a card that you hang on your door knob (outside) when you retire at night, and remove in the morning when you wake up before 10:00 a.m. so that everyone knows that you are all right.  As well, each apartment has smoke alarms and sprinkler systems. I can't list all the options, but this can be a "starter" for you. Grandma