A Guide to Senior Living Options in the Colorado Springs Area

What is a Retirement Community?

Senior apartments, or 55 plus communities Colorado Springs, are independent living communities for seniors who don’t need round-the-clock medical care or assistance with the activities of daily living. They are typically private apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette and range in size from a studio up to two bedrooms. The average monthly cost for these communities is  $2,517 but will mostly depend on apartment size, the location in Colorado Springs and the facility’s amenities.

Tips for Buying Into a Retirement Community

Before you put a deposit or down payment on a 55 plus community in Colorado Springs, be sure to visit the community and compare it to other senior living options. Here are additional tips to follow before you invest.

• Spend time at the community prior to moving in. A tour is essential, but if you are able to visit the community a few times, you can get to know other residents and make sure you feel comfortable and accepted. It’s also important to observe how the staff treats the existing residents. Look for signs of a well-maintained facility, such as manicured landscaping, and note any safety or security issues.
• Consider Homeowners Association fees and other costs. The monthly fee may be high or low, but it’s important to understand what’s included. The HOA fee is your share of the cost to maintain common areas and pay other expenses, such as staff salaries, insurance and property taxes. Find out what services the fee covers and whether you are responsible for utilities, trash, cable and internet.
• Find out what the rules are. Most retirement communities have a Homeowners Association. The HOA governs what pets you can own, how you can decorate your home’s exterior and how long younger guests can stay with you. The covenants, conditions and restrictions contain these rules, so it’s worthwhile to browse through them prior to moving.
• Consider the amenities. If the pool and fitness center are important to you, it’s critical to ask questions. Sometimes, after the developer relinquishes the facility to the HOA, there’s a decline in maintenance and care, so find out who owns and maintains the amenities you care about. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, today’s retirement communities are stepping up their games to accommodate active seniors, so make sure the one you choose has the amenities you want and prioritizes upkeep.
• Health concerns and mobility also become a concern as you age. You want to find a place where you can age in place. If you or your partner has mobility issues, evaluate the layout of the apartment and community to make sure it fits your needs. Look for wide hallways and doorways as well as ramps for wheelchair access. Many retirement communities feature handrails in the restroom and other handy amenities for seniors who have or may develop mobility challenges.

Other Options Available to Seniors and Retirees

While retirement communities cater to active seniors with no major medical or physical issues, other care types are available that may work for those who require daily assistance. Many of these specialized senior living communities are designed for those who may require help with activities of daily living and provide long-term or permanent housing as well as around-the-clock medical care and assistance.

Feel free to contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest retirement community news in the area and answer any questions you may have about this or other senior living options.