Retirement options: which is right for you?

• Author: Held, Shari
• Position: RETIREMENT LIVING

MANY PEOPLE WANT TO "age in place," staying in their own homes or downsizing to a low-maintenance home where they can live independently.

But "aging in place" or independent living is not an option for all retirees, especially if health is an issue and there are no caretakers, friends or family, available on a consistent basis.

Anticipating health care needs. "Staying in your own home you are susceptible to the inconsistencies of the current health care delivery system," says Mike Logan, executive director of University Place, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in West Lafayette that is affiliated with Purdue University. "Here, family members know the staff. Staff is accountable for your care. The social support of other residents provides one of the most important intrinsic values to people during the aging process. Having the support of others is key to successful aging."

Dale Lindley, administrator of Westminster Village, a CCRC located on 65 acres northwest of Muncie says it is important to plan for the future. "Don't wait until it is an emergency. For example, if someone is losing their vision, it is important for them to be settled prior to that loss."

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Many retirees opt for a CCRC where they can progress through different levels of care as needed without having to move to a new facility.

"Some of our residents live here in an independent apartment," Lindley says. "Others need just a few services, maybe help with the shower or with their medications. We also have assisted living where we provide more personal care every day. And then our highest level of care at Westminster is our health center, our nursing area. If someone needs additional services, it's right here under one roof."

Robin Run Village, an 86-acre facility on the northwest side of Indianapolis, offers a variety of programs, including independent living, assisted living, secure living and dementia/Alzheimer's care. It has private and semiprivate rooms; studio, one-and two-bedroom suites, apartments, cottages and garden homes.

Researching the options. Research everything you can about potential retirement communities on the Internet.

"Most people will look in the vicinity they want to relocate, usually around family or friends," says Beth Driscoll, director of marketing for Peabody Retirement Community, a CCRC on 33 acres in North Manchester. "It is easy to find background information, such as the number of years the facility or campus has...