Community Update (12/15/25)

Wellness

An Occasional Diary:  Moving to an Independent Retirement Community                 by Joan Smith

My husband and I recently moved to a retirement community, and since then I have received so many questions about the place, the process, what changes it meant, downsizing et al, that I thought I would start an occasional diary, entering brief updates every month or two to address those queries. While ANV does remarkable things to help us age in place as long as we wish or as long as we are able, staying at one particular place does not fit everyone. So, one alternative is a retirement community, preferably one that offers further levels of care (assisted living, and memory care/nursing home care) for if/when that is needed. Some communities guarantee that you will never be asked to leave, even after you have exhausted your bank accounts!

Researching these communities takes effort, time, phone calls and in-person visits, but the research is invaluable. Much can be done online: brochures, floor plans, and someone to answer your questions does speed up the process. After deciding on the area (such as how far from Arlington or DC are you willing to move), and reviewing your savings and income levels, you can start to investigate various places. There are differences; some are very large, some are small/cozy, some have large military populations, some appeal more to outdoors folk (trail walkers, hikers). Some are high rises within city/town limits, so walkable to stores and movies. Others are low-rises, more spread out with trees, walking trails, gardens, pets; these tend to have more amenities on-site such as a movie theater, wood-working shop, pottery studio, etc. The larger ones have more “eateries” to choose from, while in the smaller ones you soon get to know all your staff people and other residents.

So many activities! Clubs, groups, various levels of activity (pickleball, water aerobics, card games, book clubs, history buffs, musicians) and very friendly residents. To sample the lifestyle, some communities invite you to come for a meal, a day, overnight, or over 2 nights. Places want you to sample the life there, to make sure you pick the one that fits you the best.

In term of finances, variety abounds. Some communities offer rentals, while others have a buy-in (based on size, view etc.), but offer anywhere from a 50% to a 90% refund if/when you decide to move out. If you go on to need a higher level of care, that refund can go to pay for your increased needs. Or, as one person said to me, if you decide to go live with your son in CA, or move to Hawaii, you get the refund yourself. Most places require a meal service buy-in (such as 20 or 30 meals a month) that is part of your monthly fees. Extra meals add to your monthly costs, as does a dedicated parking space at some communities. Some activities led by an outside teacher cost extra, whereas resident-led groups are free. Some include housekeeping weekly, and some charge for it if you request it. So, basically fee for service is the model.

It is important to investigate and compare what advanced services are onsite. Some older, established communities excel, whereas newer ones promise services “in their future building plan”. Support services exist to keep residents healthy and encourage activities and movement. Social workers, handypersons, banks, pharmacies may be onsite. Most have lovely swimming pools, for laps, walking, exercise, or just lounging. Some have hot tubs. Most have jitneys to take groups shopping, some to events and or the Metro. Of course, we all know deliveries of just about anything is available everywhere in the DCM region!

Much to consider, but also exciting. In future diary entries, I will recount some of the experiences we have had once we moved in. Some of you may have looked at retirement communities, or indeed, have moved into one. If you would like to share some highlights of your experience, please call ANV to let them know; leave your phone number, best time to call, and where you looked/moved into. I will call you and add some of your comments in future newsletters.