Active aging

So you've decided that you don't want some of the hassles of maintaining a residence, your children live too far away, or you'd just like to be around other folks your own age.

A "retirement community" might be in your future. Say it to many of today's seniors and the words are likely to conjure up images of vibrant people living in a community with amenities designed to keep them mentally, physically and spiritually active. The days of sitting around playing bridge are over, unless that's what you really want to do.

As baby boomers age, the senior population is increasing dramatically, and retirement communities designed for those over 55 are hardly the place where people move to slow down. Those who move to such places generally don't need medical or personal assistance and often want to get more out of life.

Options range from the high-end community of Bishop Gadsden on James Island to more modest places, such as Sandpiper Village in Mount Pleasant. Yet, those searching for the next place to call home should consider many of the same things, and some of them are as basic as liking the food.

Patrick Cobb, spokesman for AARP, says there are several things that can help families decide if a retirement community is the right one.

Ask for a trial stay over a weekend to decide if it's really the kind of community you want to live in, he says. Inquire about whether pets are allowed. If you intend to invite friends and family to visit overnight, make sure overnight guests are allowed. Ask if the community provides transportation to grocery stores, doctors' appointments and social activities.

Those who are buying into a community in this sluggish real estate market and are trying to sell their own house should inquire into the possibility of making a deal, Cobb says.

Can you sign a contract contingent on selling your current house? Will the community negotiate the price of your new home downward so that you can afford to make the move? Pay attention to homeowner covenants, restrictions and regime fees so that you gauge the true cost of living in the community.

And don't forget to evaluate safety issues, such as whether bathrooms are equipped with grab bars, lighting is sufficient to help avoid accidents and that stairs can be negotiated safely, he says.

Evaluating community

"You can't just go in and say 'Oh this looks like it would be a nice place for mom," says Maureen Maguire, owner of Senior Choice, a geriatric care management company. Families have to consider many factors when looking for a retirement facility.

The most important is how a senior will spend his or her days while living there, she says.

"Very often I am getting calls from adult children who say their parents are bored. Facilities need to have an activity therapist with a masters' degree in activity therapy," she says. "In addition, retirement facilities should encourageuse of senior centers where residents can meet a wider cross-section of people and get different types of mental stimulation."

When evaluating a facility, visit it unannounced both on a weekday and during a weekend, Maguire says.

Pay attention to whether the staff looks you in the eye and greets you with a smile. Take note of whether someone is available to give you a tour.

Communities should have sufficient staff and administrative people to meet the residents' needs during weekends as well as on weekdays.

In addition, ask to speak with residents about life at the facility without the staff person standing within hearing range. And try to determine if residents' earlier life experiences complement those of the parent who would live there.

While costs are a big factor, the ultimate test of a successful new home choice is whether someone is happy. A luxury environment could be a great choice, but at other times a community where friends have moved, or where the atmosphere is cozy and simple, would be a better choice.

Luxury amenities

Bishop Gadsden, a leading life care retirement community in the Southeast, recently refurbished and modernized its apartments, cottages and common areas to support these dynamic seniors. Its 18-month, $10 million renovation is designed to keep it among the country's top retirement communities.

"Today's senior has very definite ideas about how they want to spend the rest of their lives, says Bill Trawick, Bishop Gadsden's president and CEO.

One goal of the community, founded and run by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, is to provide seniors with the kinds of amenities that reflect society's current and evolving lifestyle trends.

"It's a place to bring your family and friends and includes fun places for grandchildren," says Trawick.

Improvements include a club room with cork walls for poker and pool; a spa with a menu of massages, manicures and pedicures; a wine room with a glassed wall of wine and intimate seating; and a cypress pub with a high-definition television and fireplace.

In addition, there is a new cafe with a pizza oven; a station for made-to-order dishes; a "to-go" section; and a fireplace for residents who prefer its ambience when dining with friends. The community's formal dining room has the feel of a formal Charleston restaurant and requires jackets and reservations.

On a more modest scale, Sandpiper Village in Mount Pleasant is conveniently located, and may be a choice for someone who wants to retain the patterns of living near friends and church.

"Seniors at Sandpiper Village are active and independent," says Kay Layne, a spokesperson for the community. "Each month there are lots of things on their activity schedule."

The resident council takes a look at the social events set for Charleston and develops a list. The community votes on what it would like to do as a group. The executive director and director of activities arrange for transportation and handle other details to ensure that their plans become a reality.

While they love to visit the malls, their activities are not confined to shopping, Layne says.

"They may go to see a play or to the symphony. They are big supporters of Spoleto events. Some of our seniors are very, very active. Some of them even volunteer at the senior center."

More suggestions

Whatever choice is made, experts agree that making a new home means bringing the seniors' favorite pieces, including furniture, to the retirement community.

Mementos that recall special family events such as anniversaries, birthdays and graduations, and that provide a sense of continuity, are particularly important. Include favorite art, books, CDs and photographs for the new home.

Seniors whose visiting children and grandchildren will spend the night may want to include items that will make those family members more comfortable, including toys. The space should be set up and welcoming before the new resident moves into it.

While costs can be a determining factor, you can still look for those important qualities that make a new place one to call home.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.