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[M224]Manufactured Home Retirement Community

by Trevor Price, Tre

Many of these communities offer the opportunity for socializing, recreation, outdoor maintenance that's taken care of, on-site restaurants, golf courses and numerous other amenities. There are generally four types of retirement communities. These are independent living facilities, active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living residences.

Most new housing developments that target aging adults tend to be either active adult communities (AACs) or a blend of AACs with some continuing care facilities, like an on-site doctor or medical facility.

If you're thinking about moving for your retirement, new homes in age-restricted resort communities can be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how do you choose the right community for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should look for in a retirement community.

How Close is it to the Kids?

If being close to your family is important, then you'll want to look for a home or retirement community that's close to your kids. Another consideration is space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you're planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may want to look for a community that offers larger units.

How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to Yours?

Many retirement communities and active adult living developments have certain philosophies. The question is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and artistic pursuits.

For example, there's a retirement community in Arizona that's committed to academic research, another in Florida that's focused on extremely active living and yet another in California with a passion toward being an environmentally sustainable community. So, before you buy, make sure you understand the driving principles.

Is It Pedestrian Friendly?

The reality is that many seniors don't continue to drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a retirement community that is either very pedestrian friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and pharmacies.

Would I Get Along with the Other Residents?

Before you buy into a new retirement or adult community, you should always attend an information session to get a feel for other potential residents. Alternatively, if you're moving into an existing community, ask to spend the day at their recreation hall or community lounge.

Look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending your retirement with these people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of retirement together? Whether or not your home is new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical part of enjoying your overall community experience, and you want to be sure to include that factor in your decision.

During the late 1950s and through the 1960s the UK positively encouraged West Indians under their wings to find fortunes in the UK. England at this time was short of labour and needed workers to fill the more menial posts. West Indians travelled in their droves in ships landing at the docks to a new life in the cold and the rain. These workers settled ,buying houses, having children and building up pensions.Many always thought of moving back home one day. This dream of returning home is a calling from the heart. Why should they stay when after all the work is done? Their children are grown and have lives for themselves. Many have bought property and now have substantial sums of money as a base to move back home. Just think what a person could buy in Jamaica for the price of a London home for example.

Think twice the dream may not come true

Having paid taxes and contributed to the economy many West Indian retirees have reasonable pensions. This income will mean even more in the Caribbean and returnees are set for comfortable retirements back home. But serious thought needs to be given to a move back home. Returning home to the Caribbean should not be a knee jerk action even though this was the master plan. Many returnees have not visited home for many years. The memory of home may be viewed with rose coloured glasess. Home may not be how they remember. Many friends may not be there. A returnees culture may now not be the culture of back home. Living in country for most of your life will change a person and those returning home may not be as happy with life as they thought.

Retiring to home the biggest consideration

As we get older our health becomes even more of an issue. Health care on some islands in the Caribbean is below the standard that many West Indians living in Europe have become used to. Paying for your health care is probably the best alternative but this often has a high price. Some insurance companies will happily take your money for healthcare. But if you have suffered an illness in the past they may well opt you out if a similar problem arises in the future. So care and understanding needs to be applied to this issue. If you became ill whilst back home and thought you will return back to the UK for example think again. Some illnesses may not allow you to fly and without a permanent address in the UK you may have lost your entitlement for free care.

Many Caribbean Islands want returnees.

Caribbean governments have seen the benefit of their countryman returning back to the warm shores of the Cribbean. They bring foreign money with them and will act to help the economy.

Returing home to Jamaica

In recognition of the need to facilitate the relocation and resettlement of those Jamaicans who return home to retire, invest, work or share experiences and expertise gained abroad, the Government of Jamaica has instituted a number of procedures aimed at simplifying the process. The Returning Residents Facilitation Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston was established to provide guidance on import regulations and immigration procedures to Jamaicans who wish to relocate to Jamaica. The primary mission of the Returning Residents Facilitation Unit is the effective administration of the Returning Residents Programme through the establishment of an environment conducive to the return and reintegration of Jamaicans overseas and the provision of related services. The Facilitation Unit also liaises closely with the following Ministries, Departments and Agencies:

Don't burn your bridges

It is good advice for those considering returning home not to just sell everything and go. Careful planning which leaves a home that can be rented is the best way to return home. This can be achieved by downsizing. Selling a large family home and buying an apartment for example has many benefits . It would release cash to buy a property back home. It would also allow the purchase of a home that could be let. This would provide further income and as place to come back to if all goes wrong .

Returing home is set to be a happy time for those who have worked to gain financial independance. Preparation and having a contingency plan is the key to future security for those retiring back home.

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About Author

Both Trevor Price & Nicholas Marr are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Trevor Price has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Home Management and Family Travel. For great information on senior retirement preparation, please visit seniorretiretips.com, a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey, including. Trevor Price's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.

Nicholas Marr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Property Investment and Home. Nicholas Marr is a life time overseas property investor.He is CEO to Marr International Ltd a property marketing company that manage one of Europe's fastest growing overseas property web sites at. Nicholas Marr's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.