Florida retirement community – what to look for when searching for one
Factors – criteria – checklist to use when searching for a retirement community in the Florida, Orlando, Leesburg, The Village’s, Central Florida areas
Located in a highly rated town to retire in
24/7 gated and staffed entrances
Less than one mile from police and EMS/EMT/Paramedic service professionals
Hotels/B&B’s close by
Swimming pools, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, pickleball, woodworking, fitness centers on campus
Multiple restaurants and dining options
Automated daily resident check in system
Walking trail
Biking areas
Faith-based tradition
Gerontologist, Master’s in Social Service professional, and full-time Pastor -/ Chaplain on staff
Located away from coastal weather (i.e. evacuation threats, direct hurricane hits)
Not too rural, not too urban
Vibrant/active/popular city/town where residents, family members, and friends enjoy visiting
Shopping nearby
Strong ‘days cash on hand’ reserves
Auto care services nearby
Dental offices nearby
Banking services nearby
Health care insurances accepted
Dermatology services nearby
Eye clinic nearby
Non-profit Foundation to support retirement community projects
Animal care clinics nearby
Restaurants nearby
Public library nearby
Grocery stores nearby
Urgent care centers nearby (Advent Health, UF Health, HCA)
Lab for blood testing services nearby
Insurance agencies nearby
Physician clinics nearby
Independent living duplex homes and apartments to choose from
Post-hospital rehab center on campus
Assisted living residence on campus
Memory care residence on campus
Home health care agency on campus
Physical, occupational and speech therapy clinic on campus
In-patient hospice care unit on campus
Church on campus
Social workers for independent living
Various support groups
Community nurse liaison on staff to help coordinate hospital admissions, discharges and returns
Not for profit organization
No off-site management company
Has been in existence for 20-30 plus years
‘Home for life’ intention
Pharmacies nearby
Complimentary on and off campus transportation services
5 full time activity and wellness staff for independent living
Hardware stores nearby
Advent Health system clinic nearby
University of Florida health system clinic nearby
