San Antonio Retirement
By David Simon
03/17/08
By David Simon
03/17/08
San Antonio and surrounding communities have traditionally been popular retirement destinations. The climate, the pace, the geographic location, and available cultural and social resources have attracted the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which has included San Antonio in its ‘top picks for retirement’ cities. And active retirees interested in part-time employment, volunteer activities and special interest groups can find a wealth of possibilities here.
An estimated 10% of the 150,000 seniors in the San Antonio area live in one of the more than 60 retirement communities, assisted living facilities or around-the-clock nursing homes in the region.
Selecting a retirement community
Most Americans still retire on their own, or in a family home, but retirement communities are very popular as well. San Antonio and surrounding towns have a wide variety of residential environments offering independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care if needed. Some have been operational for decades.
In addition to asking obvious questions, such as “How much does it cost? What services are available? Can I still keep my pet?” retirees should comparison shop, if possible, for an atmosphere that appeals to them and a location that allows them to accomplish their health care, recreational and other goals. All facilities offer tours and many will be happy to extend an invitation for lunch and an opportunity to meet some of their residents.
The Medicare website at www.medicare.gov includes detailed evaluations of area retirement communities and nursing homes. Find them by city. The Alamo Area Council of Governments Agency on Aging offers links to several retirement community rating systems through their website www.bexaraging.org and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability, www.dads.st.tx.us (1-800-458-9858) will help you find information on retirement and assisted living communities, adult day care, home health agencies, group homes for the mentally impaired, and nursing homes, covering staffing, cleanliness, nutrition, and many other important criteria.
Up to the minute credentials, especially for nursing homes, is available from the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC), sponsored by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), the primary national accreditation agency for continuing care retirement communities. Accreditation is granted only following a rigorous process requiring an intensive site visit and evaluation by the commission. Retirement communities are also licensed and certified by the Texas Department of Human Services.
Location, Location, Location
Although the region is growing and spreading, clever retirees can select a comfortable residence or retirement facility in many different areas; in San Antonio or a short 30-40 minute drive in, say, Boerne, Cibolo, New Braunfels, Castroville, or Seguin.
Those who want to be near friends from the military or a particular religious affiliation can find communities housing those with similar interests. If visits to the South Texas Medical Center in northwest San Antonio are important, there are numerous communities within the medical center complex itself, or a short drive. And if scenic and green are important, there are a number of this ilk here and about.
Recreation choices at area communities are wide, including square dancing, swimming, walking, computer clubs, painting, dancing, yoga, book discussions, shooting, quilting, cooking classes, and volunteer opportunities are available in hospitals, libraries, museums, theaters, and other sites.
Residents of San Antonio and surrounding communities have a great climate to retire in, a good economy, the best health care, and a wealth of possibilities for new friends and activities. There’s no reason not to find a perfect match for your particular lifestyle and tastes in the metro San Antonio area.
An estimated 10% of the 150,000 seniors in the San Antonio area live in one of the more than 60 retirement communities, assisted living facilities or around-the-clock nursing homes in the region.
Selecting a retirement community
Most Americans still retire on their own, or in a family home, but retirement communities are very popular as well. San Antonio and surrounding towns have a wide variety of residential environments offering independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care if needed. Some have been operational for decades.
In addition to asking obvious questions, such as “How much does it cost? What services are available? Can I still keep my pet?” retirees should comparison shop, if possible, for an atmosphere that appeals to them and a location that allows them to accomplish their health care, recreational and other goals. All facilities offer tours and many will be happy to extend an invitation for lunch and an opportunity to meet some of their residents.
The Medicare website at www.medicare.gov includes detailed evaluations of area retirement communities and nursing homes. Find them by city. The Alamo Area Council of Governments Agency on Aging offers links to several retirement community rating systems through their website www.bexaraging.org and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability, www.dads.st.tx.us (1-800-458-9858) will help you find information on retirement and assisted living communities, adult day care, home health agencies, group homes for the mentally impaired, and nursing homes, covering staffing, cleanliness, nutrition, and many other important criteria.
Up to the minute credentials, especially for nursing homes, is available from the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC), sponsored by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), the primary national accreditation agency for continuing care retirement communities. Accreditation is granted only following a rigorous process requiring an intensive site visit and evaluation by the commission. Retirement communities are also licensed and certified by the Texas Department of Human Services.
Location, Location, Location
Although the region is growing and spreading, clever retirees can select a comfortable residence or retirement facility in many different areas; in San Antonio or a short 30-40 minute drive in, say, Boerne, Cibolo, New Braunfels, Castroville, or Seguin.
Those who want to be near friends from the military or a particular religious affiliation can find communities housing those with similar interests. If visits to the South Texas Medical Center in northwest San Antonio are important, there are numerous communities within the medical center complex itself, or a short drive. And if scenic and green are important, there are a number of this ilk here and about.
Recreation choices at area communities are wide, including square dancing, swimming, walking, computer clubs, painting, dancing, yoga, book discussions, shooting, quilting, cooking classes, and volunteer opportunities are available in hospitals, libraries, museums, theaters, and other sites.
Residents of San Antonio and surrounding communities have a great climate to retire in, a good economy, the best health care, and a wealth of possibilities for new friends and activities. There’s no reason not to find a perfect match for your particular lifestyle and tastes in the metro San Antonio area.
