Liberal Retirement Community Recommendations in the Bay Area or Portland
My parents are healthy, 83 and 78 year olds, and are getting to that age where they'd like to move into some kind of retirement community where they have a condo / home and can get help if needed, but have their own kitchen, etc. But would like to live somewhere where as they have more needs they can stay in the community but live in a more assisted type of community. Ideally in Portland, OR or the SF Bay Area and frankly, somewhere where the general population has more of a liberal slant -- they are far from conservative. Any recommendations of places?
May 3, 2017
Parent Replies
As you say, an area where the general population is more liberal is probably going to be reflected in the retirement communities. The main suggestion I'd give you and your parents is to think very seriously about the continuum of care and the reality of what their needs are going to be in the foreseeable future. Being in the thick of this with my husband's parents, sorry to tell you but after 80, anything can happen, and I personally would think twice about the kitchen thing for 80+. Finances are also an issue, of course. You may want to tour a couple continuing-care places (Walnut Creek and Pleasanton have some my husband has looked at) to start to get a feel for the range of options and costs; I'm guessing it will be cheaper in Portland. The more open communication between you, your parents, and any siblings in the mix, the better; in particular, ask your parents how many more times they really want to move (keeping in mind YOU will be the person responsible for the actual moving). This is not a fun process for anyone (we have heard a lot of magical thinking from my husband's 80+ year old parents), but if they can get situated somewhere before the inevitable crisis, it's probably easier on you in the long run.