America's baby boomers are rapidly approaching retirement age and many of their children are faced with making living arrangements for them. As the children grow up and leave home, seniors are faced with living in an empty home completely alone. Living alone also means that seniors are responsible for any necessary home repairs and they may be hesitant to ask for help so not to burden their family and friends. Instead of staying alone, seniors can live in one of the many types of retirement communities and take advantage of the companionship and worry free living these communities provide.

55+ Communities

Seniors age 55 and older are eligible to live in a 55+ community. The exceptions to the 55+ rule are residents' spouses. Adult children younger than 55 and grandchildren are allowed to visit, but there are likely restrictions on how long they can stay and how often residents may have visitors. Many of these communities are found in warm weather climates, such as Florida, California and the southwestern states.

55+ communities typically offer activities for residents and many have a community clubhouse for activities. Other amenities can include golf courses, marinas, tennis courts and other activities. These communities do not offer medical care on site and may be remotely located because of their sprawling grounds.

Assisted Living Facility

Seniors who aren't quite able to live on their own, but don't require full time nursing home care are a good match for an assisted living facility. Seniors in these facilities might require help with everyday actions such as eating, dressing, laundry and cleaning. The nursing staff can also hand out medication, something that can be a great help if the senior takes multiple medications every day.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

A continuing care retirement community offers a great blend of independent living, peer socialization, and nursing care when needed. These retirement communities house a large number of senior citizens and many cater to a senior's every wish. These small towns or villages are full of private homes and apartments which allow the seniors to maintain their independence, while providing valuable services like garden work and maintenance on the spot. Seniors can live without worry and simply enjoy their retirement years.

A retirement community usually will have activities like day trips, parties and golf tournaments for residents and their families. Many also offer full service dining rooms, on site libraries, walking trails and fitness areas with full size pools and rows of fitness equipment.

Seniors who live in a retirement community do live independently, but have the added resource and peace of mind that a nurse on staff provides. These nurses can administer varying levels of care either in the senior's own home or in the community's medical facility as needed. Nursing assistants are also available to assist with personal care, hand out medications or just listen to a senior's questions and concerns.

One of the major advantages of a retirement community is that seniors can maintain their independence, while still having the safety net of a medical staff nearby. Residents are able to live their own lives and keep their cars, while their families have the peace of mind knowing someone is close by in case of an emergency.

Seniors don't need to give up their independence just because they're getting older. Some options for seniors and their families are a 55+ community, assisted living facility and a continuing care retirement community. Whichever you choose depends on your parents' needs, but you can rest easy knowing you're allowing them to enjoy their retirement in style and comfort.