Looking for a way to add some sparkle to your Golden Years? Give the Sandhills region of North Carolina a try. With top-notch retirement facilities, as well as limitless recreation opportunities including some of the finest golf in the world, this region is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country.
Pinehurst is no doubt already on your radar for a round or two at some of its famed courses which have hosted both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Open tournaments. Why not settle in the Sandhills region permanently and enjoy the sport year-round!
Also, the area’s retirement communities strive to offer all the comforts of home, as well as peerless medical care and amenities that may make you wonder why you waited so long to make the move.
For retirees, choosing a place to spend their time is often a difficult decision. There are several things to take into consideration, not the least of which is proximity to family and friends. Having a mild climate and many entertainment options are also important to many.
According to experts, it all comes down to that famous real estate adage, “Location, location, location.” And rest assured, the Sandhills area offers one of the best locations in the country, with easy access to the thriving Triangle region, as well as the North Carolina mountains to the west and the crystal clean beaches to the east.
Also, you’ll quickly find that the Sandhills region — including Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Sanford and surrounding communities — is your oyster, with a variety of recreational activities, museums, shopping, and entertainment right at your fingertips. The area also includes top-notch medical facilities, and many wonderful retirement communities that offer a myriad of activities, including cribbage, croquet, chess, billiards, golf, and art classes.
Remember thinking about going back to school to obtain that degree someday? A myriad of continuing educational opportunities exist for those who want to work toward a degree or take classes for the sheer enjoyment of learning.
Seniors may attend any of our many colleges and universities, including Campbell University, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Central Carolina Community College, Sandhills Community College, and Fayetteville Technical and Community College — their doors swing open to students of all ages.
According to the Retirement Living Information Center: “in the last few years colleges and universities have become increasingly involved in the development of retirement communities on or near their campuses. Also, the existing retirement communities have developed relationships with the educational institutions that allow residents to take advantage of a stimulating environment for life-long learning, and enjoy certain campus cultural, entertainment and sporting activities.”
Continuing Care and Assisted Living
The Sandhills region offers both assisted living facilities as well continuing care retirement communities.
The latest trend in retirement living is the continuing care retirement community (CCRC). These facilities offer long-term contracts that assure lifelong shelter and access to specific health care services. They feature differing levels of care, from assisted living to skilled nursing, often right on their campus and with many costs included in their entrance and maintenance fees.
According the American Association of Retired Persons, the costs of living in these communities can be quite high and unaffordable to those with low or moderate incomes and assets. Most communities require an entrance fee and monthly payments. These fees can range from lows of $20,000 to highs of $400,000. Monthly payments can go from $200 to $2,500. In some communities, residents own their living space and in others the space is rented.
Frequently three different fee schedules may be available. There are extensive contracts, which include unlimited long-term nursing care at little or no increase in monthly fee. There are modified contracts that include a specified amount of long term nursing care. Beyond that specified time, you are responsible for payments.
Then there are fee-for-service contracts in which you pay full daily rates for long-term nursing care. Some CCRCs are affiliated with a specific ethnic, religious, or fraternal order and membership may be a requirement. The majority of CCRCs require potential residents to have a medical examination to assess their physical and mental status. Selected pre-existing conditions may cause a CCRC to refuse an applicant. Some CCRCs require residents to have both Medicare Part A and B. Naturally, residents must be able to meet the entrance fee and monthly payments.
Assisted living facilities offer help with the activities of daily life, including personal care and things like bathing and food preparation. There are no skilled medical professionals available, however. Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, have nurses on site and doctors on call to attend to any medical need that may arise.
Oftentimes, seniors opt for continuing care retirement communities, which provide independent living with separate housing, but also have nursing home type care available as well. Many seniors choose these communities in anticipation of staying in the same location throughout their elder years. In the event that seniors require nursing home care and then become well enough to again live independently, they can move back to an independent living arrangement without leaving the community.
Potential residents should perform plenty of research beforehand to make sure a retirement community fits their lifestyles and financial situations. If you’re not sure what kinds of questions to ask, here are a few to get you started.
• What are the sizes and cost of the living space?
• Are the living spaces for one or two people?
• If you have health concerns, be sure to ask about what hospitals and specialty care centers are nearby.
• What are the procedures for handling medical emergencies?
• Those who have diabetes may need special dietary requirements, ask about whether the residential community can accommodate this.
• Is there a waiting list? If so, how long is it?
• Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of living in a large city, whereas others might prefer a more laid-back setting. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you should inquire about it.
• What types of social, recreational, and cultural activities are offered?
• Do you have pets? If so, ask if they are allowed at the community.
After narrowing down your choices, you should visit the facilities and meet with staff so they can answer any additional questions that you might have.
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