Retirement

Charlotte, along with the rest of the United States, is experiencing a “boom” in the senior population and has become a popular retirement destination during the past decade. As part of the Sunbelt, Charlotte steadily attracts older citizens tired of rigorous winters. Parents are also following their children and retiring within visiting distance of grandchildren.

Older newcomers settle in Charlotte for the same reasons as younger people: good climate, vibrant cultural life, safe neighborhoods, excellent medical care, and an international airport. As the senior population has grown, so have the number and level of services provided.

There has been a substantial increase in retirement communities in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County offering residents independent living, assisted living, and nursing care. These continuing-care communities are ideal because the level of care adapts to the needs of the resident.

In independent-care communities, active seniors give up the hassle of taking care of a big house for the convenience and activities of a retirement community. Residents live in single detached homes, patio homes, condominiums, or apartments. When needed, residents move into assisted living or the higher-need nursing-care division. Some communities require seniors to enter as independent-living residents first.

Assisted-living communities provide help with the activities of daily living, such as preparing food, taking daily medications, local transportation, and housekeeping. Residents typically live in their own room or share one. Meals are taken in a community dining room, and residents often go on planned excursions to shop, visit tourist sites, or go out for ice cream. These communities allow seniors to stay in their home as long as possible, then move to assisted living when needed.

Nursing-care communities offer full-time, around-the-clock, long-term health care. While many nursing-care tenants can do things for themselves, they often need assistance, either medically or physically. Such care is for those who are too ill or impaired to be ambulatory but do not need hospitalization.

Other seniors choose home health-care providers who can act as a companion, assist with daily living needs, or administer medications.