How to Choose the Right Retirement Community
Finding Home: How to Choose the Life Plan Community for You
Choosing the right senior living community is about more than selecting a place to live — it’s about finding a home that empowers you to thrive. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one navigate the next chapter, knowing what to look for in a community can make all the difference. At Warwick Forest, we believe this journey should be filled with confidence, clarity and hope. Here’s how to start.1. Define Your Senior Living Lifestyle Priorities
Today’s senior living communities offer opportunities to live vibrantly and independently. Life Plan communities like Warwick Forest are designed to support your passions, spark new friendships, and eliminate the stress of home maintenance.
As you begin your search, consider what’s important to your lifestyle:
- Do you value lifelong learning, group outings, or wellness classes?
- Are social connections through clubs, group dining, or volunteer opportunities a priority?
- Do you want to enjoy your independence with helpful services always nearby?
- Would you appreciate a worry-free lifestyle with housekeeping, home maintenance, and support included?
- Is access to exceptional dining, beautiful surroundings, and a secure plan for the future important to you?
At Warwick Forest, residents participate in a full calendar of engaging events, outdoor activities, and enriching programs that promote healthy aging in a fun, supportive environment. Services like housekeeping and home maintenance make daily living easier, while exceptional dining and beautiful surroundings add comfort and enjoyment to each day.
Longtime resident Myrtle Mangum shared,
“Everyone has made me feel very, very welcome,” she says. “I would tell anyone thinking about a retirement community that Warwick Forest is a great place to be. There are so many activities to keep us young—it’s just a fun place to be.”
2. Consider a Retirement Home That Grows With You
One of the most important aspects of choosing a senior living community is ensuring it can meet your needs today — and tomorrow. Life Plan Communities like Warwick Forest offer a full continuum of care on one campus, including:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory support
- Skilled nursing and rehabilitation
This means you can continue enjoying the same trusted community as your health needs change — without the disruption of relocating.
Choosing a community with on-site healthcare services brings peace of mind and ensures access to quality, personalized care when you need it most.
3. Evaluate the Community Culture
The best senior living communities feel like home the moment you walk in. That feeling comes from the people — the warmth of the staff, the energy of the residents, and the inclusive environment they create together.
When touring communities, ask yourself:
- Are residents smiling and engaged?
- Do staff members take time to connect and listen?
- Are there welcoming spaces for relaxation, recreation and dining?
Warwick Forest is nestled in scenic Newport News on the border of York County and offers thoughtfully designed apartments and cottages with modern touches, privacy, and convenience — all surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and just minutes from local attractions.
4. Understand the Cost of Senior Living
The financial model of senior living varies depending on the type of retirement community. Some offer month-to-month rental options, while others — like Warwick Forest — are Life Plan Communities with entrance fee models that include access to future care.
When evaluating options, ask:
- What’s included in the monthly fee?
- Are meals, transportation, and utilities covered?
- How is healthcare billed if needed?
- What financial protections are in place for the future?
At Warwick Forest, we offer flexible options and transparent pricing that provide stability, predictability, and long-term value — so you can enjoy life without financial worry.
5. Trust What Feels Like Home
Ultimately, your decision comes down to more than amenities or floorplans. The right senior living community should reflect your values, support your independence, and bring comfort and joy.
At Warwick Forest, our residents don’t just live — they flourish. And as Myrtle Mangum so perfectly said,
“There are so many activities to keep us young — it’s just a fun place to be.”
Discover Why Warwick Forest Is More Than a Retirement Home
Choosing a retirement community is a significant decision — but you don’t have to make it alone. The team at Warwick Forest is here to guide you through every step with compassion, transparency, and a deep understanding of what makes senior living meaningful.
Schedule a tour or connect with one of our advisors today. Your next chapter — and your next home — is waiting at Warwick Forest.