Signs It Is a Community

When choosing a place to spend the final years of your life, you want to know: Is it just a place to retire or is it a community?

Signs it is a community:

Residents propose to the administration changes they think they would like, and the administration listens.

Residents organize interest groups: book clubs, gardens, hikes, wood-working projects.

Residents run the library, the rummage sale, the puzzle contest, and they decorate the Christmas tree together.

Residents hold community meetings to talk about common issues.

Residents tell the kitchen what they like and don’t.

Residents have all rights to their apartments; they have the keys, can lock the doors, choose the décor, invite guests or not.

Residents welcome newcomers and help them find their way around.

Residents entertain relatives and friends.

Residents can use common areas for birthday parties or funerals.

Residents respect differences and privacy, leaving their neighbors free.

Residents go to a lecture, a concert, a party, a business meeting, or not. It is their choice.

Residents notice when a neighbor needs help.

Residents visit one another in the hospital.

Residents form friendships and sometimes even have love affairs.

Residents worship together and pray for one another.