Checklist for Choosing a Retirement Community

For those wishing to retire to this four-county coastal haven, there is a wide variety of home styles and home sites, as well as a range of prices. Oceanfront property in older exclusive communities commands the highest price, of course, partially because there is so little of it remaining. Generally speaking, the closer to the water, the more expensive the property. However, the southern coastal region is surrounded by ocean, rivers, creeks and lakes, so the dream of living on or near the water is still within the means of those other than the very wealthy. In addition to these, there are sounds, which are bodies of water between the mainland and the ocean-facing barrier islands, and which in this area, are connected by the Intracoastal Waterway. More reasonably priced housing, especially condominiums, is available on or near these waters. Often a group of homes or a condominium complex is built in conjunction with boat slips or a marina. (See our chapter on Real Estate and Neighborhoods for more in-depth information about locations and developments.)

 

Senior adult or retirement communities are those with congregate housing intended specifically for older occupants. These communities feature single homes and/or apartments providing several services, which may include meals in a central location, housekeeping services, a pool, transportation and social activities. They may or may not offer healthcare services. We have listed only some of these communities. For further assistance, contact the chamber of commerce in the area you choose for relocation (see our Area Overview chapter for a list of chambers) or one of the government agencies listed at the end of this chapter.
 

Alterra Clare Bridge is designed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments. Everything is geared to help individuals with memory problems to live the most independent and fulfilling life possible. Residents can choose from private or companion suites in a neighborhood environment. Floor plans offer helpful cues to help residents remember where they are at all times. Small living and dining rooms encourage a sense of community and help residents feel less confused as they socialize with one another. The outdoor patios and courtyards are enclosed and secured. Even pets are allowed to help the residents feel more at home. Other amenities include 24-hour staff and licensed nurse, assistance with personal care and hygiene, laundry and linen service, mealtime and feeding assistance, housekeeping, medication management, and an audio-security system. Alterra Clare Bridge also offers life-enrichment activities, memory-support programs and outings to increase self-esteem and independence.
 

Brightmore welcomes active retirees who wish to combine independence with a small-town atmosphere. Studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom deluxe, two-bedroom and two-bedroom deluxe apartments are available for a monthly rental fee. Each apartment home includes a full kitchen, all utilities (except phone service), 24-hour security and medical emergency call stations, weekly housekeeping and flat linen service, scheduled transportation, daily choice of meals, recreational/exercise programs, and an onsite beauty/barber shop. The new Aquatic/Fitness Center features an exercise room and pool with a flume for resistance lap-style swimming and walking, and a seated whirlpool area. Brightmore is located midtown between the Cape Fear River and Wrightsville Beach. It is on the same campus with The Kempton (assisted living) and The Commons (personal care). Brightmore residents are priority listed for services at any of the other communities that make up the continuum of lifestyle choices. Call to learn more about the refundable priority deposit program.

The Kempton at Brightmore - Assisted Living
2298 41st St., Wilmington
(910) 332-6899, (888) 751-1544
www.brightmoreofwilmington.com

For assisted living, The Kempton at Brightmore provides a supportive environment promoting an independent lifestyle with the benefit of onsite, professionally managed services. It is designed for those individuals who may need assistance with certain everyday activities, but who do not require continued medical services. Residents choose from a variety of studio and one-bedroom units. Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette and an emergency call system. All meals are provided along with housekeeping service, flat linen service and utilities (except phone service). Staffed 24 hours a day, The Kempton offers a full social calendar, scheduled transportation, an exercise room, the Country Kitchen and an onsite beauty and barber shop. The Kempton is part of the continuum of lifestyle choices offered at Brightmore of Wilmington.

The Commons at Brightmore - Personal Care
2320 41st St., Wilmington
(910) 392-6899
www.brightmoreofwilmington.com

The Commons is a community where dignity, choice and individuality make the difference in personal care in all activities of daily living. Each of the spacious rooms is individually climate controlled and has ample closet space with a private bathroom and shower. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furnishings to reflect their own personal tastes. Each room is equipped with an emergency call-response system to which staff respond 24 hours a day. The monthly rate includes three meals a day, assistance with personal care, housekeeping and laundry, administration of physician-directed medication, utilities and free transportation to the doctor. Cable television and private telephones are optional. Residents may choose among optional services such as a barber and beauty shop and physical and speech therapy. Licensed practical nurses and assistants are on call 24 hours a day. Residents enjoy a full calendar of social events and activities. The Commons also offers a 32-bed memory care unit, Paraklay Way. The Commons at Brightmore is part of the continuum of lifestyle choices offered at Brightmore of Wilmington.
 

Coastal Plantation is a beautifully landscaped community for individuals who are at least 55 years of age. Residents purchase the house and lease the land. These quality manufactured homes range in price from $85,000 to the $180s, depending on the size and options. Most homes have an outdoor utility shed, plantings, all appliances, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and wooden decks. This is a community for those who appreciate living independently within the context of a planned community. A clubhouse, swimming pool, regular potluck suppers and activity groups provide social opportunities.
 

This small community for active, mature individuals age 55 or older is located in a quiet, secluded setting, within walking distance of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, physicians' offices and shopping. Glenmeade Village offers 104 apartment homes available in four floor plans. Choose from spacious one, two or three-bedroom units on one level, or a two-bedroom townhouse design. All of the tastefully decorated apartments are air-conditioned, energy efficient and fully carpeted, and include ample closet space, large windows, washer/dryer (three-bedroom units only) and fully equipped kitchens. Community amenities include an enclosed heated pool that is open year round, with aqua fitness classes offered two days a week, a clubhouse that's open daily for socializing and card games, a tennis court, a greenhouse and laundry room, and 24-hour emergency maintenance service. Small pets are accepted.
 

One of Wilmington's best-kept secrets, this outstanding retirement community offers attractive, spacious, unfurnished apartment homes with a variety of floor plans. Units are available in studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom styles at surprisingly affordable month-to-month rents; a lease or buy-in is never required. Within the main building, each apartment has a kitchenette, carpeting and window treatments; most feature a balcony or porch. Free laundry facilities are located on each floor. There are also many comfortable common areas, a huge fully equipped kitchen for resident use, exercise facilities, a pool table, two libraries and several multi-purpose rooms. In addition to the apartments, eight cottages are available, equipped with full kitchens and washer/dryer. Resident managers are on duty 24 hours every day for assistance. Included in the monthly rent are heating/air conditioning, electricity, water, cable TV, all maintenance and repairs, weekly housekeeping (including linens and towels) and three nutritious, chef-prepared meals daily with a choice of entrees (main building residents only). Transportation at no charge is available on a scheduled basis for residents who have appointments or shopping to do. In addition, the facility offers numerous organized activities, movies, tours and excursions.

Plantation Village is a life-care retirement community on 56 acres within Porters Neck Plantation. The campus has a library, bank facilities, an auditorium, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a woodworking shop, a crafts room and many more amenities in addition to the standard flat laundry, lawn and maintenance, and planned activities services. Plantation Village is a unique retirement community in that it receives people in good health age 62 and older and offers professional, long-term nursing care services from nearby Cornelia Nixon Davis Health Care Center and Champions Assisted Living. Before nursing care is needed, residents have access to a wellness center on the campus, a 24-hour nurse on call and the visit of a doctor each week.
 

Spring Arbor Residential Assisted Living
809 John D. Barry Dr., Wilmington
(910) 799-4999
 

The Woods at Holly Tree provides a caring environment in a secure and gracious surrounding. One all-inclusive monthly rent begins with several styles of apartments and ends with a large list of amenities, including three chef-prepared meals a day served in a well-appointed dining room, weekly housekeeping and flat linen service, all utilities (except telephone), cable TV, free laundry facilities, and social and recreational activities. The Woods at Holly Tree is an affordable residence where attention to detail and personal consideration are paramount. No lease or buy-in fee is ever required. The Woods at Holly Tree has two sets of resident managers on site 24 hours a day. For the convenience of residents, scheduled transportation is available. On the premises are a beauty/barber shop, an exercise/activity room, a billiards and game room, a library, a chapel and a large-screen TV lounge as well as several cozy nooks for visiting or reading. The Woods at Holly Tree incorporates the latest technology in safety, style and beauty.
 

Carillon Assisted Living

1125 E. Leonard St., Southport
(910) 454-4001

For assisted living, Carillon is an excellent choice. Carillon has wraparound porches with Carolina rockers, parlors with fireplaces, sun rooms, patios, courtyards and dining on linens and china. Carillon has all the comforts of home and more — from lovely furnishings to light and airy private studios, semi-private studios and suites to the spa with whirlpool bath. The caring, dedicated professionals reinforce self-reliance, dignity and social wellbeing. At the same time, assistance with daily activities, home health and therapy services, daily exercise classes and walking programs, massage and whirlpool spa therapy are offered. Carillon has The Garden Place where residents with Alzheimer's live and participate in an activity-programmed environment focused on reducing anxiety, restoring socialization and enhancing life skills. Respite and rehabilitative care are available as well.
 

Shallotte Assisted Living
520 Mulberry St., Shallotte
(910) 754-6621
 

New Hanover County Dept. of Aging
2222 S. College Rd., Wilmington
(910) 798-6400 

The New Hanover County Department of Aging is a one-stop shop for lots of volunteer opportunities. It also coordinates programs for the Senior Corps, a national service program that puts the experience and talents of seniors ages 55 and older to work getting things done in the community. Contact the New Hanover County Department of Aging for more information on all of the following.

Foster Grandparents Program
Foster grandparents devote their volunteer services to children with special or exceptional needs. A one-on-one service, Foster Grandparents gives you the opportunity to enrich the life of a child by offering emotional support to child victims of abuse and neglect, tutoring children who lag behind in school subjects, or mentoring troubled teenagers. Foster grandparents must be age 60 or older, meet certain income eligibility guidelines and receive training. This requires a time commitment of about 20 hours per week. A modest tax-free stipend and reimbursement for some expenses is offered to offset the cost of volunteering.

Senior Net Computer Center
Volunteers provide basic and advanced computer training to older adults in New Hanover County. If you're computer literate and would like to assist with program coordination or instruction, be sure to get involved with this program.

Retired Senior Volunteer ProgramRSVP is a clearinghouse for seniors who want to volunteer in New Hanover County. They will match your interests, talents and skills with the needs of the community. RSVP volunteers provide many different kinds of community services, such as tutoring, neighborhood watch, building houses and helping organizations operate more efficiently. If you want to volunteer, but aren't sure where to start, RSVP is the place.

Seniors Health Insurance Information Program
An arm of RSVP, the SHIIP program utilizes volunteers who are trained by the North Carolina Department of Insurance to help people with Medicare problems and questions about supplemental (Medigap) or long-term care insurance; they also assist with medical claims paperwork and policy comparisons. Volunteers receive 24 hours of training and are schooled in counseling techniques.

Special Needs Registry
This RSVP–sponsored program helps identify New Hanover County residents who have special needs and are potentially at greater risk during a disaster. RSVP volunteers personally telephone each person in the Special Needs Registry prior to a disaster and assist them with their disaster plans. Volunteers also help educate registrants on disaster preparedness.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ProgramExtensively trained volunteers assist taxpayers with special needs, including persons with disabilities, non-English speaking persons and seniors. This free service, available from the beginning of February through April 15, is very popular and greatly appreciated. Locally, VITA is sponsored by RSVP.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Lifelong Learning
601 S. College Rd., Wilmington
(910) 962-4034

Pender Adult Services, 901 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, (910) 259-9119

SHIIP, Brunswick County Cooperative Extension, Government Center, 25 Referendum Dr., Bolivia, (910) 253-2610

Wilmington SR Alliance
5905-3 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington
(910) 791-7317

The Wilmington SR Alliance is an organization of businesses that serves as a one-stop resource for senior citizens. The Alliance offers a wide array of services including financial, non-medical, medical, legal, accounting, home maintenance, downsizing and relocation. The organization is committed to providing a complete source of ethical, competent and trusted solutions for seniors while maintaining a respected reputation in the community for senior services.