Looking around a retirement living facility can seem appealing: there are lots of new people to meet, you see cosy apartments and houses and there's a fun sense of community. However, that may not mean it's right for you or that you're ready to move into an over-55 living space. This article offers three questions to ask yourself before you commit to anything.

What Rules Are In Place?

Retirement communities will have different rules than living in your own home, and it's important to know exactly what they are. For example, smaller homes may mean there's only room to keep one car, so if having two cars is a must for you, think carefully. There might be rules on how you can decorate your space and who you can go to for repairs. However, as A Place For Mom explains, there are lots of things you can do to personalise a space without decorating, such as using throws and cushions to create colour. Finally, check into rules about having people over to stay and whether there are limits. Finding out about the rules of a community before you commit to joining it is the best way to prevent surprises in the future.

What Support Is Provided?

You might not need help and support with daily living, especially if you have only just become eligible for over-55 retirement living. However, if you plan to live there long term, you need to think about your needs in the future. Find out exactly what support is included — as the NHS points out, some places have emergency alarm systems and support you can call in a crisis, but not daily help. However, this is something you might be able to sort out yourself if you need help cooking or cleaning. Before committing to a place, you need to know exactly what's involved so you aren't left without access to something you need and also so you don't pay for anything you don't need.

Is The Location Right?

You may be able to drive now, meaning that you can access friends, family and amenities easily. However, this may not be the case in years to come — you may feel one day that driving is too much effort, or it may be deemed medically inadvisable by one of the tests described by ABC News. Is there a bus route near your new retirement living home? Is it easy for your family to visit? Are there nearby shops, cafes, hairdressers and other amenities that you could easily get to? A rural location may seem idyllic, but it's easy to feel isolated without a car. Make a list of everything you need nearby, and see how many boxes your new home would tick.

Finding out as much as possible about the rules, area and facilities is vitally important before you decide to move into a retirement living community, and only by examining your responses to the above questions can you decide if it is right for you.