{"id":9490,"date":"2022-04-22T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/blog\/2022\/04\/22\/what-retirement-home-how-to-choose\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T13:14:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T18:14:46","slug":"what-retirement-home-how-to-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/blog\/2022\/04\/22\/what-retirement-home-how-to-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"A Doctor\u2019s View: What Are Santa Fe Retirement Homes Really Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"9490\" class=\"elementor elementor-9490\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-030be62 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"030be62\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7a1966 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a7a1966\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>My name is Dr. Sandra Petersen, Senior Vice President of Health and Wellness at Pegasus Senior Living and creator of the Connections memory care program. One of the most common questions I hear from families is, \u201cWhat exactly is a retirement home?\u201d<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_6598\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6598\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"blog-80 wp-image-6598 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-active-senior-living.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Fe Retirement Homes Explained | The Legacy at Santa Fe\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-active-senior-living.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-active-senior-living-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-active-senior-living-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-active-senior-living-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Legacy at Santa Fe helps families understand Santa Fe retirement homes while offering assisted living and memory care in a vibrant New Mexico setting.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/\">The Legacy at Santa Fe<\/a>, we offer assisted living and memory care, but retirement living is not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right option depends on a person\u2019s mobility, cognitive health, daily routines, and overall quality of life. This guide explains the different types of senior living and how to determine which may be the best fit for you or a loved one.<\/p><h2>Is Santa Fe a Good Place to Retire?<\/h2><p>Many older adults choose retirement in Santa Fe because it offers a unique combination of culture, natural beauty, healthcare access, and year-round activities.<\/p><p>Santa Fe\u2019s arts scene, historic architecture, museums, galleries, and outdoor recreation provide opportunities to stay active throughout retirement. Residents can enjoy everything from the Georgia O\u2019Keeffe Museum and Canyon Road galleries to the Santa Fe Plaza, local farmers markets, and scenic drives through northern New Mexico.<\/p><p>The city also offers access to healthcare providers, specialty medical services, and community resources that many retirees value as their needs evolve. From a physician\u2019s perspective, Santa Fe supports several factors associated with healthy aging: physical activity, lifelong learning, social interaction, and access to care.<\/p><h2>What Do Doctors Look For When Recommending Senior Living?<\/h2><p>Families often assume a move should be based solely on medical needs. In reality, physicians evaluate a much broader picture.<\/p><h3>Mobility and Daily Activities<\/h3><p>Can a person manage daily responsibilities such as preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, and transportation?<\/p><p>Many older adults remain healthy and active but find that maintaining a home becomes increasingly burdensome. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/home-living\/home-community-preferences-survey-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AARP<\/a> research, most adults hope to age in place, but many also recognize that housing maintenance and changing physical needs may eventually require a move. When routine tasks become exhausting or begin affecting quality of life, senior living may provide a practical solution.<\/p><h3>Cognitive Health<\/h3><p>Memory changes can significantly affect independence. Missed medications, confusion with finances, difficulty following appointments, wandering, or increasing forgetfulness may indicate that additional support would be beneficial.<\/p><p>For individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease or other forms of dementia, specialized memory care programs often provide more appropriate support than living alone or relying solely on family caregivers.<\/p><h3>Social Well-Being<\/h3><p>Social well-being is often overlooked, but it plays a major role in healthy aging. Many older adults spend increasing amounts of time alone after retirement, especially following the loss of a spouse, relocation of family members, or reduced mobility.<\/p><p>Physicians frequently consider isolation when discussing senior living options because regular interaction, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/activities\/\">activities<\/a>, hobbies, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/dining\/\">shared dining experiences<\/a> can contribute to emotional and cognitive wellness.<\/p><h2>Understanding the Different Types of Santa Fe Retirement Homes<\/h2><p>The term retirement home can refer to several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/blog\/2025\/12\/11\/differences-between-facilities-and-communities-santa-fe\/\">different types of senior living<\/a> communities.<\/p><h3>Independent Living<\/h3><p>Independent living is designed for active older adults who do not require daily assistance. Residents typically live in private residences or apartments while enjoying conveniences such as dining, housekeeping, transportation, and social programming. Independent living works well for seniors who want fewer responsibilities but remain fully independent.<\/p><h3>Assisted Living<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/assisted-living\/\">Assisted living<\/a> provides support with activities of daily living while helping residents maintain as much independence as possible. At The Legacy at Santa Fe, assisted living residents enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/apartments\/\">private apartments<\/a>, restaurant-style dining, transportation services, housekeeping, wellness support, and a full calendar of activities and outings.<\/p><p>Assistance may include medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility support, and other personalized services that help residents continue living comfortably. For many older adults, assisted living bridges the gap between complete independence and more advanced care needs.<\/p><p>Families who are unsure whether assisted living may be the right next step can take our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/resources\/#popup-al-quiz\">assisted living quiz<\/a> for additional guidance.<\/p><h3>Memory Care<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/memory-care\/\">Memory care<\/a> is specifically designed for individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease or other forms of dementia. Families often begin considering memory care when cognitive changes begin affecting daily routines, personal security, medication management, or family caregivers\u2019 ability to provide support at home.<\/p><p>At The Legacy at Santa Fe, memory care residents participate in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/blog\/2023\/07\/28\/how-to-slow-alzheimers-memory-care\/\">Connections program<\/a> developed by Dr. Sandra Petersen. The program follows a Connect, Move, and Learn approach designed to engage emotions, encourage physical activity, stimulate cognitive abilities, and support regular interaction with others.<\/p><p>Programming may include music-based activities, art, movement programs, reminiscence therapy, brain-stimulating exercises, and personalized experiences that help residents remain engaged throughout the day.<\/p><p>Families who are unsure whether memory care may be appropriate can begin by taking our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/resources\/#popup-mc-quiz\">memory care assessment quiz<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Why Do So Many Retirees Choose Santa Fe?<\/h2><p>Santa Fe consistently attracts retirees because of its rich arts and culture scene, access to healthcare, outdoor recreation, and beautiful mountain landscapes. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/santafe.com\/retiring-in-santa-fe-top-11-things-for-seniors-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SantaFe.com<\/a>, the city is consistently rated a top retirement destination, offering world-class healthcare, a renowned arts scene, and abundant recreation.<\/p><p>Areas such as Aldea, Tesuque, and Eldorado are especially popular among older adults seeking a balance of natural beauty and everyday convenience. Located in the Aldea neighborhood, The Legacy at Santa Fe offers easy access to many of the attractions, dining destinations, and cultural experiences that make retirement in northern New Mexico so appealing.<\/p><h2>What Makes Modern Senior Living Different?<\/h2><p>One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement homes is that residents lose their independence after moving. In reality, many seniors gain freedom. Instead of spending time managing home repairs, yard work, meal preparation, and transportation logistics, residents can focus on hobbies, friendships, wellness, dining experiences, and local outings.<\/p><p>At The Legacy at Santa Fe, residents enjoy private living spaces, chef-prepared meals, fitness opportunities, social programs, educational activities, and excursions throughout the Santa Fe area. Many families find that moving earlier allows their loved one to enjoy these benefits while remaining actively involved in daily life.<\/p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Fe Retirement Homes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-668da56 uael-faq-box-layout-yes align-at-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-uael-faq\" data-id=\"668da56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"uael-faq.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id='uael-faq-wrapper-107' class=\"uael-faq-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-faq-container uael-faq-layout-accordion\" data-layout=\"accordion\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-8bd48fc\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-8bd48fc uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-1-6a308a1c7190a\">What are retirement homes in Santa Fe?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Retirement home is a broad term that may refer to independent living, assisted living, memory care, or other senior living options designed for older adults.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-077ef64\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-077ef64 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-2-6a308a1c719cc\">Is Santa Fe a good place to retire?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Many retirees choose Santa Fe because of its cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, healthcare access, favorable climate, and opportunities for lifelong learning and activity.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-2d2808e\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-2d2808e uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-3-6a308a1c71a35\">How do doctors determine which type of senior living is appropriate?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Physicians typically evaluate mobility, daily living abilities, cognitive health, medical needs, social well-being, and overall quality of life when discussing senior living recommendations.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-2cfa9b7\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-2cfa9b7 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-4-6a308a1c71a9b\">What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Assisted living provides support with daily activities, while memory care offers specialized programming and additional support for individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease or other forms of dementia.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-7584699\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-7584699 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-5-6a308a1c71b03\">How do I know if it is time to consider memory care?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Increased confusion, wandering, medication issues, personality changes, caregiver burnout, or difficulty managing daily tasks may indicate that memory care should be explored.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27661f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"27661f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Planning Ahead Creates More Options<\/h2><p>The best senior living decisions are often made before an emergency occurs. When families begin discussing future needs early, they typically have more time to compare options, tour communities, and choose a setting that aligns with their goals and preferences.<\/p><p>Whether someone is looking for support with daily activities or specialized dementia care, understanding the full spectrum of Santa Fe retirement homes can help families make informed decisions with greater confidence.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Learn More About Senior Living at The Legacy at Santa Fe<\/h2><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Legacy at Santa Fe offers assisted living and memory care in the Aldea neighborhood, with personalized support, dining, activities, and the Connections memory care program. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/contact\/\">Schedule a tour<\/a> to learn more about our apartments, lifestyle, and services. <\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My name is Dr. Sandra Petersen, Senior Vice President of Health and Wellness at Pegasus Senior Living and creator of the Connections memory care program. One of the most common questions I hear from families is, \u201cWhat exactly is a retirement home?\u201d At The Legacy at Santa Fe, we offer assisted living and memory care, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6598,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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