Since I'm in Florida, my situation is probably much different than yours. We have gobs of retirement communities, of all shapes and sizes. The living quarters are all on one floor, but some are condos. some smallish homes and you pay for individual services you choose, some appartement-type living in high rises....pretty much anything you want. I used to be in retirement administration, and determined at that time to get my name on the waiting list and not allow myself to be in this situation. BUT, life has all kinds of twists and turns and screwy moves that change best laid plans. I'm on the waiting list for a retirement community, but need to stay here for now. My son is disabled with dystonia and other issues, moved to live with me for a couple years when he was first ill, at age 35, and now has a condo across the street. We see each other daily, talk often....I'm here for him and now he's here for me at times. When he can. So you see, I've been caught in this condo pretty much. That's why I'm renovating and setting up the upstairs to make it possible for me to stay upstairs when I can't use the stairs safely. Suggestion: find the right community for you and your husband, now. Don't wait. You want to expand your possibilities, not limit them. I got caught by circumstances. Make your choices and decisions before that happens. This is one of the real frustrations in my life, loss of control. For so many years I've been controlled by circumstances....my mother, my son, my health.....now, working with Mayo, getting answers and given more control of my health, my life is mine again. What a great feeling! I'm not really in control, I know that. BUT, I have more control now than I have in years. Love it, liking life and myself much better. Blessings to you. Elizabeth