Is That “Green” Retirement Community Really Environmentally Friendly?

Is that “green” as in energy-saving or olive-colored?

If an assisted living facility claims to be environmentally friendly, don’t take them at their word, geriatric-care manager Suzanne Modigliani tells Bankrate.com. They could be “greenwashing”—pretending to be green when they really aren’t. The article advises:

Ask point blank what they’re doing for the greater good of the environment. Do they use native landscaping to reduce water waste, for example?

Do their appliances meet the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star standards? Do they adhere to high indoor air quality standards?

You can also ask if common areas, including dining and recreation areas, are certified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.

The overall article is about retirement-living trends. It gives an overview of options like niche retirement communities and senior villages.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.