Choosing a Retirement Community
Making the decision to move to a senior living community can be difficult and stressful. Just open the Yellow Pages, look through Senior Magazines or do an internet search and the options can be overwhelming! So, if you are in a position where you need to make a decision as to where to move, either for yourself or a parent, how do you approach the selection process?
A good first step is to understand the reason for the move. For some, a move stems from the desire for a lifestyle change. Perhaps you are independent and able to care for yourself but prefer to live in a setting surrounded by other seniors with the amenities and activities that are nearby. Often, the desire is to live in a maintenance-free home where you don’t have to worry about the yard or home repairs and you can spend time with friends and family.
For many, the underlying reason for a move to a senior living community is a concern that the home is no longer safe or there is a need for ongoing assistance with activities of daily living. Often, it is the adult children who are concerned for their parent’s safety and recognize the need. Perhaps they are worried about the risk of a fall or they know their parent needs help with meal preparation, dressing or bathing. The "sandwich generation" find themselves in a difficult spot, trying to take care of their parents while raising their own children.
Sometimes, the move may be temporary, in response to an accident or fall and the care is needed for a short term period. Or, perhaps temporary care is needed to enable the primary care-giver (often an adult child) to travel out of town.
Because there are so many types of senior housing, understanding the underlying reason or objective in moving is an important step in narrowing down the appropriate options and making the decision less overwhelming. As you begin to identify and evaluate options, other considerations may include:
- Assistance Needed: Identify what type of assistance is needed today as well as what may be needed in the future.
- Location: Is there a specific part of town where you or your parent wishes to live? Often, it is to remain near friends or to be close to family.
- Future Moves: How do you feel about multiple moves? For example, if you are still independent, is it important to you that the community offer Assisted Living or nursing care? Or, would you prefer to make a move later if/when this level of care is needed?
- Budget: How much can you afford monthly? When comparing costs, remember to compare what services are included in the price since this is not consistent across options.
- Amenities: Think about what amenities and social activities are important to you. For example, is a fitness center? Transportation to doctor appointments? On-site rehabilitation services?
- Pets: Some communities allow pets but not all. If bringing a pet is important to you, be sure to ask about restrictions or additional costs.
Given the scope of options, it’s important to think about your objectives, needs and preferences when comparing communities. Take time to visit communities, talk with residents and review the contract. You'll then be equipped with the knowledge needed to make your decision.
By, Lisa Hollier, CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) and President, Choice Connections of Richmond—a FREE senior housing consulting service. We invite you to explore how we can help you find the “best fit” retirement community! Call us at 804.364.0123 or visit our website at www.choiceconnections.com/richmond.