Important Things You Should Ask When Looking for a Retirement Community
Posted on: 26 December 2018
Retirement communities can be a great choice for anyone if their kids are grown or they have no need to keep up a big house any longer. This can mean a smaller space to clean and maintain, and not having to worry about keeping up the lawn care, snow removal and other such chores. When you're ready to search for retirement villages, either for yourself or to assist your parents, note a few things you might want to ask so you know what's offered by each facility and be sure to choose the best one.
What is meant by assisted living?
The term 'assisted living' is usually used with retirement communities, but it can mean something different for every facility. For example, some facilities may offer laundry services and have a full cafeteria, whereas others may offer a daily welfare check to ensure each resident is safe without offering medical care, bathing, help with dressing, and the like. If you or your parents will need any type of assistance with their daily activities, ask about assisted living features but also be sure you know the details of what this encompasses rather than assuming what services will be offered.
Transportation options
Some retirement facilities will have a weekly bus service that makes rounds to local supermarkets, pharmacies and other such businesses. Some will offer a shuttle service or taxi service in addition to these regular trips, either for a one-time charge or for an extra fee in your monthly association dues. If you or your parents will need help with transportation, always ask what options are available as you may be surprised at what arrangements are offered.
Supervision policies
You may know that your memory is failing or that your parents will need a bit of supervision, especially when outside, so always ask about these policies. Sometimes a retirement complex will have supervision available for outdoor activities, and this can mean anything from staff who monitor the exits to a nurse who stays with an individual while they're enjoying the courtyard or other areas. Some villages may also have 24-hour monitoring of the gates and other such entryways, and this can ensure someone with memory issues doesn't wander outside unsupervised at night.
Be sure you ask about these options; as with transportation and assisted living features, you may be surprised at what is offered and how your needs can be accommodated.
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