to ask when searching for a retirement communityfor your family member

7Questions

Retirement Living

1. Where is it located?

Is the retirement community accessible? When you're called to comeover, and you will be, how quickly can you get to the community? Is it neardoctors' offices and groceries stores? What transportation is provided?Visit at rush hour and see how long it takes you to get there.

2. What is the Culture?

Are there any men? Arepeople friendly? Are mostof the residents Southernand will they "get" yourdad's sarcastic sense ofhumor? Ask about theowners/managers of thecommunity and theirbackground. Cultureoften comes from the topdown.

3. Is itstimulating?

Don't just check out the activitiescalendar, go to the activities! Arethey engaging? How many activitiesdirectors are on staff? For instance,does the same AD serve theIndependent Living and AssistedLiving community? Do they haveactivities tailored to the resident'sinterest?

Be sure and take note of how manyevents happen at the community andhow many opportunities there are togo on trips, etc.

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4. HowMuch?

Is there a buy-in fee, or is it basedon a monthly rental? What exactlyis included? What if my parentneeds more services as they age?What are the costs today? What arethe estimated costs in 3 years?

Moving is stressful, so thinklong-term.

Dine & DashEST. 1994

Lunch: 12:00 - 1:30

Dinner: 5:00 - 6:30

Takeout available upon request

THE

BREAKFAST: 7:30 - 10:00

Dining is a very important part ofsocializing and that is especiallytrue at retirement communities. Ourtastes change as we get older andone of the most challengingaspects of communal living iscreating menus that everyone canenjoy.

Tour at dinner time and ask to dine.It's a great way to check for foodquality. Be sure and ask aboutchoice and special diets.

5. How is the food?

Good?Is Life 6Take a tour and ask to speak to actualresidents. They can give you the bestinformation on what life inside thewalls is REALLY like. Sit in the lobbyand watch for awhile. Does everyoneseem happy? How does thereceptionist treat the residents as theywalk by? You can learn a lot just byasking the right people!

7. Will it

HOME?

feel like

The best retirement communities should feel just likehome. Make sure that guests are allowed for dinner. Dothey have common rooms available for parties. Will thegrandchildren be able to visit and feel like they arecoming to grandpa's house? Spend time walking aroundthe grounds. Are there places to plant flowers? Can youdecorate your door? Retirement is better with family andfriends around. Make sure that yours are welcome!

Interested in retirement living?