Choose the Right Retirement Communities
There are plenty of senior living communities out there that claim they’re one of the best retirement communities around. For most families, seeking senior living for an aging parent is a new experience. They may be unaware of questions they should ask or even what kind of care their loved one needs. We’ve compiled this robust list of what you need to consider when determining the right retirement communities for your loved one.
Do Your Research
Be sure to keep senior living assistance or assisted living communities in mind while you or your aging parent are still independent. It can be very stressful if you’re forced to rush to choose a place for your loved one.
Before you even step foot into the senior living
community, make sure to do your research. This will give you more insight to the community, the different options they offer, and talking points for your tour. Take location into consideration. Although close proximity may be ideal, you want to make sure to weigh all the options.
Here’s a few things to ask or keep in mind while touring a community:
Care Needs
What are the different levels of care, and how do they determine level of care for your loved one? It’s important to have an idea of the type of care your loved one needs when speaking with the community. Knowing what to expect gives them a better idea of whether they can accommodate your loved one’s needs, and if not, where they can point you in your search. Be sure to also ask about their policies in changes of care.
Staff
During your visit, you should meet all kinds of staff members. Be sure to observe how they interact with you and each other. Are they kind? Polite? Welcoming? As you pass residents, do they interact and do they know residents by name?
Current Residents
As you tour the community, you will run into current residents. Again, be sure to see how staff interact with them. Additionally, ask residents what they think about the community.
Activities
Are activities posted? Be sure to take a look at the different activities they offer residents. See if there are any activities your loved one would enjoy and ask about their activity planning. While visiting, you may even be able to see an activity taking place. Be sure to pay attention to the staff to resident interactions. Do residents seem happy and do they participate in the activities?
Apartments
Ask to see the different styles of apartments. Communities generally offer studios, one bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Ask about pull cords, the emergency alert system, and overall safety when it comes to the room and your loved one. While taking a look at the bathroom, be sure to look for hand rails and wheelchair accessibility if needed. If the apartment has a kitchenette, ask about the different appliances you may need and what’s included.
Amenities
Ask about the different amenities they offer at the community. Ask about what is included within rent and what is not (utilities, exercise classes, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, maintenance, etc.).
Dining
Ask about how they accommodate for diet restrictions, food allergies, and health related diet plans. Be sure to observe the atmosphere if you’re touring during dining hours. Do residents socialize and eat with one another? How does the wait staff interact with residents?
Safety
Entrusting your loved one’s care to someone else is a big decision, and you want to have peace of mind in doing so. Talk to the community about safety, ask if there’s a nurse or care staff available 24 hours. What happens in the event of an emergency? Discuss visiting policies and how residents are kept safe.
Ready to start visit communities? Why not let Renaissance Village be your first? Schedule your tour today and embrace the Renaissance Lifestyle for yourself!
