Choosing A Retirement Community--A Checklist
There are many types of retirement communities from which to choose. In order to make an accurate comparison, you need to understand their differences and what you value. And because no amount of web links can give you the whole picture, it is important to plan a personal visit and take the full tour once you zero in on those communities you like.
Remember, if you have seen one retirement community, that is all you have seen -- one retirement community. Keep this checklist for handy reference as you compare.
Independent Living
______ Camaraderie of those who have shared the lifestyle of uniformed service and other government service
______ Philosophy and programming of health improvement
______ Weekly hospitality services, including housekeeping, a meal each day in the dining rooms, maintenance services, physical plant security services.
______ A wellness or health clinic, which provides consultation with specific health problems and prescribed medications, as well as scheduled physicians examinations.
______ Financially secure sponsor.
Assisted Living
______ Philosophy and programming of health improvement
______ Individualized care plan for assistance with tasks of daily living from meal preparation to help with bathing, dressing and taking medications.
______ Twenty-four hour professional nursing staff on duty to monitor each resident's health.
______ Separate special care residence for those with memory impairments.
It is also important to understand the policy of each retirement community on the following issues:
______ How entrance fee is applied and refundable amounts
______ Services included in fees
______ How each level of care is provided
______ For Profit or Not For Profit
______ Types of contracts
______ Size of accommodations
______ Philosophies and outlooks
______ Ownership and financial stability
______ Fee increases
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