4 Steps to Picking a Retirement Community
As family members who consider themselves the current caretakers of their retired loved ones, it may be difficult to move forward with the idea of someone else taking care of them. Will they be able to address their needs in the way you do? Is the retirement home affordable? Is there proper access to medical care and staff in case of an emergency? Is the community in a safe area?
We hear your concerns, and we know how important they are to you and your retired loved one. When it comes to selecting the right retirement community, take these steps into consideration for selecting the right one:
1. Consider the Nutritional Amenities
If your loved one is considering living in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you want to be sure to have them test out the food to make sure it meets their dietary preferences and restrictions. You will also want to be mindful of the dining style. Is it more of a lunchroom service or restaurant style? How are the residents being monitored or helped? Is it overbearing, or just right? Get a feel for it and definitely have a taste.
2. Listen to the Noises of the Home
If your loved one requires little to no help during the day, but as soon as you walk into the assisted living or retirement community, you hear an abundance of disturbing sounds or disillusion, you may want to look elsewhere. What matters most is how your loved one feels in the environment. If it’s not a good match, it won’t feel right for your loved one, and the last thing you want to put them in is a poor living situation. Peacefulness enables peace of mind for your loved one.
3. Take a Whiff
Nursing homes can often fester up some disheartening, foul odors. If your loved one requires less assistance and needs a home that is cleaner and more well-kept, choosing a standard nursing home may not be the right fit. Listen to your loved one as they take in the sounds and smells of the environments you tour. There are many options when it comes to retirement, whether your loved one needs independent living with access to health and nursing resources, respite care, or assisted living. The differences are pronounced, so pay attention. Not all retirement care is created equal.
4. Consider the Cost
The cost of assisted living can be extreme in some cases, but once you’ve found the right type of facility based on the aforementioned steps, you will be able to start considering the financial burden of moving your loved one to an independent care, assisted living, or respite care facility. Spoiler alert – it shouldn’t be a burden. The cost of living for your retired loved one should be fair and affordable. Some homes, in fact, offer plans to keep your loved ones there while providing the quality care they deserve. When it comes to your loved one’s retired life, overwhelming costs shouldn’t stop you from getting them an optimal way to live.
Good homes or communities will help your loved one see the positive possibilities of life’s next chapters to help them live fully every day. Respect, passion, teamwork, and responsibility should be at the forefront of your loved ones’ caretakers’ minds. When you find these values in a living facility, you will know you’ve found a great place.
