Many people confuse independent living for assisted living and end up making the wrong choice. Therefore the first step when exploring retirement communities is to find out the meaning of independent living and assisted living and the differences between them.
Independent living is simply a senior community that offers residents a unique mix of amenities and services to suit their lifestyle. Assisted living offers similar amenities and services but with more support from the retirement community team.
What Does It Cost?
You want to find out if your utility, housekeeping, internet, or meal bills are covered in the retirement community’s monthly or yearly lease. You want to live in a senior living option where the bill is right within your budget.
Is The Senior Living Team a Professional One?
Find out if the retirement community team members have qualified training in senior health care. It’s best to choose a retirement community where residents are treated fairly and friendly, yet professionally. Do they have doctors, nurses, dentists and other health professionals in the community? You will have to discover.
What Healthcare Services Do You Offer?
Although many retirement communities offer a 24-hour standby emergency service, you must make it a priority to hear from them first. In addition, find out whether there are doctors, physiotherapists, dentists and other health professionals who provide their services in the community.
What Amenities and Activities Do You Offer?
The community should have amenities as well as scheduled activities and events that you can enjoy and engage with. No matter how exclusive it is, a retirement community must be fun and engaging enough for aging retirees. Also, ask if there are fitness and wellness programs designed by the community to keep you fit.
What Variety Of Meals Do You Offer?
Healthy and nutritious meals improve your overall health. You must find out whether the meals served are healthy. Also, find out if a chef with expertise in nutrition helps to plan and cook the food.
Can My Family Visit Me?
Staying in touch with your loved ones brings wholesomeness to the mind. Find out if it is permitted and how frequently your family can visit you. Most retirement communities allow loved ones to visit at scheduled times.
There are several questions to ask when exploring a retirement community. Asking these questions will help you make the right choice in choosing a suited retirement community. If the answers do not match your preference and state of health, it is best to check out other ones.