3 Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Retirement Home

Making the decision to move your loved one to a retirement home can be tough — in fact, there’s a good chance your partner, parent or other family member has already advised against this at some point. However, there may be a time when your family mutually agrees that a retirement community is the best place for the person in question. Such a community can be great for seniors who are incapable of living alone or need specialized assistance; however, you want to be absolutely sure the home you’ve chosen is the right one. Here are three things to look out for when selecting a retirement community.

Type of Community

Many communities differ based on the level of care they offer, and this depends on the type of residents they serve. Some facilities are home to mostly independent seniors who need very little assistance, so residents have the liberty to come, go and do as they please. More specialized facilities, like those catering to seniors with dementia, will provide more care for each resident — in homes like these, your loved one’s liberties may be more limited in regard to their abilities and wellbeing. Be sure you’re choosing a community with the right balance of care and freedom for your family member.

Enrichment

No matter the type of community, most retirement homes offer a variety of activities to enrich residents’ lives and encourage social interaction, physical fitness and healthy mental stimulation. What’s important is the kind of activities available, the level of independence in these activities and whether or not your loved one will find them enjoyable. Some residents may prefer more individualized enrichment; some may want access to educational facilities while others would prefer to just have fun. It’s important to speak with your loved one and find out what they want and need.

Cost vs. Care

In most cases, retirement communities will have varying prices depending on the level of care being offered — the more and higher quality of boarding, meals, independence and amenities available, the more expensive a home will be. This is to be expected, but it’s important for you to look closely at what you’ll be receiving for your expenses; you need to be absolutely certain that a particular community will go above and beyond to fulfill all of your loved one’s needs. Check over any paperwork, ask as many questions as you need to. Above all, speak with your loved one to ensure that they will be happy in their new home.

Your loved one deserves the best possible care available to them, and this means ensuring that any rest home you consider will keep them safe, healthy and happy. It’s important to be fully informed on any rights of care you may be permitting your loved one’s potential caretakers; do not sign any forms that you don’t fully understand and make sure you have regular access to visit them. Above all, don’t be afraid to do your research on a facility before making a decision.