Top 7 Questions to Ask at a Retirement Home
We all want to know the best way to get a feel for a new place. What better place to do that than an assisted living community? This blog post will go through 7 of the most important questions you should ask when touring a retirement home. Some of these questions might seem daunting or insensitive, but chances are they are on top of your list too!
Table of Contents
Why should I consider assisted living?
Many retirees want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. However, if you can no longer care for yourself or manage your finances, it may be time to consider assisted living. Assisted living provides the services and support that help seniors enjoy life.
What is a residents’ day like?
Are residents able to get up and move around throughout the day, or are they mostly confined to their rooms? Is there a lot of socializing and opportunities for engaging in activities, or is it more quiet and passive? What is the food like? Is there a variety of options, or is it repetitive and boring?
These are just a few questions to get you started. Be sure to ask the retirement home plenty of others to get a sense of what day-to-day life is like for residents
What is the difference between life and continuing care retirement communities?
When it comes to retirement communities, there are two main types: life communities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Life communities are for seniors who can live independently but may need some assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. CCRCs, on the other hand, are for seniors who need more assistance and require around-the-clock care.
So, what’s the difference between life and CCRCs? In a nutshell, life communities offer more independence and freedom, while CCRCs provide a higher level of care. Here are some other vital distinctions:
- Cost: CCRCs are typically more expensive than life communities, as they include all-inclusive care.
- Lifestyle: CCRCs offer a more regimented lifestyle, while life communities allow more flexibility.
- Size: CCRCs are typically larger than life communities with more residents.
- Care: CCRCs offer a more comprehensive range of care options, while life communities typically only offer basic care.
When considering retirement communities, it’s essential to ask yourself what’s important to you. If you want more freedom and independence, a living community may be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for all-inclusive care and a more regimented lifestyle, a CCRC may be a better fit.
What is memory care?
What is it? Memory care is a specialized form of care that provides personalized assistance and support for seniors with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The staff at a memory care facility is specifically trained to deal with the unique needs of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Memory care facilities typically offer a variety of services and amenities, such as:
- 24-hour supervision
- Assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., grooming, bathing, dressing)
- Meal planning and nutrition counseling
- Social and recreational activities
- Access to medical care and therapy
If you’re considering a retirement home for a loved one, be sure to ask about the memory care program offered.
How much does it cost to live in a retirement home?
The price of a retirement home can vary greatly, depending on the location, type of home, and level of care needed. In general, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to $5,000 per month for a retirement home. Some homes charge a one-time entrance fee in addition to monthly rent, which can range from a few thousand dollars to $100,000 or more.
It’s important to tour multiple homes and ask many questions before deciding on a retirement community. Be sure to ask about the cost of additional services like medication management, therapy, and meals. You should also find out what the refund policy is if you need to move out of the home for any reason.
If you’re looking for more information about retirement homes, be sure to check out Vivante living. They have many helpful resources, including a list of the questions you should ask before moving into a retirement home.
Who will be my support staff when I move in?
Another question to ask is who your support staff will be. You’ll want to know who will be helping you with your day-to-day activities and whether they are qualified to do so.
Some retirement homes have a dedicated team of nurses and caretakers available 24/7. Others may have a more limited staff, so it’s essential to ask about the availability and qualifications of the support team. You’ll also want to know what happens if someone is sick or on vacation.
If you have any special needs, it’s essential to ensure that the retirement home can accommodate them. For example, if you need help with bathing or dressing, make sure that the home has trained staff in providing those services.
Take a tour of the facility and talk to current and former residents to understand what it’s like to live there. It’s also essential to get a sense of the home’s overall atmosphere. Do residents seem happy and engaged, or do they look like they’re struggling?
If you’re looking for a retirement home with top-notch support staff, Vivante is the place for you.
Do residents have any input in decisions made for the facility?
When looking for a retirement home, it’s essential to consider the level of resident involvement in decisions made for the facility. Some homes are more top-down, while others are more resident-driven. The best homes strike a balance, giving residents a voice while providing the necessary guidance and oversight.
Questions to ask:
- How much input do residents have in decisions made for the home?
- How often do residents meet to discuss issues and make decisions?
- Who makes final decisions about issues affecting the home?
Conclusion
Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to make an informed decision about the retirement home that’s right for you.
