Choosing the Right Community

Searching for a retirement community can become overwhelming, particularly if you’ve gathered a lot of information.  One of the challenges is comparing different communities since each community packages their services and amenities differently.  It can be helpful to determine your priorities in a community so that you know what factors really matter to you as you look at all of your options.

Location
Is the community convenient for family and friends to visit?
Is the community convenient to shopping?
Are entertainment, dining and cultural venues close?
Is there a top-notch hospital nearby?

Management
Who owns and manages the community?
Are decisions made locally or by distant owners or managers?
What is the reputation of the community and its management?
How long has the community been in business?
Is the community in good financial health?
Do residents have a say in community management and to what extent?
Is the community accredited?

Campus Amenities
Are there accessible and safe areas for walking?
Are there recreational areas, courtyards or outdoor dining areas?
Are there areas for residents to garden?
Are there meeting rooms for resident gatherings?
Are there fitness facilities?
Is there a golf course?
Is there a pool?

Program & Activities
Does the community have a resident services director?
Does the community have social workers?
Who determines what activities take place?
Are there off campus activities and programs?
What is the quality of the programming?
Do the programs and activities match your interests?

Dining
What training does the culinary staff have?
How much turnover is there with the culinary staff?
Does the dining program provide an acceptable level of menu choice and variety?
Are there healthy options available at each meal?
Do you have to pay for a daily meal, regardless of whether or not you are home to eat it?
Is there assigned seating in the dining room?
Do you have to eat at a particular time?
Is there a surcharge for guests to join you?

Residences
Do the floor plans suit your needs for space, storage and lifestyle?
Is there adequate storage space?
How much say do you have in altering the layout?
How often are finishes such as carpeting replaced?
Are you able to customize the finishes to your tastes?
Can you change the layout of your home?

Health and Wellness
Does the community offer wellness and fitness programs?
What healthcare services are available on campus?
Are additional levels of care pre-paid or fee for service?

Services
What is the monthly service fee?
What services are included in the monthly service fee?

Admissions
How long is the waiting list?
What are the health requirements?
What are the financial requirements?
How much is the entrance fee?
What percentage of the entrance fee is returned to you or your estate?

Email this page to a Friend