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?