klaus
Novice
/ Moderator
Feb 2, 2007, 1:34 PM
Post #1 of 1
(3314 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Research will help you make the right choice
|
Can't Post
Private Reply
|
|
People approach me on a fairly frequent basis to get some insight into choosing a retirement residence that is right for them or their parents. I always advise them to research residences in the area they are thinking of and then develop a short list with two or three residences that seem to have all the right ingredients.
But before one gets to that point some initial research is necessary. So it makes sense to go out and arrange tours of as many residences as possible to get a feel for what is available in a given area. Ask specific questions about the cost of services; are there provisions for a menu from which to chose with items like assistance with medication, physiotherapy, personal care items such as pedicures.
If you’re looking for a residence for a parent or other family member make sure that the residence suits that person’s needs. Try to look ahead as much as you can. For instance, does the person show signs of developing Alzheimer’s or mild dementia and if so, be sure the residence you choose is equipped to cope with that condition.
A good starting resource in finding suitable retirement accommodations would be hospital discharge planners. They know what all the retirement residences in their area offer and they can advise you about the ones that are best suited to your loved one’s needs.
Once you have an initial list start with a visit to each residence to meet the administrator or marketing director. They will be happy to show you through the residence and give you as much information as you need.
Get a clear understanding of what the costs are and if there are costs about which you haven’t been advised. For instance, is the room telephone included in the monthly fees or is there an upcharge. What about cable TV? Many residences offer cable TV as a part of their basic service package, but some do not. So, when you are doing a cost comparison it’s good to know about any extras that might come along.
Safety and security features are important. Make sure that the residence you are considering has a fire sprinkler system and two-way voice communications for emergency response. Also find out specifically the qualifications of staff detailed to deal with emergencies. A well-trained nurse or other professional can make a big difference in an emergency.
A tool that could be very helpful to you is to draw up a comparison chart, once you’re ready to develop a short list. Put down the names of all the residences that you are considering in a vertical column and then put all the services and amenities offered in a horizontal column across the top. On the far right in another vertical column put the monthly cost of living at each residence. Once you have completed this spreadsheet, you will see right away which are the best-suited residences.
With your short list in hand make an appointment at each of the home that you are considering. Ask to stay for lunch or dinner, as that is a good way to test the quality of the food as well as the social atmosphere of the residence. Feel free to ask some of the residents that you meet in the dining room how they feel about their residence and if their needs are being met. Some residences have trial stay programs that enable people to stay for a short period of time to see how they like it.
Moving to a retirement residence is a big decision that should not be made lightly. The best way to make an educated choice is to research what each and every residence has to offer.
Klaus Rohrich is President and Creative Director of Taylor/Rohrich Associates Inc., a marketing and advertising firm that specializes in niche marketing retirement real estate developments http://www.maturitymarketing.com.
|
MAIN
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
