Senior Housing 

Every day, I meet retirees looking at making the move to senior housing. Some are
planning to move immediately; others are just beginning their search.
Everyone has different interests and needs, but when the time comes, retirees want a
residence known for excellent care, and treatment with dignity and understanding.

Retirement isn't the way it was 20 years ago. People are retiring at younger ages -
many look for senior housing in their 60s and 70s, not just their 80s and 90s.
This new demographic moving into retirement wants to live someplace that will match
their active lifestyle. Days of playing bingo and watching TV are gone - replaced
with tennis, gardening, community volunteering, exercise classes, college classes
and elder hostels.
What type of retirement setting will you need?
If you are in good health and looking for somewhere to live independently, there are
some important things to find out.
Here are my Top Ten when looking toward retirement.
1. What is your first impression? Is the facility well-maintained? Are the grounds
well-kept? Are staff and residents active and cheerful?
Try to see as much of the facility as possible before making the decision to move
into your new home.
2. Does the residence have independent living only, or is it a
full-continuum-of-care facility? You may not need health care now, or even 10 years
from now, but something could happen at any moment - we never plan to get sick.
What is your plan? What will your spouse do if you have not planned in advance? A
health-care crisis is quite stressful when coupled with worrying about finding care
in the hospital. That process can be exhausting and time-consuming - time you may
not have.

Living in a facility with a continuum of care provides reassurance, knowing that
services are available if the need should arise.
3. Does the residence provide desired social and physical activities? Research has
shown that people 65 and older extend their lives by participating in activities
that are easy and enjoyable, such as movies, shopping, gardening, social events,
community work and short trips.
"Social and productive activities that involve little or no enhancement of physical
fitness lower the risk of all causes of death as much as exercise does," says Thomas
Glass, an assistant professor at Harvard School of Public Health.
Ask to see the activity calendar; find out if the activities listed are ones you
would enjoy. Do residents travel off-site regularly? Variety plays a key role.
4. Are staff and residents welcoming and friendly? Do the residents share common
backgrounds and interests? Find out where residents are from and what brought them
to the facility.
Make sure to talk to the residents themselves; they will be your best reference.
Spend a few days there if you can - some facilities will offer this at no charge. It
will give you a chance to try the food, take part in activities and meet more of the
residents and staff.
5. Does the facility have a residents' association, resident-driven programs or a
resident board? Does the management invite residents to take part in decisions?
Residents who take part in decisions that affect their lives feel empowered and
therefore are happier with their living situation.
6. What are the guest policies? Residents want to invite family and guests to stay
with them just as before retirement. Some facilities will not allow a guest to stay
onsite, or guests may stay only a few days.
Find out what the time limit is for guests and whether grandchildren are allowed. It
is important that family and friends feel comfortable visiting.
7. What types of meals are served? Most facilities have meal plans included in the
fees. Are dietary restrictions respected?
The most important question: Is the food of good quality? Whether it's one meal or
three meals a day, if the food is not healthy and tasty, residents are less likely
to be happy.
8. Ask to see the contract. This is one of the most important things to cover. Read
through the contract carefully, and make notes where you have questions.
Then sit down with the marketing representative or facility director and address
your questions to get a clear understanding of the terms.
9. What kind of health care facilities are onsite? If medical personnel are on
staff, visit with them and learn about the types of care offered.
Talk with your personal physician about the facility. If staying overnight in a
skilled health area is necessary, are the rooms private or shared?
10. Does the facility have any state rules, regulations or inspections that are
performed? Find out if it is in compliance with all regulations. Ask to see a copy
of its inspections or audits.
Find out if it has ever had a "stop placement" enforced. This means that the
facility was not allowed to accept residents until brought into compliance by
regulators.
Keep in mind that everyone's goals for retirement are different; you may not have
the same goals as your friends or family. It is important to discuss any concerns
and ask lots of questions. This is a very important decision. It's better to be
over-informed than to be surprised later on.

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