Making an average move to a traditional new home is a lot like transitioning to an independent, memory care, or assisted living community. It can be overwhelming as one of the biggest events of your life. To ensure that no important details are missed, and you stay organized, you’ll want to create a plan. Whether looking for the perfect senior living community for yourself or a loved one, we are going to introduce you to some things that should be considered.
There Are Various Types of Communities
For retirement age adults, communities vary depending on the wants and/or needs of the individual. The following are communities available for either yourself or your aging loved one:
● Assisted living
● CCRC (continuing care retirement community) or life plan community
Choosing the Best Fit
Factors to consider here include amenities, decor, dietary/dining options, location, floor plan, apartment size, and more. Long-term, will the person in question be comfortable living there? Does the person making the move like to socialize? Do they need transportation? Is there a pet the individual would like to keep (some communities are pet friendly)?
Future Budgeting
If more extensive care is needed in the future, will this community provide it and how does the financing for that work? Are all buildings wheelchair accessible? If memory care is needed in the future, is it available?
How are payments made? If the person in question runs out of money, what then? Will the person be signing the contract, or will they have a power of attorney signing?
Visits to Locations
After going through a list and narrowing down a few places, it’s time to make visits to various communities to take in all there is to see. Make the most of your time there and ask lots of questions.
Before you even visit, however, check the credentials of any community and its staff.
Inclusions, Agreements, or Amenities
What’s included and what isn’t should be detailed in any agreement. Time frames, refunds, contract breaking, staff-to-resident ratio, rate increases, and more must be spelled out. Is there an individual service or care package versus the rental housing cost? Are there hidden fees? Are laundry and housekeeping extra? What about medication management?
Medical Assessment
To assure the community that the person in question is at a certain level of needed care (or needs no care at all), a medical assessment may be required. This could be done by a qualified nurse in the community itself. A cognitive and medical assessment will likely take place.
In the case of an emergency, the community will need to know where the person should be taken (what hospital), if possible.
Ongoing Check-Ins
Don’t live by an “out of sight out of mind” policy once your loved one is settled in their new community. Check in frequently. Make as many visits as you can at different times of the day. With administrators and senior staff, consult quarterly, at least. Keep an eye on the finances and make sure to review all bills.
Consider Aston Gardens At The Courtyards
Aston Gardens At The Courtyards is a stylish, convenient senior living community in Sun City Center. But it’s so much more than just a community in which people enjoying their golden years can reside. Whether you need a little bit of help or you’re living on your own, our elegant surroundings and dedicated staff assist you in feeling right at home. When it comes to the well-being and happiness of our residents, we take great pride.
If you have questions or, even better, would like to schedule a tour, please contact us.
