Pro-Active Planning for Retirement

Written by Linda B. Olore

Saturday, 03 March 2007

Choices for retirement living have changed in recent years.  Seniors rarely limit their worlds to boarding houses where rocking on the front porch is considered active and Bingo is the hot event.  Today’s seniors want to experience life at its fullest as they enter a new phase of life.     Senior living options are vast and all about choice.  How do you select a community?  Where do you begin?     First, it is vital to plan early.  Many seniors don’t start the process until a crisis strikes.  They have the mindset that they do not need help or they do not want to live with “old people.”  Therefore, they limit their choices by not being prepared.  Avoid this pitfall by thinking ahead.     Do research on the types of communities available, keeping in mind what is important to you and your lifestyle.  Do you want to hike, golf, swim, travel, join the book club, or learn yoga?  All are important when choosing a community to fit your new lifestyle. When looking at options, make sure you understand advantages of different types of senior housing, their services, amenities and accommodations, staffing, the social climate, and costs—both upfront and long-term.  Plan to thoroughly research your options before a crisis forces you into a decision. Here are questions you should ask:   Location          Is it located in a desirable geographic area?          Is it convenient to what is important (family, friends, shopping, doctors, grocery store, church, hospitals, etc.)?          Do you enjoy the climate?   Services         What support services are offered (housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, etc.)?          Are healthcare support services available?          What are the on-site amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, dining, computer center)?          How are security and safety handled?   Food and Entertainment         Is there a flexible meal plan?          How often is the menu updated?          Will the kitchen cater to varying dietary needs?          Is there a wide range of planned activities?          Are there scheduled “off-campus” activities and events?          Is there a clubhouse or activity room?   Accommodations          Are you allowed to customize your living area?          Is there a choice of floor plans?          Is there adequate storage?          Can your living area be altered to meet your specific needs (grab bars, customized bathing units, wheel chair accessibility)?          Are common areas well designed, clean and well maintained?          Is there an emergency call system?   Staff          Is the staff helpful and friendly?          Is staff available or on-call for assistance?          What are the credentials of management staff?   Current Residents          Are they happy or satisfied with the community?          What are their interests?          What is the average age?          Does the community live up to its promises?   Perhaps Most Importantly          What is the financial structure of the community?          What percentage of your money is returned to either you or your estate when you no longer reside at the community?          For what costs are you responsible (utilities, taxes,insurance)?          What if you run out of private funds for future health care needs?          What are the bylaws and restrictions of the community?         If you require additional assistance, are you required to move to the next level of service or are you allowed to receive services at your current level of living?          Are you able to maintain your desired level of independence? It is imperative to visit prospective communities and determine if they feel like “home” to you.

Linda B. Olore About the author: Linda B. Olore is Marketing and Sales Director of Atlantic Heights Retirement Community in Saco, ME and sees the benefits of foresight and planning in her work with clients every day.

Last Updated ( Monday, 05 March 2007 )

 

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