Top Questions to Ask When Researching Retirement Communities
Choosing a retirement community is a major decision for seniors and their families. Finding the best fit will help your loved one settle in quickly. While exploring your options, you can ask a few vital questions in advance to help your loved one find their new perfect home. Below are key questions to ask potential communities to help you start the planning process and find the best match.
What Types of Care Levels Are Available at Retirement Communities?
Seniors have varying needs when it comes to daily living, and many retirees wish to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Other residents need a more supportive environment, with more staff attention and personal services.
Fortunately, retirement communities offer a variety of living options, including:
- Independent living in on-site cottages or apartments
- Assisted living spaces with more supervised care
- Memory care options to support seniors with cognitive decline
How Does The Community Keep Residents Safe?
Safety is often the biggest concern for seniors and their families, and danger can come in many different forms. Retirement communities should have a safety-first attitude and be more than happy to share how they keep loved ones safe.
What Amenities and Services Are Provided?
The on-site amenities and chore-free lifestyle often excite seniors the most. Offering a variety of activities for residents to enjoy, many communities offer:
- Exercise spaces, fitness classes, and gym areas
- Game rooms, common areas, and on-site hair salons
- A variety of dining options to offer good nutrition and plenty of opportunities to meet the neighbors.
- Convenient housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services
- Transportation options for appointments
- Organized resident outings
Are On-Site Healthcare Services Available?
Healthcare is an important consideration for everyone, but seniors often need extensive care to manage their ongoing medical conditions. Depending on the specific level of senior care that is needed, the following access to quality healthcare services may be available:
- Medication management by experienced staff
- Easy access to physician visits and physical therapy
- Round the clock emergency medical assistance
- Help with managing appointments and transportation to clinics
Does The Community Foster an Active Social Environment?
A fulfilling retirement includes an active social life. Seniors who engage with friends and neighbors can prevent loneliness while slowing their physical and cognitive decline. Communities can help foster a family-like environment with a rich calendar of social events. To ensure your loved one can make the most of their new phase of life, ask staff about the following social opportunities:
- Organized clubs and events for residents to maintain their hobbies or take up new ones.
- Options for family-style dining and happy hours
- The number of common areas for relaxed socializing
- Opportunities to invite family to community social events
- A wide variety of activities to appeal to different personalities
What Are The Rules And Policies?
Rules help communities live in harmony. Each senior living community has a unique set of policies for residents and guests. Before choosing a retirement community, consider whether its policies align with your loved one’s needs. Ask about the following policies in advance if they are important to your family:
- Pet friendly living options
- Visitation policies and procedures
- Decorating restrictions within their private space
- The process for resolving conflict and handling complaints
- Meal times and options for dining
Does The Retirement Community Offer Personalized Care Plans?
Each resident has different needs, with some requiring more personal support and attention. To ensure each senior gets the care they need, ask staff about personalized care plans to monitor their progress and plan for their future needs in advance. Care plans should take the following into consideration:
- Your loved ones personal, grooming, and medication needs
- Their health status and management of ongoing conditions
- Tailored activities and options to continue their favorite hobbies.
- Daily routine assistance and continued monitoring of their needs
- Their emotional health and spiritual needs
Get All Your Questions Answered About Retirement Communities at The Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, OK
Selecting a new home requires research, especially when your loved one needs additional care. Vibrant senior communities can help retirees thrive in their older years, but finding the right match is key. By asking questions in advance, you can confidently decide whether a community has the safety structures, amenities, social life, and living options to suit your loved one’s needs.
Schedule a tour of The Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, OK, today and let experienced staff answer all of your vital questions to find your loved one the ideal retirement community.
