Home Day Services

 

How to

Choose a Retirement Community

   Be informed about all aspects
   The first thing is to find out what retirement communities are located in the area where you or your family member (s) prefer to live. The proximity to hospitals, doctors, labs, pharmacies, retail stores, banks and dining establishments is important.
   It is a good idea to ride around to the various retirement communities to get your first impression of the appearance, architecture and location. It is also good to check the Internet web site of each retirement community. The web site will provide key information about the services that are offered as well as the accommodations.

INTERVIEW KEY STAFF
   Call for an appointment and meet the staff. It is a good idea to meet with those who are providing direct care (nurses, housekeepers, activity directors, dietary staff, etc...) as well as the administrative staff.
   Make an appointment and tour the property and ask to be introduced to the staff and management who should answer any questions you may have. It is important to assess the length of employment of the administrative staff as well as key managers and supervisory staff. Ask about education credentials, job experience and licenses.

TOUR PROPERTY, ACCOMMODATION
   A tour of the retirement community is imperative to assess the types and sizes of accommodations at each level of care. Safety features, emergency, response equipment and handicap accessibility are important features of the tour. The tour allows a potential resident to evaluate the size or space needed for their furnishings, the closets and storage space.
   The cleanliness and maintenance or upkeep of the property may also be assessed on the tour. Staff-resident interaction, social activities and residents' appearances may also be observed.

BECOME INFORMED ABOUT SERVICES, ETC.
    During the initial and follow-up interviews and tour, it is vital to be informed about the amenities,
services and levels of care that are available. It is imperative
that a potential resident be advised about whether the retirement
community is a buy-in or lease agreement, the price, refund
policy, pet policy, etc. All amenities such as meals, housekeeping,
and laundry/linen service, telephone, cable television, transportation
and social activities should be explained.

   A full service, multilevel continuum of care retirement community offers levels of care that range from independent living to personal care and skilled nursing and rehabilitative services.
   The social or recreational activity program should be assessed when making the decision about your future lifestyle. An activities or social calendar should be available for you to study. A varied program of activities offering memory or sensory stimulating activities, physical activities and cultural entertainment should be included so that a resident has multiple daily options and may be as active as they choose to be.
   Examples of popular activities include bridge and other card games, movies, bingo, exercise classes, exercise equipment, birthday parties, special theme parties and seasonal or holiday celebrations.
   Also, outings with provided transportation that include tours of the area, lunches and dinners at local restaurants and trips to cultural events should be included in the social calendar.
   A transportation program should be provided to assure transportation to doctor's appointments and for personal shopping trips.

THE TOP FIVE THINGS YOU
SHOULD KNOW . . .
   1. Find out what retirement communities are located in the area where you or your family member(s) prefer to live.
   2. Interview key staff.  
   3. Tour the property to assess the living conditions and safety features.
   4. Become informed about the services and amenities and continuum of care.
   5. What do you get for your investment?

 

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE MAKING A DECISION

  • Is the retirement community uniquely designed to provide various levels of housing and services that are appropriate for each stage in the process of aging?

  • Are there distinct levels/environments of care?

  • Are there opportunities for continued meaningful relationships, experiences, memory making and community interaction?

  • Are rehabilitative services available?

  • Are there services offered for those with cognitive or memory impairments?

  • Have safety and security needs been addressed to your level of satisfaction?

  • Are transportation services available?

  • What is the experience level of both the administrative staff as well as those who provide direct care?

  • Is there an active social program?

  • Are there therapeutic services available?

  • Is the retirement community located in close proximity to local hospitals, labs and doctor’s offices?

  • Are shopping, dining and banking facilities in close proximity for those who are more active and are these facilities easily accessible?

  • What up-front fees are required?

  • What do you get for your investment?

  • Are there services available to the community for those who are not ready to become a resident of the retirement community but need rehabilitative or other care such as skilled nursing, rehabilitive services or daily nonresident adult day services?
 
 

 

 





 

 

 

 
   
   



Greenbrier Village
Enid, Oklahoma