Do Your Homework
Having conversations with your parent about retirement living is easier when you have answers to their questions. It’s a smart decision to compare local options and understand what is offered by each.
Questions to ask when evaluating a retirement community
- How many meals per day are included in the cost?
- Does the dining room have assigned seating?
- When are dining services open, and what happens if someone misses a meal?
- Are residents allowed to take food to their room if they do not want to eat in the dining room?
- Are residents responsible for cleaning their own rooms?
- How is laundry handled?
- What services have additional costs?
- What social activities are offered?
- Are there processes to help new residents quickly become comfortable and make friends after moving in?
- Is healthcare included? Is there an additional cost?
- If healthcare is needed, are residents guaranteed a spot in the healthcare center? What happens if the healthcare center is full?
- If a resident moves into an independent living option, and later wants to move to a different living option other than healthcare, is this allowed and is there an additional cost?
- Is any transportation assistance provided? Is there an additional cost for transportation?