How to Choose the Perfect Retirement Home for You

Some people may freak out at the thought of living out their last years in a retirement home, yet many others see nothing wrong with planning to live out their retirement years in a home. Those skeptical about retirement homes often fear that these homes may keep them so inactive and depressed that they age faster; others fear the stories of abuse and neglect told about some retirement homes.

In reality, some modern-day retirement homes are the place to be post-retirement. Many homes design a wide range of stimulating programs to keep the elderly population active throughout their stay. Senior citizens could be well taken care of in retirement homes, provided they choose the right retirement homes, and the law frowns on abuse and neglect of the elderly. According to The Barnes Firm Attorneys, “Retirement homes have a very stringent duty of care to their residents. If it is found that a retirement home neglected or abused a resident, the home may be held liable.”

If a person takes chooses the perfect retirement home, they could live out their years happily with no incidents. This means that you must not wait until you’re incapacitated to begin your search for retirement homes. Here are a few tips for choosing the right retirement home for you.

1. Make a List of Things You Must Have

When you’re considering checking yourself into a retirement home, think of the factors that are most important to you and try to find a home that can fulfill all your most important needs. Some important factors to consider include finding a place that you can afford. You don’t want to check yourself into an overly expensive community just to have to be saddled with the responsibility of finding a cheaper place when your money starts to run out. Also, consider the distance of the home from your family members. If you love the idea of still being close to your family, find a home that’s in the area where they live. Finally, consider the kind of care you may need in the home now or in the future and find a place that offers that type of care.

As much as possible, you should try to start making these considerations long before you have to move into the retirement home.

2. Ask about Recreational Activities

Social isolation and loneliness could cause significant health issues in lonely people, so before you settle for a retirement home, make sure they also offer some physical and spiritual practices that are good for mental health. Find out if the home makes provisions for entertainment outings and other trips outside the facility. Also, ask questions about whether the facility has a fitness room, a golf course, a swimming pool, or other facilities for physical activity. The aim is to ensure that whichever facility you settle for must have a range of social, physical, cultural, spiritual, and educational activities to keep the mind active at all times.

3. Consider Medical Care

When searching for the perfect retirement community, it is often easier to look out for amenities and recreational services, forgetting important factors such as medical and health services. You may be in perfect health when looking to move into a retirement home, but as the years go by and you advance in age, it is very common to have special health care needs. Many retirement homes do not offer medical care. In such cases, the residents will either have to acquire health services or relocate.

To avoid spending more than envisaged or having to move homes when you get much older, consider going into a retirement home that offers skilled medical care from the onset. Or one that provides assisted living services and home health care, among other similar services.

4. Read Reviews & Find Out What Other Retirees Think

Before you choose a retirement home, you must do some thorough research to find out all you can about the home. All information ranging from its owners to its managers and accomplishments should be easily obtainable. Go with an establishment that has a history of quality service and has maintained high service standards for some time. Avoid homes with scandals or too much litigation.

The easy way to find out about the retirement home is to do a simple internet search of the name of the establishment. Read customer reviews online too. But you must also visit the retirement home and, if possible, ask for reviews from former residents and people who are still living in the home. The home’s current residents would give you a first-hand account of what it will feel like to live there. Beyond that, also ask to be given a tour of the facility. When touring the facility, ensure to note whether the current residents and employees seem happy. Also, check if the place is clean and well-kept. At the end of your tour, you should be eager to spend a huge part of the rest of your life in the home.

5. Find Out if You Can Afford It

Find out all about the fees and make sure that there are no hidden costs. Find out what’s included in the various fees. Most importantly, you must try to find out if the fees are subject to random increases and how often these increases occur. You should also take into consideration the financial merits and demerits of the contract options that a retirement home offers.

6. Tell Your Family About your Plans

As people get older, a family support system becomes even more important. Your plan to move to a retirement home will be much more successful if your loved ones are aboard. Make them feel like they’re a part of your decision by carrying them along in all your plans. This way, they’ll also create time in their schedules to spend time with you in the home. Their support would not only provide a much-needed social network for you, but it can also help improve your health and extend your years.