We all envision our retirement years in our own unique ways, but one part that remains consistent is – no matter how you plan to spend your time – you want to be happy! This seems like a no brainer, but not all retirement communities are created equally.
Ask yourself these important questions during your search for a retirement community to ensure that the one you ultimately choose is best-suited for your lifestyle and needs!
1. What amenities am I looking for?
When you’re considering making the move to a retirement community, make a list of all of the amenities that are of top importance to you. From activities and hobbies to wellness-focused amenities, campus features and conveniences, dining, medical facilities and more, you want to ensure that all of your day-to-day needs will not only be met once you move to a retirement community, but that you have plenty of ways to enjoy yourself, too!
Are you concerned your medical needs may change over time? On-campus clinics, rehabilitation services, and assisted living options might be at the top of your list. Have an artistic side? Look for a retirement community with opportunities for art classes, regular concerts and other creative activities. Enjoy being a social butterfly? See if the retirement community that you’re looking at has an active social events calendar! From staying physically active to enjoying great food, the list of of amenities that are important to you will help you narrow down your selection of retirement communities and is a great place to start.
2. Will I enjoy the dining services?
Speaking of enjoying great food, whether you have gourmet taste buds or simply want to make sure you won’t have to eat the same thing every day, it’s important to take a look at the dining services available at each retirement community that you’re considering. Many retirement communities are expanding upon the typical model of a group dining experience to offer several venues and dining options at which residents may eat.
See what types of dining options are available at the retirement communities on your list, and don’t be afraid to ask to take a look at their menus! From picky-eaters to seniors who want to ensure there are healthy options for their dietary needs, the top retirement communities are taking many factors into consideration when planning out their dining options and menus. Prefer to prepare your own food? Make sure that the living options that you’re able to choose from at the retirement community include full kitchens complete with all of the appliances and space you need to whip up a great meal!
3. How will I remain independent after I move here?
Ensuring that you will be able to retain your independence is a top concern for many seniors when thinking about making the move to a retirement community. If you require some assistance with daily tasks, choosing an assisted living facility that will help you maintain your independence and privacy for longer, while still receiving the services you need to stay healthy and safe. If you are interested in making the move with a partner, but you and your partner have different needs, check to see if the retirement community you’re researching offers the ability for couples to only pay for the services they need (i.e. if one partner needs assisted living or memory care services but the other doesn’t). This will enable you to continue living together without encountering unnecessary costs.
Even if you don’t currently require assistance to help you maintain your independence, and are looking at independent living options, it’s important to choose a retirement community that offers a full continuum of care. With this model of care, if your needs change you won’t have to leave the community to get the assistance you need. Another way retirement communities help seniors 55 years and up maintain their independence is by offering convenient on-campus amenities that are only a few steps away. From shopping to church services, transportation services and more, opt for a campus that offers an array of choices tailored to your needs and wants.
4. What kind of medical care is offered?
As mentioned above, access to quick and convenient medical care is important so seniors can be proactive about their health and stay independent for longer. In addition to the opportunity for increased medical care that comes with assisted living and memory care services, it’s also vital for your retirement community to have an on-campus clinic to address other medical needs – including medical emergencies, rehabilitation, doctor’s appointments and more.
Ask about how the retirement community on your list is equipped to handle the full array of medical needs you have or may have in the future. Many campuses offer 24/7 health clinics, on-site doctor’s appointments, short-term rehabilitation services, and long-term skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, if keeping your existing doctors when you move is important to you, check to make sure that the retirement community offers the choice of using your own physician in addition to the visiting doctors.
5. Can I hear testimonials from real residents?
While asking retirement communities plenty of questions, seeing how well their answers fit your list of needs and wants, and requesting a tour of their campus and facilities helps you get a long way in narrowing your search for a retirement community, hearing actual testimonials from real residents is also a very valuable resource. After all, residents are the ones actually living there, so they know best about the retirement community and are great sources of information! Request to see or read testimonials from existing residents, or ask if you are able to talk with one face-to-face during your visit. Their words might just seal the deal! Listen to testimonials from Jan Hoover, Corliss & Ron Vuksta, and Bob and Mary Kay Hawkins about Copeland Oaks.
Feeling ready to take on the search for the best retirement community for you – or still have questions before you get started? Give us a call today and our experts would be happy to help you determine what’s most important to you and If Copeland Oaks Retirement Community could be a great fit!