Questions to Ask When Looking for a Retirement Home

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Whether you’re looking for a place to move your aging parents, or if you’re on the lookout yourself for
a retirement community, helping someone move out of their own home can be a difficult and often
traumatic period for all parties involved. Such a decision should not be made in haste and requires
some research as well as soul-searching. If you’re looking at retirement homes for yourself or your
loved ones, consider these questions during your evaluation.

What type of community are you thinking about? Do you want to stay in the same town or area where
you have been living? Many retirees seek to move to warmer clients such as Arizona or Florida. There
are also assisted living homes, homes for independent citizens, homes for active citizens, and places that
specialize in Alzheimer’s or patients with dementia. Consider the cost of the community as well. You
will also want to know about the home’s accreditation and licensing.

Local services? What services are nearby the prospective home? Is a there a hospital in the area?
What is the shopping situation – grocery stores and specialty stores as well. Are there churches or other
places of worship that are easily accessible? How about libraries? Beauty parlors and barber shops?

Amenities? Especially for senior citizens with a more active lifestyle, you may want to consider a home
that offers a rigorous regime of activities that can include swimming, horseback riding, golf, or tennis.
Many places are focusing especially on health and fitness. It will also be helpful to consider what
necessities you will require as far as getting around and movement are concerned. Are the bathtubs
and showers equipped for shower chairs or wheelchairs? Are there railings? How many elevators are
there and what condition are they in? Are meal plans included?

Safety? If safety is a particular concern, check out the locks on the doors and see if there are security
guards on the grounds at night. You also may want to consider living in a gated community. Be certain
to check out the neighborhood surrounding the home at different times of the day. It doesn’t hurt
to ask around, speaking to neighbors or even local police to assess the flavor of the area you are
considering.

Staffing? The staff of the home are the people you’ll be dealing with every day for the duration of
your stay, so it is important that you feel comfortable with them and can forge good (if not friendly)
relationships with them. When checking out prospective homes, take a moment to chat with the staff
to see how well you can get to know them before you make any major decisions. Pay attention to the
way that staff interacts with other members of the community. You can also have a conversation with
other residents or their families to glean additional insight into the people working at the home.

You want your retirement years to be golden, which means you can afford to be choosy about the place
where you spend them!

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Atlanta, where a better living
environment leads to a better life.