Choosing a senior living community is a major decision. There is a lengthy list of elderly villages that offer the same services and benefits. Many may seem ideal to support the life that you want in your golden years. However, a few of them easily stand out, especially when it comes to putting your needs first. How will you know which one is for you? By asking the right questions.
The answers will help you come up with an informed decision that will lead you to a place where you can live your best life, thanks in part to the confidence, comfort, care, and security that a quality community can provide.
Before Saying Yes to a Retirement Village, Ask these Questions First
The unique features that every retirement community offers also come with their legal, social, geographic, and financial conditions. Additionally, every senior community has its culture created through the interactions and connections that its residents have established over the years. Your goal is to find an elderly village that fits your lifestyle and caters to your most specific needs.
Let the questions below guide you in choosing the haven that you need and deserve.
1. What types of accommodations are available in the community?
One of the best things about moving to a senior community is the exciting prospect of choosing the ideal setting for your lifestyle. It’s because these villages offer accommodations that can range from one-bedroom apartments to charming, multi-room villas. These accommodations are meant to provide residents with the options to either live independently or with extra assistance and still maintain their independence.
Choosing your accommodation will depend on your lifestyle, your need for independence, and most importantly, how much you want to spend on your retirement home.
2. What are the dining options and food services available?
Living your best life during retirement means choosing healthy options, especially for your daily sustenance. It’s already given that retirement communities offer healthy and nutritious choices for their senior residents, but the question that you need to ask is: what options are available, in terms of dining, cafes, pubs, and other food venues? How about schedules and the availability of these options throughout the day?
Most importantly, you must ask if your elderly village has a dedicated food preparation team. Ask if there are options for residents to have consultations with experts, such as dieticians, and nutritionists who can collaborate with your doctor to produce a menu that meets your nutritional goals.
3. What amenities can I use and what solo or group activities are offered?
Senior villages feature amenities such as swimming pools, club rooms, and parks, among others. These places are where residents can go to have fun, whether on their own or with their neighbourhood friends. These are usually featured during the tours that potential residents are invited to.
In most cases, the availability and your access to these amenities depend on the type of package that you availed as a resident and as a member. It’s important to know if the use of these amenities is included in the base price or if they are considered add-ons. It’s best to get a clear cost breakdown before deciding.
4. How does the management prevent and respond to health or safety emergencies?
One of the most common issues among senior living communities is safety. Asking how they prevent risks and handle emergencies should be one of your priorities. For instance, do they have a reliable security system that allows residents easy access to emergency alert buttons for assistance? Are the homes designed to be accessible and risk-free, especially for an aging resident? Do they conduct regular safety checks, especially at night?
If you’re choosing to live on your own in a senior community villa, this question should be on top of your list. You can also ask if the community assigns a team that’s available for safety and medical assistance 24/7.
5. How close is the community to transport, healthcare centres, and other service hubs?
A good senior village is an independent community that has everything you need to live a happy, peaceful, and fulfilling life. However, it’s also important to have that connection to the world outside. Additionally, while these communities have their in-house team of medical professionals, it’s always recommended to have fast access to medical experts and healthcare centres in case the need arises.
Ask your prospect community if their location is close to healthcare centres, transport stations, and service hubs. This will give you options as well as the peace of mind that you’ll have the best quality care and service you can get when you need them the most.
6. How does the community management handle resident complaints?
This is a crucial question that you shouldn’t omit when considering your elderly community options. Their answer to how they manage resident complaints will give you an idea of the type of support and service that you can get from them. It will also reveal how they handle feedback and do their job to address them. Quality communities make sure that they put their residents first.
7. What is the overall community culture?
Last and the most important of all is to ask about the overall community culture. Are the current residents happy and healthy? Does the community, its amenities, services, and assistance contribute to their quality of life? Do they have enough opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with other residents? The best way to have a genuine answer is to ask the community manager if you can talk to references or interact with the residents.
Whatever decision you choose, make sure that you focus on creating the life that you’ve always wanted. Make your golden years your happiest!
