What to Look for In a Retirement Home

If you have aging parents, one of the most important and often most difficult decisions you face when caring for them is what to do about long–term care, and which facility is right for them.

While it’s essential to have a talk with your elder parents about their future, it can be very uncomfortable and difficult to have that conversation, but the sooner you start, the sooner you can ensure that the retirement place has been secured, as it can be a lengthy process.

If you’re looking for a retirement home for yourself, focus on what you want, not what anyone else thinks is best for you.  Start by having a clear idea of the things you’d like to do.

• Do you like to meet new people and socialize, or would you prefer quiet of your own room?
• Would you like to be a part of a resident’s council, or would you rather just participate in certain events?
• Do you seek opportunities to volunteer in the outside community?

Here’s what to look for in a retirement residence, so you can feel safer and more at home:

Whether it’s for you or your loved one, you’ll need a list of the key aspects of retirement homes and the questions to ask about each of them, so you can gather the facts, compare each community on its merits and make the best decision.

• Is the location of the building near the person’s children, family or friends?
• What is the first impression of the facility – building design, the grounds, common area, security features?
• What is the first impression of the staff – do they seem kind, welcoming, and efficient; do they know the residents by first name?
• What is the first impression of the residents? 
• How are services and amenities, what is offered?
• What kind of activities and social gatherings do they offer?
• What is the dining experience and are there menu choices? Can particular dietary needs be accommodated?
• Could a doctor visit there?
• Are nurses on staff 24/7?
• Would the person have to move if his or her health care needs increased?
• Are there fitness classes and wellness programs available?
• What kinds of lifelong learning courses are offered, if any, and are they on or off-site?
• What are residents’ rooms like? Is there enough space for personal belongings/furniture? Could one prepare breakfast/snack in there?
• Finances – what are the regular monthly costs, what are the extra costs, are there any subsidies available?

When touring retirement communities, be clear about what you are looking for and ask anything you’d like to know; keep asking until you are satisfied that you have gathered all the information you need to make your decision.

Hand in hand with finding the best living solution for yourself or your parent is how to pay for it, as long-term care costs would be needed for home care, assisted living care, or nursing home.  These costs can be substantial and can deplete a family’s savings very quickly, so take necessary steps to protect your financial assets, such as your home, bank accounts, or other possessions.

If there is no estate planning, long-term care, or asset protection plan in place, this needs to be addressed and handled as soon as possible, and seeking professional advice would be the first thing to do.  Each day you postpone taking action is a day lost that could be critical to your/your loved one’s financial future.  But, watch out for financial scams, as financial abuse of the elderly has, unfortunately, become a growth industry.

If there is an estate plan or asset protection plan in place – when was it last reviewed by a lawyer who specializes in estate planning?  You want to ensure peace-of-mind for everyone involved by securing a sound financial/asset protection plan.

If you are faced with the legal power and responsibility to make decisions for your parent(s), make sure you find out in advance what your parent(s) want, and have an attorney by your side who knows the ins and outs of a power of attorney and a living will.

At the Levin Law Group, our proficient and reliable lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex waters of estate planning. 

Take steps to ensure your/your parents’ interests and assets are protected – contact the Levin Law Group’s experienced and dedicated real estate attorneys today.