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A retirement community is a community/complex that houses retirees and seniors. Retirement communities are often restricted to people over a certain age and are designed to carter to the wants and needs of seniors and retirees, often by providing extensive amenities.
Amenities differ place to place, but can include: swimming pools, arts and crafts, bingo, boating, trails, golf courses, beauty salons, and shuttle services.
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There are different types of retirement communities. Independent living communities have resident units and do not provide healthcare. Continuing care retirement communities offer a combination of residential and healthcare facilities. If long term healthcare housing is needed, consider look at nursing homes , or assisted livings.
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How do I Select a Retirement Community? |
When selecting a retirement community, you should consider the following
factors:
- Location: Do you want to stay close to family and friends? Are you looking for a warmer climate? Retirement communities can be found in most states, so the location depends on where you feel most comfortable.
- Services Needed: Do you need any medical care? You should evaluate your health care needs, and select a community based on those needs.
- Restrictions: Age and other restrictions may apply for some communities. Check the retirement community’s page on WhereToFindCare.com to get more information, or use the contact form on their page to request information.
- Availability: Does the retirement community have any units currently open?
- Price: More popular retirement communities tend to cost more due to availability and request. Shop around for a community that fits your budget and fits your needs.
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1. Quality –WhereToFindCare.com can help you locate a quality retirement community
by providing you with the WTFC Quality Score.
WhereToFindCare.com asks users to rate their experience at retirement communities
nationwide. The WTFC Quality Score is the percentage of people who rated the retirement community on WhereToFindCare.com and said they received quality care. This experience-based satisfaction score cannot be found elsewhere today except by word of mouth.
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2. Recommendations- Word of mouth recommendations are very important. They can tell us whether we can get along with providers on a personal level.
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You can read other people’s experience by going to the retirement community's
page on WhereToFindCare.com and clicking on the Survey Results tab.
There you see how others rated their experience at the retirement community,
and any comments made about the provider. Also look for CareStars™. User-nominated CareStars are exceptional caregivers at healthcare centers. CareStars™ comments can give you a sense that the retirement community employs caring individuals that will provide the service you need.
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Tour the Retirement Community |
Once you have narrowed down your list, tour the retirement communities you are intested
in. This is a big decision and seeing a facility can
play a big role in your decision making.
When you tour the retirement community, ask to see the residentual units, verifying
there is enough space for your needs. Ask about amenities they offer and ask to see activity programs. Talk to current residents about their experience at the community. Observe the staff: Are they friendly and professional? Are the premises clean and well maintained? Make sure maintenance done in residentual units is done in a timely matter. Do you have a pet? Ask if they allow pets. Check out parking. Is there ample parking for residents and guests? Are there any parking fees? Ask about all services
and fees.
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