What Services Can I Expect for My Parent When They Move into Retirement Living?
Independent living communities typically offer various housing options such as apartments, cottages, or villas in different sizes and floor plans. Assisted living - for those needing assistance with two or more daily activities - usually offer deluxe and standard apartments, along with studio apartments. Memory care offers studio apartments that are usually shared with a same sex resident or married couple.
Will my parents be allowed to decorate and furnish their apartment with their personal items?
Generally, yes. Most communities allow residents to personalize their living space to feel more like home. I always recommend to my clients to move their parents into retirement living with their favorite items first, then sell their parent’s home - making the move into retirement living much less stressful for the senior.
What kinds of social activities and events are offered in retirement living?
Communities often have a robust schedule of social activities, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, music and entertainment, educational programs, clubs, movie nights, and group outings. Many communities get feedback from their residents to find out which activities they would like to see offered.
What dining options are available for my seniors?
Many communities offer meal plans that include a variety of dining options, from formal dining rooms to casual cafes. Almost all communities have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options included in the monthly fee. Some also provide meal delivery services to residents' homes. Meal delivery is an extra fee if the senior is opting to have delivery because of convenience but do not charge the senior for meal delivery if they are not feeling well.
Can my parents bring his/her pet into their new retirement community?
Many independent living communities are pet-friendly, but policies vary. Some accept both cats and dogs. Many communities have a weight limit on dogs that can be in a resident’s home. Almost all communities have a one-time fee for pets or an ongoing monthly pet fee. Pets must have good behavior to live in a retirement community. Your senior must be able to take care of their pet or have a service come in to take care of their pet.
What happens if my parent needs more care in the future?
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer additional levels of care, such as assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, should your needs change over time. However, the upfront cost to move into a CCRC ranges from $50,000 to $750,000 or more, making them an exclusive option for seniors who have eight-figure savings.
However, most other communities that are not CCRCs offer two or more types of care for residents. There are campuses that have both assisted living and memory care on the same site, so if your senior receives a dementia diagnosis in the future, they can transition from assisted living into memory care. There are also campuses which have independent living and assisted living at the same location.
Is transportation available for senior residents?
Almost all assisted living communities offer shuttle transportation services for shopping, medical appointments, and recreational outings on scheduled days and times of the week.
Can our family, including grandchildren, come and visit my parents in retirement living?
Yes, your family can eat, jump in on activities, or have a family meal or celebration in a private dining room. Many communities also allow grandchildren or family to sleepover for a limited time period - usually no more than seven days in a row.
Choosing a retirement community is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By asking questions and getting detailed answers, seniors and their families can make informed choices that enhance their quality of life and ensure a comfortable, fulfilling living experience. If you have more questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me at 503.830.1812 for expert guidance and support.
