October 21, 2009

Variety abounds in retirement home market

By Lisa M. Petsche

Retirement residences are private pay, wellness-oriented housing providers that enable active seniors to maintain or improve their independence and overall health. They provide security, convenience, companionship, and the opportunity to engage in a wide range of enriching activities.
Retirement homes vary considerably in terms of monthly cost, size, amenities and services, which can make choosing one difficult.
Below is an extensive list of the types of services and amenities retirement communities may offer. It can serve as a kind of checklist for those considering moving to such a facility.

Premises
• All accommodations and common areas are on one or two levels
• Fully wheelchair accessible
• Fully climate controlled
• Tasteful, well-maintained furnishings and décor
• Pleasant places to sit quietly or in a group
• Landscaped grounds
 
Accommodations
• A variety of suite sizes
• Choice of furnished and unfurnished suites
• Option of a kitchenette or full kitchen
• Private bath equipped with grab bars, raised toilet and emergency call bell
• Individual temperature controls (heating and air conditioning)
• Private patio or balcony
• Cable, phone and Internet hook-up

Safety and security
• 24-hour monitored emergency response system in-suite and a mobile pendant or bracelet
• Smoke detectors and sprinkler system throughout the building
• Round-the-clock security staff and video surveillance cameras

Medical and personal care
• Professional nursing staff on duty around the clock
• Weekly assistance with a bath or shower
• Regular wellness assessments (and care conferences, where applicable)
• Pharmacy service, medical room and onsite capability for x-rays and lab work
• Visiting health-care professionals, such as a podiatrist, optometrist and dentist
• Convalescent care (during acute illness or recovery from surgery)
• Enhanced service packages that can be purchased on a long-term basis

Food services
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner included in accommodation fee
• Self-serve snack station offering fresh fruit, various snacks, juice and hot beverages throughout the day
• Accommodation for special dietary needs
• Visitor meal program
• Tray service to room if unwell

Personal services
• Housekeeping, linen, towel and personal laundry service
• Resident laundry facilities (for washing and ironing special care items)
• Full-service beauty salon for men and women
• Pet care and valet services for an extra fee
• Transportation to appointments and shopping
• Management on-site 24-hours a day

Other amenities
• Private mail boxes
• Resident storage facilities
• Small pets allowed
• Shop for sundry items, such as candy, toiletries and stationary
• Cafe for residents and guests
• Private dining room for family gatherings and community room for small group meetings
• Reserved parking for residents, availability of sheltered parking, and ample space for visitors to park
• Guest suites for out-of-area visitors
• Services provided in multiple languages
• Community amenities such as a variety store, drug store, community or seniors’ center, park and public transit within walking distance
• Part of a multi-phase community designed to meet a continuum of needs
Recreation and leisure
• A wide range of life-enhancing activities, coordinated by a trained professional, including: cultural events, leisure programs, educational programs, fitness programs and social events both in-house and in the community
• A variety of areas for recreation and socializing, such as TV lounges, activity rooms, workshop, craft room, horticultural center, hobby kitchen, games room, computer room and library
• Fitness center and swimming pool
• Regular schedule of worship services, including Mass, and a dedicated chapel.

Financial considerations
• All-inclusive monthly rate, including utilities and parking
• Monthly credit if meals or housekeeping and linen services are not taken
• Trial-stay plan

Take the full tour
If you are considering moving to a retirement community, it’s important to go beyond location, external appearances and advertising literature and take personal tours.
Plan to visit several places. Prepare questions in advance and photocopy the list so you can take a fresh one on each tour and make notes.
Insist on a thorough viewing of the facilities—ask to see areas such as the kitchen and laundry room if they’re not part of the standard tour.
Talk to some of the residents: How long they have been there? What do they like about the facility? Is there anything they dislike? Is there much staff turnover?
Stay long enough to get a feel for the place, or return another day. Some facilities advertise a complimentary lunch or dinner—take them up on it.
Immediately following a visit, make detailed notes. Keep them in a folder, together with brochures, business cards and other relevant paperwork.
Before making a decision, you may wish to consider a trial stay at the place that holds the most appeal.

Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.