WHEN IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY?

• Are you researching your possibilities now, planning for your future while you're healthy?
• Have you seen significant changes in your lifestyle?
• Are you concerned about safety issues?
• Do you want to travel more with less worry?
• Are you looking forward to having an easier, more independent life?
• Do you want complete control over your future or are you willing to let someone else make a lifestyle decision for you?
• Have you thought about what you would do if you or your spouse need assisted care? Skilled nursing care?
• Are you worried that you might be a burden to family and friends? How would they feel if suddenly they had to research facilities and make a decision for you?
• How would you feel if you needed to keep moving from one facility to another because all levels of care were no on the same campus?

HOW TO SELECT YOUR NEW RETIREMENT HOME:

• Take a tour.
• Talk to residents.
• Share a meal there. Do you like the food?
• See variations of living accommodations.
• Check the social calendars.
• Talk with staff.
• Return for another visit.

WHAT ARE "ESSENTIALS" TO YOU?

• Do you want a facility close to you home, in the same community you're familiar with?
• Do you like the ambiance of the campus? Are the residents your kind of people?
• Does it have gardens, activities or other amenities that appeal to you?
• Do you want a high-rise apartment or single-family home?
• Can they care for all stages of you life, from independent living to skilled nursing?
• How long has the retirement community been in business?
• Is there an active Resident Council?
• Is the facility affordable? Does it offer month-to-month or buy-in capabilities?
• What services do they offer? Laundry? Housekeeping? Hair salon?
• What is their emergency response system?
• What is the smoking policy?
• What transportation resources are available?