What to Look For

Explore your retirement choices for an informed decision

Your own power of observation can reveal more about a continuing care retirement community than a brochure can ever tell you. The following list suggests some of the most important things to look for when you visit a retirement community. As you are touring, remember that it is not just a beautiful décor that counts but rather the overall lifestyle.

What to Look for in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Location

Is the community convenient to shopping?
Are entertainment, dining and cultural venues close?
Are golf or country club facilities nearby?
Is an airport within easy reach for personal travel or family visitors?
Is there a hospital nearby?

Management

Who owns and manages the community?
What sort of reputation does the community and/or its management have?
How long has the community been in business?
Is the community in good financial health?
Do residents have a voice in community management through a resident council?

Campus Amenities

Are there exercise/fitness facilities?
Are there lounges, meeting rooms and/or auditoriums for resident gatherings?
Are there accessible and safe areas for walking?
Are there recreational outdoor amenities?
Are there areas for residents to garden?
Are there areas for art, crafts, woodworking or other hobbies that are important to you?

Programs and Activities

Does the community offer wellness and fitness programs?
Does the community offer a good variety of programs and activities?
Are there off-campus programs and activities?
Do the programs and activities offered match your interests?

Dining

Does the food look, smell and taste good? (Ask the marketing department to schedule a meal as part of your tour.)
Is the dining area pleasant and welcoming?
Are wait staff polite and attentive?
Does the dining program provide an acceptable level of menu choice and variety?
Are there healthy options available at each meal?
Are both traditional and casual dining available?
Are the dining schedules compatible with your personal preferences?

Residences

Can you choose from a variety of home and apartment home styles?
Do the floor plans suit your needs for space, storage and lifestyle?
Are laundry facilities within the home or conveniently located?
Is there adequate storage space?
Is parking readily available?
Are pets permitted?

Healthcare

What healthcare services are available on campus?
Are assisted living services available within the community?
Are rehabilitation services available within the community?
Is skilled nursing care available on campus?
Are there licensed nurses on staff or just nursing assistants?
Are additional levels of care included or offered on a fee-for-service basis?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio in those facilities?
What activities do they have?

Services

How much is the monthly service fee?
What services are provided with the standard monthly service fee?
How often will housekeeping be provided?
What services does maintenance provide? What is their response time?
Does the community provide regularly scheduled transportation?

Admissions

Does the community have a waiting list?
How long would you have to wait to move in?
How much is the entrance fee?
Is the entrance fee refundable?

Staff Attitude and Friendliness

Is the staff cheerful, helpful and friendly?
Are staff members appropriately dressed and polite?
Do staff members listen to residents respectfully and make eye contact?
Do they greet residents by name?
Do you feel welcomed while you tour?
Are the directors willing and available to meet with you?

Safety and Accessibility

Does the community have 24-hour safety and security staff?
Are community amenities easily accessible to residents who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices?
Are residence bathrooms accessible, with safety features?
Do residences have emergency call systems?

Trust Your Instincts

Does the continuing care community's appearance appeal to you?
Is the community fresh and clean?
Are facilities in good repair?
Are the grounds landscaped and well maintained?
As you tour the community, can you imagine yourself living there comfortably?
Did you feel at ease while touring?
Do the residents seem like people you would enjoy getting to know?
Does the community's level of formality or informality match your lifestyle?