Are you testing the waters with moving into a retirement home?
You might be reluctant to make the big step and leave your humble abode. Besides, it can be pretty difficult to let go of all the memories you shared and start a new one.
That being said, here are a few tips to consider when searching for a care home.
Location
Location is at the top of the list of things to consider when searching for a care home.
Honestly, do you prefer living in an urban, heavily polluted, and noisy area instead of choosing a quaint place full of ponds and animals galore?
Replacing your view of tall city skyscrapers with views of turtles and herons will reduce cabin fever and boost your wellbeing.
Generally, people find it more soothing to look at the green color than any other color. After all, green is the color of nature, and its existence through plants and trees makes us feel more relaxed and in touch with mother earth.
Being surrounded by lush gardens is bound to heal all your chakras!
Amenities
Care for a friendly game of billiard? Or how about having a rejuvenating spa experience?
These things will put a dent in your pocket if you’re living alone. However, some retirement homes offer such amenities to their residents to uplift their spirits.
Beyond recreational activities, you can expect other benefits such as:
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- Housekeeping and Maintenance: Your back and feet hurt like crazy, and you can’t continue cleaning your house anymore. That’s why a housekeeper can be a massive change in your life.
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- Security: If you’re living alone and already get anxious when nighttime comes, having 24/7 security can help you sleep safe and sound every night.
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- Transportation: Your next of kin lives an hour away from your place, and you find it exhausting to walk and take the bus to your doctor’s appointment all the time. At care homes, transportation can be taken care of by the staff if need be.
Financials
You might be worried about going ahead with your decision to retire at an assisted living home because of fear of financial woes.
The better you plan your finances, the better you will get to enjoy your retirement. Hence, getting in touch with a financial advisor to get an idea of what kind of expenses you’re going to face in the future will help you avoid a potential financial blunder.
It’s worth mentioning that some programs catered by retirement homes include limitation or even elimination of rent increases after a certain number of years.
Staff
Having in mind that you’ll be moving to a new place full of new faces can be nerve-wracking, especially if you know that you’ll be placing your life in the hands of strangers.
Getting to know the staff and the type of community they’re running is paramount.
There are many instances of elderly abuse by caretakers that deter many elders from seeking retirement homes altogether.
For this reason, scheduling a tour with the manager, asking people who are part of that community, and researching about the care home you choose to move into will ultimately bring you peace of mind.
In Conclusion
Picking an assisted living place can be daunting sometimes. Managing your finances, choosing the most suitable location, checking out the amenities, and mingling with the staff is crucial to making your final decision. After enough careful assessment, you’ll be ready to start your path towards a happier retirement.
Read More:
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