4 Commonly Asked Questions About Retirement Homes

As people age, there often comes a time where a retirement home needs to be considered. This can be the result of limited mobility, disease such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, or even loneliness. Before the move into a retirement home happens, there are several questions that should be considered. Here are the top questions to ask before moving into a retirement home.

1. Will I still be able to access places I frequent?

Many people who move into retirement homes still want to maintain elements of their life such as accessing certain places. Whether that be a church, a mall, a friend’s place, or somewhere else, it is wise to ensure that the home is able to accommodate. Many homes offer a taxi or shuttle service that allows senior’s to go to and from their homes with regularity.

2. How much will it cost?

Like anything in life, you often pay for what you get. That being said, some people may not be in a financial position to pay for a high end home, so there should be due diligence done to ensure that the cost is not prohibitive, while at the same time, the care remains high quality.

3. What level of care do I need?

This question is tied closely to the previous question. There are varying types of care and assistance programs in most homes, and you need to understand what each type offers. There are homes that offer independent living, where there are no additional services offered, but it is designed with seniors in mind. Then there are supportive living homes, where there is minimal care such as meals and housekeeping. It moves on from that to assisted living and long-term care for cases where additional care is required.

4. Is it necessary?

This is the first and most significant question that will be asked. Sometimes people will feel that they should move into a retirement home for many reasons, but is it really necessary? This is something that each person must answer for themselves, but there are some things to consider when asking this question. If you are having trouble taking care of yourself and your home, it might be time to move into a home. If you are alone and lonely, this might be a great way to surround yourself with other people. If you have reduced mobility, a home might be the answer.