When you’re looking at retirement homes, focus on what you want, not what anyone else thinks you should want. After all, you will be the one living there. Do you like to meet new people or relax in your room? Would you like to participate in how things are run by being part of a resident's council or would you rather just check the notice board for the next event? Do you want opportunities to volunteer in the outside community, or would you rather take a class? The world, truly, is your oyster.
For a comprehensive list of questions under each of these topics, download our e-book: The Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist. It will make your tour more enjoyable and the note-taking process much easier.
In addition to having a clear idea of the things you'd like to do, you also need to compare more specific details of retirement residences, such as whether or not you'd have to move if you needed more care, whether the kitchen could provide meals to suit your dietary needs, or whether your doctor could treat you on site or if you'd have to travel to his or her office.
When you think of issues such as these it can make the process of choosing a retirement community seem much more complicated and time consuming. But you'll need to keep all of these things in mind in order to find a retirement residence you'll want to call home and one you'll continue to enjoy for years to come.
To simplify things, you'll need a list of the key aspects of retirement homes and the questions to ask about each of them. Once you've done that, you'll be able to line up the facts, compare each community on its merits and make your decision.
When touring a retirement community be assertive and curious. Ask anything you like and don’t stop asking until you are satisfied that you have all the information you need to make your decision.
Remember, you are in charge and the professionals who manage the communities you are visiting will be more than happy to make sure all your questions are answered. Their job is to help you find the best place to call home.