When it's time for you to help your parent or other older adult to move how do you know it's the right place? You sure don't want to get a call after two weeks saying, "Your mom isn't a good fit", or "Honey, I hate it here, come and get me". The challenge is that every senior community is different and they all charge differently. Some will include a garage, and others might charge an additional $50 per month. Understand what is and is not included before you sign that contract. Here are some suggestions on what to ask before you move into a senior community:
- Is there a monthly maintenance or association fee? If so, what is it? What is and is not included?
- (If yes to #1), How old is the building? When was the last time major repairs such as the roof, mecahnicals and siding were replaced? If they need to be replaced will there be an assessment on my association fees? If so, will I have to pay it all at once or will it be monthly?
- Are there future plans for any improvements to the building?
- Is this building a rental or buy-in?
- What is the history of rent increases?
- Is the lease yearly or monthly? Is there a difference in rents between the two?
- Does this community have a religious affiliation?
- What is the average age?
- What is the ratio of men to women?
- What is the average physical condition of your residents?
- Is there an application fee or a deposit required? If so, how much and under what conditions is it refundable?
- What utilities are included in the rents? What are the average utility bills that are not included?
- Are there extra storage units available? Is there an extra fee?
- Is a garage available? Is there an extra fee?
- What are the physical requirements to enter?
- If my health changes, at what point would I no longer be able to stay?
- Does the senior community subsidize rents? Would I qualify for state or county vouchers?
- Is there a waiting list? For how long, and for what units?
- Who is available for maintenance emergencies and during what hours?
- Can I see a schedule of your social activities?
- Are there planned outings and is there an extra charge for them?
- Are there elevators and how close to my apartment are they?
- Are the apartments accessible?
- Are there stairs in community spaces that must be navigated?
- Are community doorways wide enough, doorknobs easily turned by arthritic hands, and a lack of trip hazards?
- What are the safety precautions offered by the community? (Grab bars, security building, emergency call system, safety checks for residents)
- Are pets allowed? Is there a size or number limit?
- Are meals offered? Is there an extra charge?
- How many meals are offered per week or per day?
- What is the seating arrangement?
- Are wheelchairs or walkers allowed in the dining area?
- Is it served meal or buffet style?
- Are snacks offered?
- Is it a menu or chef's choice? Are substitutions available?
- Is there smoking allowed in the building? If so, where?
- Where are the washer/dryers located in the building? Is there an extra fee for use?
- Are housekeeping services available? What are they, how often are they and is there an extra fee?
- Does the community offer caregiver services?
- Does my long term care insurance policy cover those services?
- Can I hire a third-party service, or must I use theirs?
- What amenities does the community offer? (Hair stylist on-site, party room, guest suite, indoor/outdoor pool, tennis courts, library, computer room, walking paths, gift store on site, pharmacy on-site, chapel, exercise room etc.)
- What amenities are close-by? (Grocery store, pharmacy, church, shopping).
- Are there on-call nursing assistants, or nurses? Is there a fee?
- Is there an individual thermostat in the apartment?
- Is the heat gas or electric?
- Can I talk with two of your residents? One new, and one who has been here a while?
- What is the view of the apartment, does it have a deck or other access to outside, adequate windows, cable access, handicap accessible as needed, age of appliances, independent thermostat, water pressure, nice floor plan, adequate storage, what kind of exposure to the sun, top floor or main floor?
- What is the difference in rents between a one and two bedroom, first floor and top floor?
- What incentives can you offer me to move in?
- What are your procedures on move day?
Those are excellent points, but before I could even get to them, we had to convince my mother that she really would be better off in a community setting rather than in her own home all by herself... in the middle of nowhere... in a snowbelt. Nothing we could say could convince her. Luckily she came to the conclusion all by herself. We were at our witts end! And thankfully, the apartment she moves into looks to be a perfect fit. She even has friends there!
Posted by: SP | February 02, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Those are excellent points, but before I could even get to them, we had to convince my mother that she really would be better off in a community setting rather than in her own home all by herself... in the middle of nowhere... in a snowbelt. Nothing we could say could convince her. Luckily she came to the conclusion all by herself. We were at our witts end! And thankfully, the apartment she moves into looks to be a perfect fit. She even has friends there!
Posted by: SP | February 02, 2007 at 09:17 AM
SP, Living in a snowbelt, I can imagine how concerned you were about your mom not being able to get around! It's amazing how many of my clients say "I wish I would have done this earlier" after they move. Hindsight, hunh?
What do you think was the tipping point for your mom?
Posted by: lisa dunn | February 02, 2007 at 04:16 PM