When it comes to selecting a retirement home, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Even if you already know the type of elder care facility you want, such as a nursing home or independent living center, you will still have to decide on a specific facility. Here are some tips you can use to make that important decision.
Make Two Lists
Whether you want to stay in the area or travel, you should create a list of all the facilities you want to visit. Then, once you have that list, create a second list of questions that you want answered by each of the facilities you visit.
Visits
Once you know where you want to go and know what you want to ask, it’s time to schedule appointments to look at each of the potential retirement homes. Bring the list of questions with you and talk to staff and residents until you have the answers you’re looking for. When you talk to residents it’s best to try to do so without staff being present so you can get honest information.
Follow-Up Visits
After you made your initial visit you should write down any impressions or thoughts you had about the facility. If others accompanied you on your visit, ask them to do the same and then compare notes after you’ve all written down your thoughts and impressions. Once you’ve talked about individual facilities and selected some that you want to investigate more, you should then follow up with unscheduled visits.