If you are on the hunt for a retirement community, the task might seem a bit overwhelming at first. Odds are good that you have a lot of questions and concerns, or even boxes you want to check off. This is important!
After all, you’re not just looking for your new home. You want a retirement community that can offer the right amount of support that you need, the types of amenities you would like, and the proper amount of socialization, all while sticking to your set budget.
So with that being said, where should you begin? Keep reading to review the important questions you should ask when looking at retirement homes in Escondido, CA.
What types of retirement care works best for me?
While doing your research, you will probably stumble across several different types of retirement homes, needing to narrow down which is the best fit for you. While each option is great, there is going to be one that works best for you and your needs.
Independent Living:
If you are looking for all the comforts of home coupled with a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, then this is a great choice. Independent living also typically features restaurant-style dining, a robust activities calendar, housekeeping services, transportation, an on-site beauty salon and so much more.
Assisted Living:
Assisted living typically features everything that independent living does just with the added support of personal care and assistance. So if you need a little extra help in day to day functions or activities, such as bathing, dressing, or managing medication, then this is a good fit for you.
Memory Care:
If you or a senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, making the move to memory care can be a difficult decision, but perhaps the safest one for all parties involved. Memory care offers everything that independent or assisted living would, with the added benefit of specializing in helping those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
What is the cost and value of a retirement community?
When it comes time to compare the cost and value of a retirement community, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, it’s not just a room or apartment that you pay for. It’s more than just paying ‘rent’. For most places, the cost includes the following:
- Utilities, telephone, and basic cable
- Laundry services and housekeeping
- Meals and snacks
- Activities and outings
- Transportation
- Access to 24-hour security and emergency call services
- Health and wellness programs
So when it comes down to evaluating the cost of living, these are some important factors to consider. Paying for each of these services individually can be costly and will certainly add up. Not to mention when you live at your home, you still have to factor in rent or a mortgage as well as property taxes if you own your home.
Are there financial services available for senior living?
When seeking out a senior living community, always choose the one that will put your best interest first. Any reputable retirement community will have a financial advisor available, someone who can help walk you through logistics and numbers. If you have any VA benefits, look at using those as well. The key thing is to be up front and honest about your finances so that way you can ensure you’re sticking to your budget.
What is the reputation of the retirement community?
Reputation goes a long way, and this is especially true when finding a retirement community. Do some research and consider questions like: how long has the retirement community been in business? Do they have any awards or special recognitions? How long have the employees been on staff? What information is available regarding the owner?
Another way you can get an inside scoop on the retirement community is by checking out Google reviews. What are others saying about this community? If there is a negative review, how did the company respond? Sometimes, how they respond says more than the review itself. Negative reviews can happen even to a quality retirement home, but look for any type of pattern.
Is there access to healthcare?
Other than the general care available on staff, there are some other questions you need to consider asking. For example, where is the nearest hospital? Is it pretty close in proximity? Also, is transportation provided to doctor’s visits and other appointments, or is there an extra charge tacked on for those? What types of healthcare and wellness services are available on site? Consider you or your senior loved one’s needs when deciding on these questions.
What about dining and socialization?
Going into your golden years should never have to be a boring and unfulfilling experience. In fact, it should be the exact opposite! Look for a retirement community that offers a multitude of life enrichment activities to its residents. Board games, exercise club, music hour, group walks, and so much more should be on their calendar and available for resident participation. Not only is this a great way to stay involved and enrich the body and mind, it allows for seniors to stay in touch, make new friends, and socialize throughout the day.
Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and you shouldn’t have to give up eating well when moving into a retirement home. Ask about their menu and make sure that what is being served is both delicious and nutritious.
Choose Vista del Lago
Now that you have some of the questions prepared that you should ask, it’s time to actually start looking at retirement homes in Escondido, CA. We think you should choose Vista del Lago. If you are in need of memory care, it’s what we specialize in here.
We want our seniors to lead enriched lives. Facing issues such as Alzheimer’s or dementia can be overwhelming and often a bit scary, but we want to help. Contact us today to find out more information regarding our services and find out just what we can do for you or your senior loved one.
