Moving On
Assisted living. Active adult communities. Nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Your children have left the nest and keeping up with your house and yard is getting to be too much. Or you've been in a third-floor apartment with no elevator for many years and arthritis is beginning to make the trip up and down the stairs too difficult.
You've heard about different housing options, but this is the first time you've sat down to weigh the pros and cons of each. Here's a chart to help you sort out what's best for you. Print this list and check off which areas apply to you.
What would your ideal home include?
The building itself
• Enclosed parking
• Low maintenance
• Near my family and friends
• Single-story living
Access to things that I enjoy
• Cultural opportunities
• Exercise facilities
• Library/lounge on site
• Walking trails nearby
Services
• Beauty/barbershop nearby
• Housekeeping
• Landscaping and lawn service
• Rubbish and snow removal
Extras
• Allows pets; does not allow pets
• Easy access to public transportation
• Security system
Now that you've given some thought to your ideal home, you might want to consider the different housing options that may suit your needs. Click on the links above to read about independent living, retirement communities, and assisted living:
Point to Ponder
Explore any new housing option with your eyes wide open. You might check with the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (www.ccaconline.org) to see if the facility that you are looking at has been accredited. Also, Standard & Poor's (www.standardandpoors.com) might have rated the facility for financial soundness.
Your state's ombudsman for long-term care can provide you with more information: (www.ltcombudsman.org).
Never sign a contract without first asking your lawyer or financial advisor to review the contract with you.
Next: Independent Living
