Knowing what to look for in a retirement home, is a challenge. It takes an expert to know what questions to ask and what red flags to avoid. I’ve been fortunate to have a front seat in the process, when a person with over ten years of experience living in a retirement community, chose to look for somewhere new. She is an expert. If you’re helping someone, or planning to find a place yourself, these lists might be useful.
Management
- Retirement homes are managed by large parent companies. It’s helpful to know who manages the one you’re looking at. (You can check online reviews and news about them.)
- What is the fee and how much does it go up every year? How much notice is given before a change?
- Do residents tip staff?
- What system is in place for residents to give feedback/input on meals and the services provided?
Safety
- What kind of security do you have to protect the residents from outsiders, and to protect residents who might wander?
- What safety features are part of the building (grab rails, raised flower beds, chairs with arms at a suitable height, no loose rugs)?
- What digital medical alert devices do you offer (necklace or bracelet)? How often are they updated/batteries replaced? Are they GPS enabled and what are their boundaries?
- How many elevators do the residents have access to?
Services
- What fitness and wellness programmes are offered? Is their a gym?
- What types of outings are offered and is their a monthly calendar?
- How often are the residents’ rooms cleaned? What is involved in the cleaning (vacuuming, washing kitchen area, dusting, washing floors, washing bathroom (toilet, shower, counters, mirrors)? How often are rooms deep cleaned (moving furniture, shampoo rugs, cleaning drapes/blinds, washing windows, cleaning refrigerator)?
- Do staff help with changing and washing bed linens weekly?
- What’s the policy on lost or damaged laundry?
- Who is your internet provider and do they cover the costs of TV, landline, WiFi?
- Is there access to a doctor, manicurist/foot-care, hairdresser, physiotherapist…?
Illness
- At night, who is in charge if someone needs medical support?
- If the resident is ill, for how many days can they get their meals delivered to their room, before they have to pay an extra fee?
- What’s your policy for informing family if the resident has an accident (ex. a fall)?
- What are your COVID and infectious illness protocols?
- If, over time, a resident needs assisted living, do they have to change to a new apartment?
This list is not exhaustive and it’s geared towards an active, healthy senior who does not need special accommodations. It’s worth noting that there may be rebates ($2000) available if a person is moving into a retirement home and they are a member of CARP. Click here to learn more.
Retired, And Now What? 