Let’s Stay Together: Comparing Retirement Communities for Different Care Needs
Country Meadows Retirement Communities
For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.countrymeadows.com/communities/south-hills-pa
Feb 26, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Let’s Stay Together: Comparing Retirement Communities for
Different Care Needs
By: Country Meadows | Retirement Community
Couples who have been together for decades have a deep bond
and a desire to continue living together in a retirement community. When
individual care needs vary, many retirement communities, such as Country
Meadows, strive to support and accommodate these long-term relationships.
Factors to keep in mind when comparing retirement communities
Levels of care: Look for communities
that provide various levels of assistance and support, such as independent
living, personal care, memory support and skilled nursing, when comparing
retirement communities. For example, if one member of a couple requires more assistance
with activities of daily living, the retirement community may provide
assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication management. At
the same time, the other member of the couple may be able to live more
independently and take advantage of social activities and amenities.
Having several levels of care on the same campus can allow
couples to continue living together while accessing the appropriate level of
care for each individual’s needs.
Shared living: Inquire about
policies regarding shared living arrangements for couples with different care
needs when comparing retirement communities. Ask whether it’s possible for one
partner to receive care and support within the same living unit or nearby,
allowing the couple to remain together.
Location: Consider the
location when comparing retirement communities. Is it in a desirable area close
to amenities, healthcare facilities and social activities? Think about your
proximity to family and friends as well.
Support services: When comparing
retirement communities, consider the level of healthcare and support services
available within the community. Does it have on-site healthcare professionals,
access to medical care, assistance with activities of daily living and emergency
response systems? Evaluate whether the community can meet current and future
healthcare needs for both partners.
Amenities and services: Assess the amenities
and services offered when comparing retirement communities. Look for facilities
offering things that are important to both individuals to meet varying hobbies
and interests. These might include fitness centers, swimming pools, libraries,
social and recreational activities, transportation services, housekeeping and
maintenance. Determine which amenities are important to you and match your
lifestyle.
Dining options: Food is one of
life’s great indulgences, so when comparing retirement communities, also
compare meal quality. How many meals are offered each day? Are snacks and guest
meals available? Are various dietary needs accommodated? Make arrangements to
have a meal at retirement communities you are seriously considering to,
literally, get a taste of that lifestyle.
Housing options: When comparing
retirement communities, explore the range of housing accommodations available,
such as all-rental apartments, villas, townhomes or cottages. Consider the
size, layout and features of the units. Evaluate whether the accommodations suit
your preferences, offer enough room for two individuals and any potential
future needs, such as accessibility or modifications.
Financial considerations: When comparing
retirement communities, you may come across many financial models which may be confusing.
Understand the costs involved with each care level, including upfront fees,
monthly rental and additional charges for services or amenities. Review the
financial stability of the community and consider long-term affordability.
Emotional and spiritual support: At Country Meadows, on-staff chaplains offer counseling and
services honoring various spiritual traditions. When comparing retirement
communities, look for those that provide emotional support and counseling for
couples to help navigate the challenges and transitions of aging together.
Community culture and activities: Understand the community culture and the types of activities and
social events offered when comparing retirement communities. Attend community
events to get a sense of the atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with
other residents. Determine if the community aligns with your interests and
promotes an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Resident feedback and reviews: Seek out feedback from current residents and their families and
read online reviews. When comparing retirement communities, these simple
inquiries can provide insights into the experiences of those already living in
the community.
Staff and management: When comparing
retirement communities, you will probably meet with members of the marketing
and management teams during your initial visit. Be sure to note their
friendliness, responsiveness and professionalism. Inquire about
staff-to-resident ratios and the availability of co-workers for assistance and
support.
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed
decision when comparing retirement communities to find one that aligns with
both partners’ lifestyle, preferences and needs. It’s important to visit
multiple locations, ask questions and involve both partners in the
decision-making process to find the best fit.
Country Meadows has nine locations in
Pennsylvania and one campus in Frederick, Maryland. We offer a wide range of
services to serve a variety of resident needs including restorative care, rehabilitation, personal care and assisted living, memory support and independent living services. If you or a
loved one are beginning the retirement planning journey and would like more
information about our communities, please contact
us today. We’re here to help.
Country Meadows
- To view the original version of this article visit www.countrymeadows.com/blog/lets-stay-together-comparing-retirement-communities-for-different-care-needs
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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