Searching for the independent living community that’s the right fit for your needs can seem like a daunting task.  Keeping these few simple topics in mind can help you narrow down your options to find the best home for you.

Top 10 Things to Look for in a Retirement Community:

1.  Location: Is the community close to activities you enjoy like cultural events or church and things you need like medical services and shopping?  Is it close enough to family and friends to make visits convenient?

2.  Staff: Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?  Look for a staff that understands that the community is the home of the residents and strives to create an appropriate environment.  Staff should be respectful, courteous, competent and willing to go the extra mile for residents.  Also consider if you need a community that has a nurse practitioner or CNA on staff.

3.  The Buildings and Grounds: Do the physical spaces, both indoors and out, meet your needs?  Are there walking paths, quiet spaces, fitness and gardening opportunities?  Inside, are there community spaces for group activities and social gatherings?  Make sure the buildings and grounds appear to be well maintained.  This will be your home, so you want to like the way the place looks and feels so that you feel comfortable living there and inviting friends and family to your home.

4.  Amenities and Lifestyle: Does the community have the services you need and activities you enjoy to allow you to live the lifestyle you want?  Look for areas devoted to fitness programs, arts, crafts, woodworking, movies, or other hobbies that interest you as well as programs that support these interests.  Ask if the community has a resident services or activities director and if the community can provide you with a sample schedule of activities.  Make sure the programs and activities offered match your interests.  Also ask for a sample dining menu and ensure that the dining program offers a level of menu choice and variety you find acceptable.

5.  Your Unit: Do the apartment floor plans suit your needs for space, storage, and lifestyle?  What furnishings are included?  Make sure the layout, size, and availability of parking meet your needs. If you are sensitive to noise, ask if the units are soundproof or if a unit in a low-traffic location is available.  Understand what is included in your rent and what services, such as parking or additional storage, may require additional fees.  Are guests allowed to visit overnight?  Is there a waiting list for the particular type of home you are interested in?

6.  Security and Safety: Is the community gated or is there a security guard on duty at all times?  Are there security systems for individual units?  Ask about safety features as well.  Is there a 24 hour emergency call system?  Do units come equipped with grab bars and other security measures?

7.  Future Needs: Does the community meet not only your current needs, but future needs as well?  Consider both logistics and medical needs.  You’ll want to make sure the size, layout, and storage of your unit will meet your needs for the coming years.  You’ll also want to consider whether the community has a continuum of care to offer more medical assistance as your needs change.  Does the community offer assisted living and nursing care services as well?  Are current residents given preference for space in those facilities?

8.  Cost: Do you understand all the costs involved and what services are included in those costs?  Consider the difference between fee-for-service and all-inclusive communities.  Is there an entrance fee and, if so, is it refundable?  Are deposits refundable?  How does the community determine rate increases? 

9.  Management: How are residents’ suggestions and complaints handled?  Is there a Resident Council?  Who owns and manages the company and what sort of reputation does that management have? 

10.  Accreditation: Choosing an accredited community means that the organization and the community have met standards concerning governance, resident health care and services, and financial matters.  Knowing that a third party has evaluated and approved the community based on these things can provide peace of mind for residents