Spring open houses and tours are a great way to showcase what a community may be able to offer you, but how do you pick which ones to attend and to know if it's really the right fit for YOU?
You may be ready to make the move or you may have just started your research to see what is available. Regardless of where you are in the process, the main goal of every visit you make is to build a clear and complete understanding of suites available, amenities, programs and services and the accompanying pricing options. For a summary checklist of amenities and services, ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association) has made one that could be useful for comparison. You can find that checklist here: https://www.orcaretirement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Checklist.pdf
Questions regularly (but not exclusively) asked on tours to help gain insight into a retirement community:
The location and cost of available suites: Does the kitchen offer appliances or just a small fridge and place for a microwave? Are all of the living areas, including the bathroom, accessible and large enough to accommodate a walker? Is the temperature individually controlled by the tenant?
Pricing options: what is included in the price? Is there an additional fee and accommodation for medicine administration or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)**?
Does this community have any policies that may affect you: pets, visitors, oxygen therapies, medical monitoring, etc.?
What is the community doing to ensure safety for its residents? Is there someone available 24/7? Do the suites have emergency call systems?
What is the "feel" of the residence? Are there residents enjoying an activity during your tour? Inquire about the activity calendar and a sample menu if it's not included in your tour package. ** ADLs are the basic activities of daily living and can be defined as the fundamental skills required to care for yourself and remain independent; tasks that are done every day.
Questions or actions that are not regularly asked or taken, but may give you additional insight into a community past what is included in their usual tour:
Ask a resident you meet about their experience: How long have you lived here? Does it meet your expectations?
Ask for current resident family testimonials: Due to privacy, you may not be able to contact family members, however, they be able to have someone reach out to you to answer any questions you may have from a different perspective.
Ask to see less travelled areas to ensure they are clean and well-maintained?
Take a walk around the exterior of the building, if possible. Are the grounds taken care of? What is the neighbouring property? Can I safely enjoy a walk on the property or in the neighbourhood.
Share with your community representative your priority items and make note of if you could see yourself in both the private and common spaces. Some communities may offer a short-term hold on an available suite of interest to ensure it aligns with any outside affairs (selling of house, notice given on a lease, quick move-in, etc. ) . Only you can make the decision of where is the right place for your retirement living!
Are you interested in seeing if St. Charles Village is the right fit for you or a family member? Come visit our community Open House and have all your questions answered on Saturday, April 27th from 10-am -2pm!
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