SCORECARD FOR RETIREMENT HOMES
My final thoughts on retirement homes---
(1) Don't go unless you have to. Some people are in such distress physically that there is no other option.
(2) Don't go if you have a personality that is not suited to following a prescribed way of life. If you are not a follower by nature, chances are that you are going to be restive in a retirement home setting.
(3) Don't go into a "buy-in" retirement set-up. If you still want to, and you like the place for some other reason, consider the sum you pay in at the beginning to be gone forever.
(4) Have someone you trust look into the background of the operators, particularly if the administration is a chain, ostensibly called "non-profit." That very phrase is often misleading. Better to seek a home sponsored by a church, or a fraternal organization that you know -- things can go wrong there, but at least there is a bond shared between the operator and the resident.
(5) Have someone who cares for you be a frequent visitor to the retirement home. Nothing makes more of an impression on the management than to know someone from the outside is looking in.
(6) Remember that things cost much more than you anticipate and be prepared for constant escalation. Best not to go unless you have flexibility in your income.
(7) We were so happy when we left, even though we left our money behind. But other people were content there. I think it is partially a matter of temperament.
Labels: dont go there
posted by shirley @ 1:30 PM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
Hi Shirley. Thanks for your letter of condolence about my Mom's death. I just got back from a week long stay at my Dad's retirement community, and I found that it had begun to feel like home after awhile - I liked it! It is true that I wasn't paying for it, so my feelings about it were not entangled with any financial issues. But, I am hoping that it will be a tremendous source of support for my Dad who is now alone. I think that if the retirement residents treated their apartments like college dorm rooms, and shared their spaces with one another that it would be a great community environment. Kathleen
I live in a "non-profit" active elderly home that has continuous care. You're right it's a big mistake unless you're a follower and willing to give up all your money. They are sneaky and say you only have to pay a monthly fee, but they lie. The bottom line is make as much money as possible off the elderly victims. Luckily I have found a condo that I can afford and if I need health care, will make arrangements. Anything is better than being here. Helen
I live in a "non-profit" active elderly home that has continuous care. You're right it's a big mistake unless you're a follower and willing to give up all your money. They are sneaky and say you only have to pay a monthly fee, but they lie. The bottom line is make as much money as possible off the elderly victims. Luckily I have found a condo that I can afford and if I need health care, will make arrangements. Anything is better than being here. Helen
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