By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
Mary-Anne Schelb, regional director for Legacy Lifecare, has been an indispensable resource in the eldercare field for over two decades and takes pride in helping families navigate the process of finding the right fit for their next “home” in life, no matter where they are in their personal journey.
Prime reached out to Schelb for her insight about what’s involved in the process of choosing the right fit for your retirement living, and the important factors to consider when making the decision about where to live next. Here’s what she wanted us to share with Prime’s readers:
Q: “Retirement living” is often defined as moving into a community or facility, but there are many types of living arrangements. Can you explain the breadth of possibilities?
“So many options, so little time, literally. The earlier you decide how you would like to spend your retirement years, the better off you will be. When elders wait until “something happens” and they find themselves in crisis, they are left to choose from what is available. If you take the time to do some investigating, find the perfect community and then set your intentions, you are more apt to get exactly what you want and what you will be comfortable with for years to come.
“Truth be told, most communities are full and they have a wait list, or they run very close to capacity. That is not what you want to hear if you are coming out of the hospital and doctors’ orders are you cannot return home.
“You spend a couple weeks in a rehab, but that is not enough time to free up any space in the retirement community you had always pictured yourself in.
“Have the conversation before the crisis. It will save you not only headaches but truly heartaches. Tour communities, see what they are all about. Check out the activities, check out the meals, stop in for a happy hour! You want the community you decide to spend your forever in to be the perfect fit for you!
“Think of it like a travel agent and you are perusing the brochures of a number of cruises. There are some, you could never see yourself climbing aboard, but others, ooo-la-la.
“Think of a retirement community as an apartment building with services, so the accommodations as far as rooms go, will be similar. There are private rooms which are either a studio, one bedroom or some even have two bedrooms.
“Bedroom sizes will also vary – small, medium and large. One bathroom or two. There is also an option for a companion suite and before you completely discount the idea, there are families that tell us that their loved one would do better with a roommate vs. being alone. You would be surprised how many opt for a companion suite vs. private room plus they are less expensive so you are saving money. You do not spend a lot of time in your apartment, so a companion suite can fit the bill for many.
“Think of your stay at a retirement community similar to a docked cruise ship. Three meals a day plus snacks included, activities all day long, happy hours, live entertainment, concerts on the deck, you don’t have to cook, clean or do laundry!
“There are independent livings, assisted livings or rest homes. Independent may not have, or will have limited, meals or services attached to the price so be sure to inquire as well as some have a large buy in cost associated with them as well as a monthly fee so be sure to get all the details so you are comfortable with what you are paying for.
“Assisted livings will be more all-inclusive and then may also have tiers or a-la-carte items, be sure to get the details on these and have them explained clearly so you don’t have any surprises down the road.
“A rest home is between an assisted living and a nursing home. They are normally grouped rooms with a shared bath. Inquire if they have any single or private rooms, and ask what types of services will be provided.
Q: How can an individual – along with their family – determine what’s the best type of “retirement living” for them?
“Don’t get overwhelmed with the amount of choices you have. You will just need to do some homework, or rely on someone you trust to fact-find for you.
“I always look at what types of services they offer, and of course, the cost and if there is a buy in. Always look for hidden fees. Be sure to ask what the monthly fee covers, and what will be billed a-la-carte or over and above what you are being quoted. Try to get as much included in the “base” price as possible.
“If they are offering a “special,” when and for what will the normal pricing look like? Unfortunately, not all retirement communities are created equal. Tell them you don’t want any surprises!
“What are the activities? What does the menu look like? What types of outings do they provide their residents? How often to they have live entertainment? Is there exercise or strength training daily? Is there a welcome committee to make you feel at home once you arrive?
“Are you an individual going into the community or a couple? If you are a couple, your care requirements may differ from your loved one and being on a campus of care may be beneficial since you can still stay close together. Whereas if you move to an independent living, your spouse may need to move to assisted living, or need nursing home care even in another town. A campus of care will provide everything you need in one place, with transportation to visit your loved.
Q: What are some other important steps individuals and families need to make when preparing for retirement living?
“Be sure all your paperwork is in order: power of attorney, health care proxy, MOLST form (Medical Order for Life Sustaining Therapy) you would remember this as a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate. This form covers both – to use life sustaining therapy or not. It is all spelled out and it will be signed by a physician – your primary care could do this for you. Have copies of your insurance cards handy as well as an updated list of medications.
“Be sure you are clear on your finances, what you can or cannot afford. If you need a low-income program, be sure you know all your assets and income as some of the investigating could take time if affairs are not in order.
“Start downsizing now! It is never too early to start donating things you may never need again. Once my four children moved out of the house we sold the big house and bought a small ranch. More than enough room for what we need and we know the drill all too well. When the time comes, I want to be ready. I want to be sure I am not a burden to my children and the decisions will be easy.
“The more you prepare now, the easier the transition will be when the time comes. Three bins – save, donate or toss. There will be some things you cannot part with and that’s ok. You will be taking the cream of the crop with you! All your favorite things will come along and be part of your best chapter yet.
