A Guide On Over 55 Living
Most senior citizens have a hard finding suitable accommodation. More often than not, they will have to consider various factors such as their family, personal preferences, health and finances. In this guide, you will learn how to find an appropriate over 55 living facility.
Location
Location is an essential consideration since most seniors would want to live close to their families. Those with illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes would like to live close to major hospitals. Consider facilities located close to major towns. It ensures you have easy access to essential services such as banks and shopping malls.
Services Provided
Check the facility's website to know what services you will receive. For instance, if you have a long-term illness in its advanced stages, you could opt to move into a nursing home. These are facilities that provide medical care to ill residents. Inquire about the specialisation of the medical staff at the home. For instance, if you suffer from rare illness such as multiple system atrophy or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), you will want to know whether doctors at the facility have dealt with such diseases in the past. Some aged care facilities will provide luxury services such as housekeeping, golf courses and tennis courts.
Terms of Living
You must understand the terms and conditions of the aged care facility. Ask the following questions:
- Are there restrictions on how many people can live in a unit? For instance, are you allowed to bring in a nurse or family member to live with you?
- What are the rules on the use of the common property? For example, you may want to hold a birthday or anniversary party at the park.
- What is the admission criteria? Some facilities will strictly accommodate people of a specific religion, occupation or sexual affiliation.
- Are you allowed to sublet or sell your house? Personal and financial problems could force you to move out of the facility.
Costs
The facility should be reasonably priced. When purchasing a home in a retirement village, hire a conveyancer to help out with the purchasing process. If you would want to move into a hospice, nursing home or assisted living facility, you will incur an accommodation charge and medical fees. Your medical fees could be covered by your insurance policy. If you are on a budget, you could move into a government-funded aged care facility.
When choosing an over 55 living facility, consider its location, services provided, terms of living and the costs.