When considering senior living options, or estates, there are many issues to take into account with regard to the actual estate or community.
Be warned, not all are what they make themselves out to be.
To ensure nothing is overlooked these questions should be written down and fully resolved before making a final decision. If there is any doubt just ask more questions.
It will be very upsetting and expensive to find out later that things are not quite what they were expected to be.
Obviously the type of questions, and their importance, will vary depending on your personal circumstances and the structure and type of the retirement estate.
The important point is to ensure that no stone is left unturned. The following questions should give you a good start to really understanding the community you are evaluating.
Questions to ask the Management when Considering Senior Living Options.
1. Are there any limitations on a resident in the use of their unit and the facilities with regard to:
- someone else to live with them
- visitors, including overnight or short stay guests
- car parking
- pets
- any other limitations.
2. Does a potential resident have to supply a medical certificate or report to verify their ability to live independently?
3. Does a resident have to provide records of their medical circumstances and medication? If so, who will have access to it?
4. What public, private or estate transport is available to residents?
5. If their unit is still under construction, does a resident have a say in the design, construction or finishing?
6. Can the resident's deed of sale be terminated? Under what circumstances?
7. Can a resident move, or be moved, from one part of the retirement estate to another? For example from Unserviced to Serviced Accommodation, or from Assisted Living to Healthcare or Assisted Living back to Unserviced Accommodation)? If so, under what circumstances?
8. What provisions exist for residents to be involved in the operation of the village? Are residents actively involved in formulating estate rules and setting fees and charges?
9. What security does a resident have against the loss of rights (including accommodation rights) if the village is sold to another company or organization?
10. Can residents be made accountable for any extra or extra-ordinary charges and, if so, for what purposes?
11. Are there any restrictions on the sale of the unit? What happens if there is a disagreement over the purchase price and/or enhancements?
12. What is the background and experience of the senior living properties senior manager, managing agent or owner?
From these questions it is very clear to see that this is not a decision to be taken lightly.
It is often made at a time of emotional stress and there may be incorrect preconceptions.
So for those reasons it is important that the decision is made objectively on a carefully considered basis with all the review and decisions in writing
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