Many people hate the idea of retirement communities when they are still young, but their attitude toward them often changes as they get older. If you are nearing retirement and thinking about where you might want to spend your "golden years," there are some things you need to think about before you begin your search. How old are the people that live there? Retirement communities use to be geared toward individuals that were over the age of 60 or 65. As some people have opted to retire earlier, however, some places now allow people as young as the age of 50 to live there. While you might enjoy hanging out with other 50 year olds, it may not be an optimum situation for you if everyone else is in their 80s. Although it may be a little hard to find out the general age range, you usually can get a pretty good idea by checking out an activity calendar or hanging around the activity center. Are the retiree's days filled with activities like golf, tennis, and swimming or are playing games like bridge and attending painting classes the norm? What types of health care services do they provide? If you and your spouse are in fairly good health, you may not think that these types of services are important, but unless you'd be able to move again, it is something you need to consider. Does the place have an on-site nurse or regular visits from a health practitioner or do you have to go elsewhere for your health care? Some people find continuing care retirement communities to be the best of both worlds because they offer residents a way to transition from independent living quarters to assisted living and finally (if needed) nursing homes. This way you will stay in the same area, but can receive treatment without having to move elsewhere. Have there been any complaints filed against the place? Everyone on staff may appear friendly and it may all look good on the outside, but before you sign those papers to move in, a little due diligence is in order. Check with online websites for reviews. You can also find out some information by requesting to see the facilities' latest state inspection report. What type of security does the place have? Does the security personnel work seven days a week and patrol 24 hours a day or do they only operate during certain hours of the day? Do the doors alert the workers when someone enters and exits or can people come and go unannounced? Make a point to pay attention to the doors and windows as you tour the facility and note whether there are locks and whether they seem to work efficiently or not. If you get the feeling that things might be unsafe, you would probably do well to look elsewhere. What do the bottom line and fine print say? Since retirement communities don't use just one standard contract, it is generally considered a wise idea to let an attorney read over the paperwork before you sign on the dotted line. Is your monthly fee all inclusive or are there added fees for additional services? As an example, if you or your spouse needs medicine dispensed, or if transportation is need, is it included in the price or will it be an additional monthly expense? Take the time to research retirement communities Grand Rapids, MI, to find a location that will suit your needs. Consider the Clark Retirement Community as an option. Click the link here to learn more: http://www.clarkretirement.org
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