Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I ST I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 58 W HEN THE TIME COMES FOR YOU TO CHOOSE A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, THERE ARE MAJOR FEATURES AND ISSUES TO CONSIDER. First, start by asking yourself, "what features in my present home have given me the most pleasure, comfort, and security?" Your answers will be of great help when you begin to review choices in your search for a new home. Five critical areas to be considered are listed below. CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (CCRC): CCRCs provide a continuum of care and senior living options, where you can continue to receive care as your needs change. Remember, we all age differently and the needs of your spouse may change over time and become different than your own. What are the options if one of you needs a higher level of care? LOCATION: Today's senior population is on the move. What makes one person at home in one environment may not suit another — consider what is important to you. Is the community near family members? If health emergencies occur, will family be close by to help make decisions and arrange care? Will you live in close proximity to a hospital and health care services? Do you prefer a rural or urban setting when choosing your new home? Having access to events in the community such as musical programs, the- aters, church services, colleges and universities that have lectures, and sporting events are known to help keep residents active and engaged. AMENITIES: Amenities often drive the decision on which commu- nity to choose, as they can help us feel comfortable and at home. Many retirement communities have hiking trails, swimming pools, and fitness centers, which may be of higher importance if you are still very active. Other things to consider are if the community has a salon, library, chapel, wellness center, healthy food, attractive din- ing areas, culinary teams, transportation, and convenient parking. CULTURE: Ask yourself the following questions to find a culture where you feel connected and comfortable in a caring and compassionate environment. Does the retirement community have an honorable and longstanding reputation of taking care of seniors in the community? Is the company financially stable? Are they a preferred employer in the region? Do they have a high turnover of employees? If employ- ees are respected, they will be more inclined to treat residents with dignity and respect. In this culture both residents and employees feel valued and cared for. is creates a culture of excellence. FEES: You will want to consider a financial model that is most conducive to your needs and financial resources. Pricing structures vary from community to community. Nonprofit communities are mission driven and any profits are reinvested into the organization, whereas with for-profit entities, their profits are given to sharehold- ers. Both of these models hire staff that is compassionate, caring, and have a strong desire to keep residents happy and healthy. A large entrance fee can lower your monthly costs considerably and be partially refunded to you or your family members if you leave for any reason, or pass away. Be sure to ask how the refund process is handled. You should also be prepared for annual increases to your monthly payment, and inquire what the average increases have been in the past. It is also important to know what is included in the monthly fees. Some communities include everything from meals, housekeeping, programs/activities, transportation and utili- ties; others may charge separate fees for each service. Lastly, look forward to a new home as a change in adventure with new friends to meet, and new experiences and opportunities to enrich your life. WWW.HILLCRESTLIVINGBOZEMAN.COM, (406) 414-2000 TO KNOW TO KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Hillcrest Senior Living in Bozeman The Hillcrest team 1 2 3 4 5 HILLCREST SENIOR LIVING CRITICAL THINGS 5

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