Q.  I want to help my elderly parents find an appropriate retirement home.  What should I look for to ensure they will have all of the accommodations they will need in the next few years?

A.  Whether you want to help an elderly relative find retirement housing or you are looking for your own future needs, you should weigh the same factors.  You must decided what level of care will be needed both in the short-term and in the long-term, and then determine what type of housing situation is appropriate.

1.  Independent living offers the least assistance in a retirement setting.  Usually the person has their own condo or apartment and does not receive any help with the basic activities of daily living.  It is private housing with a few optional services available.  These services often include transportation, meals, and housekeeping.  This type of living arrangement is wonderful for an older person who just needs socialization opportunities and minimal assistance.

2.  Assisted living is a level abovenursing home care.  They usually offer the tenant meals, laundry services, and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing.  They still offer a great deal of independence and wonderful socialization opportunities, but begin to give care that is more acute.

3.  Nursing home care is usually the last level of care before hospitalization.  Nursing homes offer full health care 24 hours a day and independence is very limited.  They do all of the cleaning, bathing, and medication distribution.

4.  A Continuing Care Retirement Community offers the spectrum from independent living to skilled nursing care.  Often they require an initial fee and then you pay monthly for the level of services you are requiring at the time.  Continuing care retirement communities provide their residents with a very stable base that grows as needs change.

If you or your loved one is planning to relocate to the Charlotte or surrounding area and needs assistance with finding these types of retirement properties, please call us today!  Thank you so much for the question!