Looking for Self
A collection of valuable information and support as you prepare for your next chapter.
Beginning Your Research
Finding the Right Residence
Planning Your Move
Is It the Right Time?
Retirement living has many advantages over a traditional living situation, but the idea of moving into a new community can be intimidating. Researching whether or not retirement living is right for you is an important first step, and will help bring peace of mind as you navigate this new stage of life. When looking for the perfect place, be sure to consider your needs, interests, and tastes. Take your time exploring a variety of options, and read the fine print to ensure you’ll enjoy a great quality of life and attentive care.
Finding the Right Fit
It is a good idea to visit the facilities you are interested in. Call ahead to make an appointment to have a tour. During the tour view the living spaces, kitchens and common rooms. Take advantage of a complimentary meal at the facility. Speak to a current resident about their experience. Keep an eye out for the way staff members interact with residents. Ask for copies of newsletters. Inquire about nearby churches, hospitals, shops and parks. See what type of transportation services are available.
Andrews Senior Care Comprehensive Tour Checklist
To find the right residence for you, we have compiled this comprehensive list of things you should consider.
- Residence Name:
- Residence Contact Information:
- Is the location close enough for my family and friends to visit?
- Is the residence easy to get to?
- Is the facility maintained well, well-landscaped and homelike?
- Is there adequate parking for residents and guests?
- When can guests visit and when can’t they? Are pets allowed?
- Does the residence have the proper Community Care License required to operate a facility on Prince Edward Island?
- Is the noise level appropriate? Is it as busy or as quiet as you would like?
- Do the residents seem well cared for?
- Is there adequate security in place?
- Are residents happy, active and friendly towards you?
- Is there a residents’ council?
- Do caregivers seem professional, well-informed, and friendly?
- Do caregivers seem respectful and courteous?
- What is the staff/resident ratio?
- What is the laundry and housekeeping schedule?
- Is there transportation provided?
- What activity and educational programs can you join?
- What kinds of entertainment are provided at the facility?
- What amenities are at the facility? (ie. hair salon, cafe)
- What religious services take place at the facility?
- Are special dietary needs catered to? (ie. diabetic, vegetarian?)
- Are meals made from scratch?
- Does the food arrive hot and flavourful?
- Are there special dinners and mealtime events for special occasions?
- Are there fruit and vegetables at every meal?
- Is the dining area open to the public?
- Are services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy available? Is there a cost?
- Is there a registered nurse on 24/7?
- Is there a house doctor?
- What is the procedure if I have a medical emergency?
- Are the hallways wide and well-lit? Is there an elevator?
- Are private washrooms available?
- What types of rooms are available?
- Does the facility replace items that are lost or stolen?
- Is there an emergency communication system is in place?
Downsizing
Once you determine when you will be settling into your new residence, begin forming a plan with your family on how to make moving day as efficient as possible. Retirement communities often have less space than your current home, so be sure to consider what should move to the new residence and what needs to be stored elsewhere. This can be a fun opportunity for you and your loved ones to reflect on memories. You want to make decisions about what should be packed and what should be given away well before the day of the move.
Make it a Home
Take the time to put out family pictures, make up the bed, and unpack favorite books, movies, etc. These sorts of little things help to make your new residence feel like home. Explore the building and get comfortable with the staff. Ask your family to plan a visit within the first week or so after the move takes place so you can check in with them on how you are enjoying your new residence.This is a great opportunity for them to deliver any forgotten items. Remember, at Andrews we have a 100% Happiness Guarantee. If you are not happy for any reason over first month we will refund your money (private pay amounts only) and help you move back home.
Beginning your research
Is It the Right Time? Retirement living has many advantages over a traditional living situation, but the idea of moving into a new community can be intimidating. Researching whether or not retirement living is right for you is an important first step, and will help bring peace of mind as you navigate this new stage of life. When looking for the perfect place, be sure to consider your needs, interests, and tastes. Take your time exploring a variety of options, and read the fine print to ensure you’ll enjoy a great quality of life and attentive care. Finding the Right Fit It is a good idea to visit the facilities you are interested in. Call ahead to make an appointment to have a tour. During the tour view the living spaces, kitchens and common rooms. Take advantage of a complimentary meal at the facility. Speak to a current resident about their experience. Keep an eye out for the way staff members interact with residents. Ask for copies of newsletters. Inquire about nearby churches, hospitals, shops and parks. See what type of transportation services are available.
Finding the right residence
Andrews Senior Care Comprehensive Tour Checklist To find the right residence for you, we have compiled this comprehensive list of things you should consider.
- Residence Name:
- Residence Contact Information:
- Is the location close enough for my family and friends to visit?
- Is the residence easy to get to?
- Is the facility maintained well, well-landscaped and homelike?
- Is there adequate parking for residents and guests?
- When can guests visit and when can’t they? Are pets allowed?
- Does the residence have the proper Community Care License required to operate a facility on Prince Edward Island?
- Is the noise level appropriate? Is it as busy or as quiet as you would like?
- Do the residents seem well cared for?
- Is there adequate security in place?
- Are residents happy, active and friendly towards you?
- Is there a residents’ council?
- Do caregivers seem professional, well-informed, and friendly?
- Do caregivers seem respectful and courteous?
- What is the staff/resident ratio?
- What is the laundry and housekeeping schedule?
- Is there transportation provided?
- What activity and educational programs can you join?
- What kinds of entertainment are provided at the facility?
- What amenities are at the facility? (ie. hair salon, cafe)
- What religious services take place at the facility?
- Are special dietary needs catered to? (ie. diabetic, vegetarian?)
- Are meals made from scratch?
- Does the food arrive hot and flavourful?
- Are there special dinners and mealtime events for special occasions?
- Are there fruit and vegetables at every meal?
- Is the dining area open to the public?
- Are services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy available? Is there a cost?
- Is there a registered nurse on 24/7?
- Is there a house doctor?
- What is the procedure if I have a medical emergency?
- Are the hallways wide and well-lit? Is there an elevator?
- Are private washrooms available?
- What types of rooms are available?
- Does the facility replace items that are lost or stolen?
- Is there an emergency communication system is in place?
Planning your move
What is the Aesthetic? When searching for the right residence, it is important to keep your loved one’s preferences in mind rather than your own. If possible, invite your loved one to visit residences with you so you can gauge their interest in different styles and communities. If your loved one is unable to make the trip, ask them what they are looking for or observe their current living situation to glean what they might like. While you may be a huge fan of wood floors and swimming pools, perhaps your loved one prefers carpeting and tennis courts. Finding a residence that will feel comfortable and welcoming to your loved one is vital.
Ready to get started?
Here at Andrews Senior Care, we know the importance of communication. As you start to explore a future for your loved one at Andrews, please feel free to contact us. Our Senior Living Advisor would love to talk to you.
Call now: 1.902.894.5896
Or email: info@andrewsseniorcare.com
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