Phoenix Relocation Guide

are involved and physically active will continue as seniors are encouraged to live as inde- pendently as they can. The time to begin thinking about a retirement community isn’t when you have to have it. There are not enough retirement communities to keep up with the demand, and you want to be sure that you know your options and what’s available beforehand. The Internet is a good source for families to learn more about retirement communities and check on specific programs and associated costs. When you’re trying to stay within a partic- ular price range, be sure to match your living requirements with services offered. If you are very independent and don’t need assistance – you just want a meal plan, for example – then the associated costs are much less than for someone who requires more care. Medicare generally does not pay for long- term care, only for services deemed medically necessary that are provided by a skilled facility or home health care that meets certain condi- tions. Medicaid will pay for certain health services and nursing home care for older people with low incomes and limited assets. Optimally, the selected community should have someone on staff familiar with the requirements and criteria of both programs. Many seniors find that they simply do not want to worry about the upkeep and main- tenance of a home, preferring to spend their leisure time in other ways. Independent seniors in good health may find they need nothing more than a community where they can fully enjoy pursuing their personal interests. For them, moving to an active independent living retirement community might be the best fit for their budget and lifestyle, where options include renting an apartment or the outright purchase of a property in a senior community. Many active senior communities have infor- mation packets that may be requested in advance, and offer tours of the community. A personal visit will give valuable, first- hand information and provides seniors with ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITIES

community in advance for a lifetime commit- ment to provide care, regardless of their future health and needs. They then live in the residential community for the remainder of their lives and are placed within a living situ- ation that can meet their needs and abilities. Seniors or family members of seniors who are concerned about future security find CCRCs a safe bet, addressing any worries about future health problems down the road and alleviating any concerns about hidden costs along the way. A CCRC generally offers seniors a contract or contracts that provide a continuum of care that includes access to housing, services and health care for more than one year or the balance of their lives. Usually, it is a wise idea for seniors to move into a CCRC sooner rather than later, as most CCRCs require that new residents be capable of living independently when they first move in. CCRCs offer a number of contract options for seniors and their families. An extensive-care contract is the most expensive, but affords the least risk, providing unlimited long-term nursing care at little or no additional cost for as long as nursing home services are needed by the client. A modified-care contract comes with medium financial risk and provides long- term health or nursing services for a specified period of time. After that time, the senior or his or her guardian is responsible for the additional

an opportunity to meet with current resi- dents who can give potential residents an insider’s view of the community. Be sure to determine that personal interests and pursuits that are offered, such as health and fitness programs, organized activities and sports. Other day-to-day living arrangements should also be considered. Key questions to ask about a community include: Are shop- ping centers and grocery stores within easy walking distance? Are transportation services provided? Where is the community located in proximity to major health care providers? What security measures are in place for resi- dents? For ultimate peace of mind, some seniors may want to consider renting a home under a short-term agreement at first to ensure the community provides for their needs and lives up to their expectations. A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers 360-degree care in residential community for seniors, with a full menu of services and living situations. Residents at a CCRC may move between independent living, assisted living and nursing home care, depending on their individual and changing needs. Seniors electing to live in a CCRC (also known as “Continuing Care Retire- ment Facilities,” “Life-Care Facilities” and “Life-Care Communities”) contract with the CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

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