Questions to ask when touring sites

(Photo courtesy of Plantation Village)

There are some fundamentals that retirees and their families should consider when touring senior communities, said Lisa Polanski, marketing director at Plantation Village, a Life Plan Community in Porters Neck.

“Deciding what is best for you is a long process,” she said. “Do a trial stay in the community. Do your research. Talk with employees and residents and understand the culture of the community.”

Here are some primary questions to consider when scoping out retirement communities.

1. Are there additional costs not included in the monthly fee?

2. Who manages the community and how much experience does it have in senior living?

3. How does the community respond in emergency situations, such as weather crises and health emergencies?

And some other questions to consider:

What is the annual fee increase over the last three years?

What is the average occupancy over the last three years?

Number of resident committees and clubs?

Is there a nurse available 24/7?

Is there an emergency response system?

Is this a for-profit or not-for-profit community?

When was it established?

Is there a financial hardship policy?

What is the average age of residents when they move in?

Are guests welcome and do they have access to community amenities?

Is there access to a licensed home care agency?

Are there residents on the board of directors?

How many days’ cash on hand does the community have? (The industry average is 341 days)

Source: Suggested list of questions provided by Plantation Village