Visit the Community.
Make an appointment for your first visit. If you think you might choose that facility, plan on dropping in unannounced at least twice thereafter. The best times are around mealtimes so that you can observe how the meal service is provided, as well as observe the greatest number of residents gathered. This is a great time to watch the interactions between residents and employees. Many communities will invite you and your relative to share a meal with them.

Speak with some of the residents. 
Ask residents how they like living there. This will help give a feeling about whether your relative would fit in and be comfortable with the type of residents living in that community. Are the residents experiencing similar care needs as your relative? 

Do Not be Distracted by a Perfect Looking Home. 
Although a retirement community or nursing home should be neat, clean, orderly and not have any offensive odors, ultimately you are looking for GOOD CARE, not perfect decor. Some communities are exceedingly well decorated but have managers and owners that have little or no experience in caring for elderly people. While environment is important, pay particular attention to the staff and residents. If they are happy and content, you can be reassured of the services provided.

Observe how residents and staff interact with each other. 
Do the residents seem happy? Are they active and involved in the community? Do the staff treat residents respectfully, as adults? To a large extent the way the staff treat the residents will more than anything else determine the quality of life that a resident experiences in a facility. Competent, caring staff that respect the personal dignity of each resident is essential. 

Read the rental contract or patient agreement carefully. 
Take it home with you if necessary. Are there extra fees? What items are not covered in the care contract? If these are not listed ask the facility to list what is not covered and what it will cost for those extra services. Never choose a community that will not specify basic rates and extras in writing for you. Another important thing to check is how much notice you contractually must give a community if you must move your relative out of a community either due to medical reasons or if you are not satisfied with the community. 

Observe and sample meals. 
Food is often one of the primary pleasures that elderly people enjoy on a daily basis. Food should be attractive and flavorful, while also prepared with the residents dietary needs in mind.

Ask if you may eat a meal with the residents. 
Observe how the meals are served to the residents. Are the servers courteous and friendly? Is the food served hot? Is the food easily managed by an elderly person? Is there a variety of drinks available? How many choices do the residents have at each meal? Are there adequate amounts of each item? Are there a variety of fruits and fresh vegetables available? Are the desserts tasty and attractive? Positive answers to these questions ensure a positive dining experience for everyone.

Ask to see the latest state licensing inspection survey. 
Retirement Communities are required to be licensed by the State of Ohio. Every licensed community is visited at least annually whether it is an assisted living facility or nursing home. Survey results are required to be either displayed or in an easily accessible place for review by anyone interested. If you don’t see it, merely ask someone at the front desk to assist you in locating them. 

Ask to speak to the Community Wellness Coordinator or Director of Nursing.
Every Retirement Community should have a Community Wellness Coordinator or Director of Nursing. In speaking to the Coordinator, try to ascertain his or her philosophy of care and how long that person has been in that position. The Coordinator sets the standards for care in a Community. If that person is good at their job and is supported by management (i.e. the Administrator or Owner) then care generally is good. Also, ask what medical services are provided “in-house” and how often.

What happens if the money runs out? 
Find out what the community policy is if the resident’s money runs out and they can no longer pay for private care. Does the community offer the Assisted Living Waiver Program? Ask the community for details on this program that allows seniors to remain in approved license retirement communities when their money runs out. 

In the final analysis many retirement communities offer excellent care and services, but all have different personalities and specialties. To make the best choice, visit several locations keeping these tips in mind. This will certainly assist you in making the best choice for your unique situation.

Written by: Monica Ann Mason, Director of Community Relations, Generations HealthCare Management 

he North Royalton Office on Aging provides a wide variety of activities and services for senior citizens, age 55 and over as well as residents in need of referrals to social service resources in the area.

The Office is staffed by Judy Willey, a LISW-S social worker and Debra Burrows, an outreach specialist, along with two part-time van drivers/office assistants. The senior program could not offer all the activities if it were not for the many volunteers who answer phones, help prepare refreshments for senior meetings, photograph events such as birthday celebrations and coordinate our city-wide Food Bank.  The Office provides free assistance and advocacy relating to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The Director and Outreach specialist are trained counselors by the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information program (OSHIIP). In addition, we provide assistance with all governmental programs, including Golden Buckeye, HEAP, disability, Homestead programs, subsidized housing and foreclosure prevention information.

Older adults can enjoy a variety of fun filled activities such as: card games, exercise programs, camera club, computer classes, crafter’s club, mobile library services, blood pressure checks, flu shots and senior trips. In addition, we have monthly speakers on a wide variety of topics ranging from senior health issues to financial and legal services during the Senior meetings on Monday and Friday from 10-2pm. The Center has a number of holiday parties with food, games, and door prizes provided at a minimum cost. The Senior Center provides transportation services for North Royalton residents from Monday-Friday for medical appointments (priority), shopping, banking, and social activities.

With the help of the North Royalton Kiwanis volunteers, we distributed over 700 boxes of food last year. The Royalton Hills Lions Club worked alongside the Office on Aging to collect donations for our Salvation Army Service unit during our annual Holiday Kettle drive. Our Senior Center is also used twice a month by the Cuyahoga County Department of Employment and Family Services caseworker to assist lower income residents in applying for Food Stamps and Medicaid applications. 

The Office on Aging is located in the Deaconess-Perry Senior Apartments at 13500 Ridge Road. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Contact us by calling 440-582-6333 or you can visit the city website at www.northroyalton.org for our monthly calendar of events.