Choosing a Retirement Community

Advice from Sue Knobloch, Evergreen Marketing Coordinator

Why consider a retirement community?

• Just for the fun of it! Simplify your life.
• Let someone else manage the usual chores of home ownership.
• Enjoy having the time to do the things you like most.
• Live easier – fewer stairs, handier storage, security systems, services.
• Secure your future in case you ever need assistance or health care.

What’s important to you?

• Stay local, move near family, return to your roots, start a new adventure?
• Metropolitan area, college town, small city, something in-between?
• On the water, in the mountains, warm weather, change of seasons?
• Close to shopping centers, theaters, libraries, museums, hospitals?
• Near the golf course, good fishing spots, walking trails?
• On-site services – dining venues, entertainment, health care, therapy?
• For-profit, non-profit and/or Christian philosphy?

What opportunities do you want?

• Educational and cultural – classes, presentations, lectures?
• Fitness – equipment, pools, walking trails?
• Volunteering – valued for your know-how and special talents?
• Pets – can you bring yours?
• Fun activities – for both men and women, for special interest groups?

Evaluating a community

What do your instincts tell you?

• Your first impression?
• Age and maintenance of buildings?
• High-quality materials and workmanship?
• Clean, attractive and inviting?
• Grounds interesting and well-kept?

Safety

• Buildings secured?
• Safe sidewalks and driveways with good outdoor lighting?
• Emergency response system for assistance?

The neighborhood

• Traffic patterns and noise levels?
• The view – water, nature, city streets, people, activity?

Reputation

• History of the facility?
• Mission and vision of the organization?
• Resident involvement in the organization?
• Local, state, and national reputations?
• Partnerships with schools, businesses, organizations?
• Results of satisfaction surveys and state surveys?

Your new neighbors – talk to residents!

• Backgrounds, interests, values similar to yours?
• Good mix of men and women? Couples and singles?
• Age range of residents?
• What do residents say about the community?
• Do residents look and act happy?

Cost considerations

• Monthly fees? Extra charges?
• Choice of payment options?
• Charges fair and affordable for you?
• Wait list? Usual waiting time?
• Procedure for leaving the community?

Listen to your heart

• How do you feel? How does your spouse feel?
• Will you have the balance of community and independence that is right for you?

Plan ahead - Be pleasantly surprised to see the options that are available in retirement communities today!

Sue Knobloch is Evergreen's marketing coordinator. Talk with her about what to consider when choosing a retirement community or to take a tour of Evergreen's retirement living options. Call (920) 237-2125 or email sknobloch@EvergreenOshkosh.com.