Make sure you ask to see the specific room your parent or parents will be living in.

We all want our aging parents to be able to keep living independently, and many of us have negative associations with the whole concept of a " retirement home." But in many cases, moving to a senior community environment can improve the life of an individual or couple, and do wonders for their interest and outlook. If you want to help your parents find the perfect place to spend their golden years, it’s important to pay attention and ask plenty of questions.

William G. Heideman is President and CEO of Hollenbeck Home, a non-profit, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which provides independent, assisted living and skilled nursing accommodations for seniors. He has served the home for 31 years and is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Administrators. Here he offers advice you’ll need to help your parents choose a community where they will flourish:

• Make more than one visit.
  Accompany your parents on three or four visits to a prospective home, and make sure to ask lots of questions.
  
• Understand the finances.
  Remember that it’s essential to understand the financial ins and outs, but that cost should be only one of many important considerations.
  
• Ask about levels of care.
  Different seniors require different levels of care. Make sure you talk with your parents’ doctors to see what level of care they will need, and ask the staff of the home if they have a nursing program to meet these specific needs.
  
• Check out the room and the food.
  Ask to see the specific room where your parents will be living. Also, try to schedule your tour during mealtime so you can sample the food.
  
• Find out about activities.
  The community should offer your parents the ability to continue their hobbies, so ask about all of the programs and activities that are available.

For more information about caring for seniors, check out the following organizations or websites:

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
www.caremanager.org

AARP
www.aarp.org

American Association for Homecare
www.aahomecare.org

H.E.L.P
www.help4srs.org

National Alliance for Caregiving
www.caregiving.org