Find the right retirement residence for your parents 

As the first wave of Baby Boomers reaches their 70s, there is an increasing demand for retirement residences across the country. Their children, a sandwich generation caring for both them and their own children, often have the responsibility of choosing the right care option.

So what should you look for in a retirement residence and how can you help ease the transition for your parents?

Plan ahead

Selecting the best retirement residence for your parents is a life-changing decision that requires thought and planning. Talking about aging with your parents is not easy, but delaying those important conversations will only cause more heartache if you’re forced to make a hasty decision in crisis.

Assess needs

Think about the following:

• What type of care do your parents require? 

• What kind of lifestyle are they looking for?
• Where do they want to be located? 
• How much can they afford? 

Be realistic about their current needs and likely future ones as well. Many retirement residence facilities provide varying levels of care that can advance as needed.

Do your research

There is an abundance of information online about retirement residence options. As you review options, compare their services, facilities and costs with your needs to create a short list of retirement residences.

Take a tour

Book a visit at each of the residences on your short list. On your tour, experience and rate the following:

• cleanliness 
• activities offered to residents 
• staff morale
• quality of food 
• care options (e.g. bathing) 
• emergency procedures
• resident happiness
• costs

Try it out

Once you’ve narrowed your options to one or two, plan at least a week-long stay to experience the facility first-hand. This will be the best way to determine if you’re making the right choice.