Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/339902
6 LIVE IT UP! SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL Choosing a Senior Living Community GLJQLW\ GLJQLW\ GLJQLW\ through through through dentistry dentistry dentistry Thousands of seniors need help getting and keeping a healthy smile. Dientes is here to help. KƉĞŶDŽŶĚĂLJƚŽ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJභ^Ğ,ĂďůĂƐƉĂŹŽů͘ ϭϴϯϬŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůtĂLJ͕^ĂŶƚĂƌƵnj EĞĂƌdŽLJƐZhƐΘDĞƚƌŽZŽƵƚĞϳϭ ǁǁǁ͘ĚŝĞŶƚĞƐ͘ŽƌŐභϴϯϭͲϰϲϰͲϱϰϬϵ S electing the right senior living commu- nity is an important decision. There are many factors that can influence your decision on the right community for you. When looking for a senior living community a good place to start is to ask your family and friends or valued advisors for their recommendations. The internet, local newspapers and publications as well as senior networks can also provide you with helpful information. Once you have a list of communities call and set up an appointment for a tour. Touring the com- munities is a vital part of this process. Make sure you bring notepaper to take notes as you will be given a lot of information. During the tour some of the things to look for would be cleanliness, friendliness of the staff, what activities are offered, and most importantly is to talk with the residents that live there. The residents can be a wealth of infor- mation. They have already gone through the process and made the decision that is best for them. Plan on spending at least an hour at the community and it is a good idea to have a meal there. Once you narrow down your decision you may want to visit one more time to make sure the community has all the amenities that you are looking for. Some questions to ask yourself about a com- munity would be: Does it meet all of your needs? Does it provide the services you are looking for? For example – meal preparation, transporta- tion, entertainment, safety, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance? What about the social, cultural and recreational oppor- tunities? What happens when your health changes and you need more care? Is the community ready to help you with the difficult and important decision when the time comes for more care? Another important aspect, of course, is finan- cial. Is it a buy-in? Do you have to sign a lease? Is it month-to-month? What are the up-front entrance fees? When compared to the monthly expenses and upkeep of your home, you may find that you actually spend less per month living in a senior living community that takes care of all of your needs. Make sure you understand what amenities are included in the fees. Senior living communi- ties are a wonderful way to live comfortably and bur- den-free. You will be free from the daily concerns of everyday life. No more meal planning, home repairs and maintenance. You will be able to fill your time with friends, activities and the things that make you happy. You can shape your days to meet your own needs and desires in style and comfort. By Cathi Burnham, Marketing Manager at Dominican Oaks