April 18, 2022 —
When choosing a retirement community, it’s important to realize that not all are created equal. While they may offer the same health care levels, their delivery of them, approach to life, programming and activities may vary greatly. When researching and touring communities, seniors should evaluate their desires and choose a community that offers the engaging experiences and enriching lifestyle they desire.
“Some communities stand out above the rest,” says Alice Pagan-Guzzo of Kendal on Hudson, the only true Lifecare community in Westchester County. “Factors such as location, experiences, wellness programs, dining and overall health care can make or break a community. At Kendal on Hudson, for example, our personal mission is to transform the experience of aging. This means that we go above and beyond in both our services and amenities, as well as health care, to create a lifestyle that offers you everything you’re accustomed to while also giving you peace of mind in knowing there is always a plan in place within the community and region you love.”
5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Retirement Community
To help you differentiate one community from another to make your decision easier, the team at Kendal on Hudson has broken down some of the top questions you should consider before deciding on the community you will call home.
- What is the lifestyle like? Enjoying what you want, whenever you want is the goal of many seniors. Whether they want to engage in new experiences, spend more time on old hobbies or focus on improving their wellness, the community they choose should offer everything they want and more.
- Are all levels of care offered? It’s important to ask if each level of care you may need is offered, as this peace of mind can allow you to enjoy your days more fully instead of worrying about the future. It’s also crucial to ask about the programming and activities they offer in each of those care environments to ensure that the lifestyle you’ve planned for is maintained and continues to be fulfilling and exciting.
- What happens if my spouse needs a different level of care? In many communities, it doesn’t matter what level of care your loved one needs, you have the advantage of living on the same campus. At Kendal on Hudson, in addition to having absolute and convenient access to each other while receiving different levels of care, you only pay one fee, not two. The fee doesn’t increase, either. It’s the same one you have been paying for independent living. This may not be the same at all communities, but it’s the reality at Kendal on Hudson.
- Is the surrounding area and programming exactly what you want? Location matters when choosing a community. Choosing an area with access to the city as well as a lively and vibrant town can open you up to an array of experiences. From continuing education and volunteer opportunities to days in New York City, cultural festivals and more, Kendal on Hudson is in a prime location for excitement, exploration and learning.
- What are the total costs? When you’ve narrowed down the communities where you would enjoy living, consider the costs. What all is included in your fee? With a one-time community fee and monthly payment, many seniors think everything they need is included, but that isn’t always the case. Be sure to ask what isn’t included and see which community gives you everything you want and more.
For more information on what to look for when choosing a community or to learn more Kendal on Hudson, please contact us at 914-922-1000.
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging®.
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social senior lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Lifecare community in Westchester County, we offer four levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services.
Kendal on Hudson is a not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.
For more information, please call 914-922-1000.