If a senior citizen is considering moving into a retirement home, they need to find out and understand several things in order to avoid any surprises later on. They will most likely have to sign a multipage contract which can be overwhelming, so they may require help with this, as choosing a retirement home is not only a big decision but an important one. It can be compared to buying a house or perhaps renting an apartment, but in some ways, it can be even more important as this is where they will be spending their golden years.

Here are some things to find out before taking this big step.

1. Find Out About Their Reputation

In the process of finding the right retirement home, it is advisable to have friends and family offer help and advice as well. When the time comes to actually meet with someone, make sure that you are ready with lots of questions as this will have a bearing on your eventual decision.

While there, look for things such as cleanliness, how the staff conduct themselves and also find out about the food. Try to find out if the home has a good reputation as well. If you can speak to current (or even past residents, if possible), you may be able to get a sense about the home. Some home operators offer some unbelievable deals and promises. Steer clear of them.

2. The Cost

Do not be afraid to talk finances. You need to know what the services cost, how a lease is terminated and if there are penalties if a contract is ended early. Rates can also increase, both the rent and care rates, so this is something to think about and ask so that there are no surprises. Retirement homes have different rules than other places, so be aware of this. If you are going to live here for the rest of your life, you need to be able to afford it, as rates can go higher.

3. Level Of Care

Everyone is different, so some people will need a greater level of care while others may need very little. One rather disturbing fact is that a retirement home is under no obligation to care for you for the rest of your life. It seems a little hard to believe that this is the case, but unfortunately, it is true, so be aware of this.

Do your research to see what services are provided to see if these services match your needs. If a condition you have gets too much for the staff to handle, you may be asked to move out despite signing a contract. It sounds terrible and unfair, but yet again, it’s true.

4. Get A Lawyer

It’s advisable to get a lawyer’s help before you sign a contract. This way, anything promised verbally can be included in the fine print to give you some protection. A lawyer can also create a distinction between payment details and other care needs. This way, if your care needs change, it isn’t tied to your housing contract.

Some people also consider buying instead of renting, but the general consensus is that it would be better to rent. Sometimes, when a person dies, the family may have to carry on paying certain fees. The most important thing to remember though, is to do proper research and pay attention to any fine print. This way, you have some protection, as does your family.