The right community
5 things to look for in a retirement community
Choosing a retirement community is a big decision. Here are 5 questions you should ask while you’re considering your options.
1. Is there a complete continuum of care?
Some communities just offer independent living. Or independent living and assisted living. If your health should change, and you needed a need a higher level of care, you’d have to move to a new community. At The Forum, we offer a complete continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services.
2. What types of activities are offered?
You want to make sure that the community’s activities match up with your interests, and that there are a variety of options, so that you can try new things and explore new interests and passions. At The Forum, we offer a wide range of activities, from volunteering to hiking to woodworking, so you’re sure to find many ways to get involved and active.
3. What happens to your entrance fee once you move in?
At many retirement communities, you pay a large up-front fee that is either nonrefundable or partially refundable. The Forum has a different kind of structure called equity ownership, in which you preserve your estate and may get your full investment back, plus appreciation, if you sell.
4. Do residents seem happy?
At The Forum, we’re proud to say that our residents love their lives here. Maybe it’s our beautiful location in Cupertino, California, adjacent to the Rancho San Antonio Preserve, maybe it’s their voice in the community through equity ownership, or perhaps it’s our luxurious amenities or beautiful residences. Or maybe it’s a combination of all of these factors. Read our resident stories to see each person’s unique reasons for loving life at The Forum.
5. Where is the Life Plan Community located?
It’s important to choose a retirement community with an environment where you feel comfortable, whether that’s in an urban area, the suburbs or a small town. We feel that The Forum offers the best of all worlds – it’s convenient to the culture of the Bay Area while being tucked away a secluded oasis near hiking trails, wildlife and the serenity of nature.
Interest piqued?
We hope these questions have given you food for thought. If you have more questions about retirement living, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or make an appointment with one of our counselors.