A.  Retirement living is for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living among people their own age in a sound environment with access to wonderful services and amenities like chef-prepared meals, fitness programs, transportation and housekeeping. Retirement communities vary in size and in type of living environments offered. Features and amenities can include meals, transportation services, common spaces like libraries and activities rooms and fitness programs. Residences vary in size and style and range from two-bedroom villas to studio apartments.

A. Typically a Senior Lifestyle Corporation community is a rental community with a month-to-month lease; however, some communities have residents purchase a home or participate in an endowment or "buy-in" program.

A. Retirement living services may vary but typically include:

• Daily meals programs
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation services
• Emergency call systems in each resident's unit
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Social and recreational programs

A. Typically, senior living starts at age 62.

A.  Assisted Living is appropriate for someone who needs help with the "activities of daily living" but doesn't require the services that a nursing home provides. Senior Lifestyle Corporation Assisted Living services are tailored to meet the specific needs of those residents who require additional support services. Residents may suffer from Alzheimer's Disease or memory disorders, or may simply need help with mobility, incontinence or dressing and bathing. Assisted Living is appropriate for someone who is too frail to live at home or who wants extra support.

A. The services that are available in an Assisted Living community usually include:

• Three meals a day
• Housekeeping
• Transportation
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• 24-hour security and staff availability
• Emergency call systems in each resident's unit
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Medication management
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational programming

A. Special Care usually refers to specialized services delivered in a secure area for memory-impaired residents. Special care staff members have expertise in caring for residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia with patience and compassion. Everything from stimulating activities to the simplicity of the building layout and design is created with the Alzheimer's residents' special needs in mind.

A. A CCRC is a Continuing Care Retirement Community. A CCRC offers Retirement Living, Assisted Living and healthcare services all in a single, caring community.

A. Transportation services are often provided to scheduled locations that have a broad appeal. Some communities offer "Personal Express" services that are available for local transport with advance notice.

A. Programs and events vary across the country. Programs can include:

• Exercise classes
• Art classes
• Movies
• Reading groups
• Day trips
• Computer classes
• Tai chi classes
• Fitness Centers
• Wellness programs
• Resource centers

A. Use the following checklist when touring a community:

• Were you welcomed with a warm greeting and genuine hospitality from the staff you encountered?
• Does the community representative call the residents by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the community?
• Were the residents engaged in programs and socializing; did they appear happy and comfortable?
• Did you observe a calendar of programs and events? Did you find programs that would be of interest to you?
• Was the staff that you met during your visit friendly and hospitable towards you and the other staff members?
• Were you introduced to the Executive Director?
• Is the community clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?
• What is the process for determining care needs as they arise?
• What services are provided in the residency agreement? What services are available at an additional cost?
• Take time to have a meal at the community. Is the service friendly and hospitable? Are there choices offered. Was service efficient and friendly?

Senior Lifestyle has partnered with third-party financial options that provide the financial flexibility you need to afford the lifestyle or the payment options you are looking for in the short or long term. Community staff members are equipped as a resource for you and your family to review the following financial options:

ElderLife Financial Services

ElderLife provides loans to families and seniors interested in financing their senior or retirement lifestyle. The services are designed specifically to help seniors move into the senior living community of their choice, or to supplement their move while waiting for the sale of a home or other benefits to kick-in. ElderLife offers low monthly payments for a quick and easy move.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides the Aid and Attendance Pension to eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. This benefit can offset a significant portion of the long term care expenses in a Senior Lifestyle Community. Depending on your situation, the benefit ranges from $ 1,056 to $1,949 per month and is tax free. Ask the community representative to introduce you to a provider that will discuss the VA’s eligibility criteria with you.

Respite or short term stays provide you with an opportunity to receive all the benefits of residency at a retirement community on a short term basis. Whether your stay is for a short term recovery or a few weeks while other members of the family are out of town, a short stay is a comforting option for everyone.

Services to expect while staying at a Senior Lifestyle community:

• Furnished private apartment
• All dining needs
• Personal care assistance
• Programs and events
• Housekeeping and laundry service
• Scheduled transportation