Q: What are some things to keep in mind when choosing a retirement or assisted living facility?
A: “It’s extremely individual. I think the first thing that somebody needs to do — and the earlier they can do it, so they’re the ones making the decision for themselves, rather than family if that’s possible — is to think about what’s important to you,” says Allison Salopeck, president and CEO of Jennings. “So if you’re a very social person and like to make and keep friends and stay busy and active with others, look to see what’s available in whatever community center you’re looking in. If you’re more of a person who likes to keep to themselves, likes the privacy, then that’s something else. I also have found that when you see retirement communities — as it turns out, older people don’t necessarily want to move in somewhere where all they have is other older people. Especially at Notre Dame Village, we have a very much intergenerational space. They’re spending time and engaging in meaningful relationship-building, and that is important to a good amount of people.”
