How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Sun City & Sun City West Arizona
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How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Sun City or Sun City West Arizona

Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona are 2 well known cities for retirees. Learn more about the cost of assisted living in both cities.

Assisted Living Cost Sun City

Assisted living cost in Sun City, Arizona is around $3,150; with high cost ranging around $6,700 and low cost ranging around $1,100 according to senioradvice.com. This cost is slightly far above the natural average median of $3,285.

Assisted Living Cost Sun City West

Assisted living cost in Sun City West, Arizona is around $5,477; with high cost ranging around $8,300 and low cost ranging around $2,655. This cost is far above the natural average median.

Written by webtechs

Best Places To Retire In Surprise Arizona

Best Retirement Facilities I Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community was recently featured in Sedona Wind’s article titled “Best Places To Retire In  Arizona 2016“. We were rated #1 for Best Places To Retire In Surprise, Arizona.

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is the best retirement home in Surprise, Arizona that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living  & Memory Care services. Call Chaparral Winds Retirement Community today at (623) 544-4777!

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is located near the border of Surprise, Arizona and Sun City. Their retirement community offers many options to meet all of your retirement needs. They are conveniently located next to everything one might need including terrific restaurants, great shopping, cultural centers, golf courses, medical offices and sports arenas.

Read The Full Article Here

Tour Of The Facility

Assisted Living Front Desk Surprise Arizona

Front Desk Area

Memory Care Dining Room Surprise AZ

Dining Room

Assisted Living Lobby Surprise AZ

Lobby Area

Assisted Living Golf Greens Surprise AZ

Assisted Living Putting Green

Chaparral winds is located in Surprise, Arizona. The closest major intersection is W. Bell Rd. & N. Litchfield Rd, right next to the Surprise Market Place.

ASSISTED LIVING

Before moving into our Assisted Living Facility, each resident is given an assessment by our licensed care giving staff. This is to develop a personalized care plan that is unique to each individual resident. Our menu of services ensures that each individual resident only pays for what he or she needs, and make it more convenient to alter the care plan should the resident’s needs change.

ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS INCLUDE:

  • Individual Air Conditioning And Heat
  • Large Floor Plans
  • Refrigerator
  • Window Treatments
  • Microwave

ASSISTED LIVING RENT INCLUDES:

  • All Utilities Including Cable TV
  • Three Meals Per Day And Snacks
  • Daily Tidying Of Your apartment
  • Weekly Personal Laundry
  • 24 Hour Staffing
  • Maintenance Of Grounds, Your Apartment & Common Areas
  • Weekly Deep Cleaning Of Your Apartment
  • Once A Week Laundering Of Bath And Bed Linens
  • Scheduled Transportation To Shopping, Doctor Visits And Appointments
  • A Rich Program Of Activities
  • An Emergency Call System

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Chaparral Winds also offer Independent Living. We offer several options for one and two bedroom apartments, studios and our luxury Casita’s.

INDEPENDENT LIVING AMENITIES

Our amenity package includes:

  • Housekeeping Twice Monthly
  • One Meal Per Day
  • Scheduled Transportation
  • Utilities – (Except Phone)
  • Perimeter Wall & Gated Entries
  • Exercise & Fitness Room
  • Beauty/Barber Shop
  • Card Rooms, Craft Rooms
  • Billiard Room, Library
  • Common Areas for all activities
  • A Full Program of Activities
  • Basic Cable
  • Guest Suites
  • Pool, Jacuzzi
  • Computer Room
  • Small Pets Welcome
  • Free Laundry Facilities

INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS INCLUDE:

Our independent retirement building in Surprise Arizona offers one and two bedroom apartments and studios which include:

  • Ceiling Fans
  • Complete Kitchens
  • Hookups For Washer/Dryer
  • Covered Parking
  • Individual Thermostats
  • Patios Or Balconies

INDEPENDENT LIVING CASITAS INCLUDE:

Our Luxury Casitas are designed with the most active senior in mind. We offer many floor plans to choose from which include:

  • Attached Garages
  • Large Floor Plans of 1425 – 1550 square feet!
  • Laundry Rooms With Full Sized Washers And Dryers
  • Patios or Balconies
  • Spacious Fully Equipped Kitchens (Including Refrigerators with Ice-Makers)
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Individual Thermostats

MEMORY CARE

Our Memory Care Facility In Surprise is dedicated to residents experiencing memory loss or Alzheimer’s. All of our caregivers are trained specifically to provide individual attention to the special needs of our memory care residents. We have designed stimulating activities to enhance our resident’s qualify of life and are provided in a safe, nurturing environment. We have a higher ratio of caregivers vs residents in our Serenity Unit and are able to evaluate and monitor each resident’s condition and respond quicker to their needs.

MEMORY CARE RENT INCLUDES:

  • All Utilities Including Cable TV
  • Three Meals Per Day And Snacks
  • Daily Tidying Of Your Apartment
  • 24 Hour Staffing
  • Weekly Personal Laundry
  • Weekly Deep Cleaning Of Your Apartment
  • Maintenance Of Your Apartment, Grounds & Common Areas
  • Laundering Of Bed And Bath Linens
  • Scheduled Transportation To Appointments Or Shopping
  • An Emergency Call System
  • A Rich Program Of Activities
  • Grooming
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Ongoing Orientation And Guidance
  • Oral care

About Surprise, Arizona

Located about 45 minutes from Phoenix, Surprise, Arizona connects all aspect of retirement from work and shopping, to family and fun. Surprise is surrounded the stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, mountain park lands, and a regional lake. Most of Surprise’s neighborhoods are very clean, unique, and distinct. 90% of Surprise residents actually recommend Surprise as one of the best places to start a business. Surprise was found in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler who though the city would never really amount to anything. Back then it was just 1 sq mile of farmland. Skip to 2013 where there are 120,000+ plus people living in Surprise, Arizona and the population has grown even more in 2016.

Things To Do In Surprise, Arizona

  • Surprise is a great place to enjoy professional sports and recreation programs at the Surprise Recreational Center.
  • Have a blast at spring training games at the Diamondbacks Stadium and see the Texas Rangers or Kansas City Royals. The city is also perfect for fireworks in July, family movie nights and more.
  • The Champions tour is hosted here and includes seeing all the top tennis legends including John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova, and Jim Courier.

Other Surprise, Arizona Highlights

Surprise residents enjoy pools, waterfalls, and slides at the AAC (Arizona Aquatic Center). Also, the city just gained their first full access sports facility named DreamCatcher Park.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona

If you have been searching for somewhere that you can enjoy retirement, then check out these “top 5 retirement communities located in Arizona. Finding the best memory care, assisted living, or independent living community for yourself or even a loved one is a big step, so check out this list.

Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community: Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is on over 12 acres that has plenty of room for residents to enjoy such as the large putting green, pools, courtyards, and even gated entry that is secured. The whole community is active, always busy, and vibrant with activities. All of the residents happen to enjoy the world class meals that are located in fine dining areas as well as cleaning services.

Canyon Winds Retirement Community: Mesa, Arizona

This happens to be a newer retirement community. Canyon Winds has a lot of great amenities. Residents are able to enjoy a beauty salon, chapel, fitness center, theater room, spa and resort style pool, and world class dining as well as housekeeping, laundry and transportation services.

Desert Winds Retirement Community: Peoria, Arizona

Residents here are able to enjoy a community with plenty of activities for an active lifestyle. It has great golfing, quality medical care, and amazing restaurants all close by. The staff handles the cooking, laundry, and cleaning so you can enjoy your retirement without having to have chores.

Sedona Winds Retirement Community: Sedona, Arizona

In one of the most picturesque areas in Arizona, Sedona Winds gives residents access to limitless opportunities for entertainment, interests, and hobbies as well as enjoyment living in red rock. Residents can keep busy while staff handles everything else.

Ventana Winds Retirement Community: Youngtown, Arizona

This retirement community has fine dining, amazing meals, manicured landscaping, elegant décor, and great floor plan options. Plus, the community is close to shopping, fine restaurants, cultural centers and some of the valley’s best golf courses.

Locating a Retirement Community in Arizona

Need some help locating retirement communities located in Arizona?

We have helped a lot of seniors find the best fit for memory care, assisted living and independent living in Arizona. We have 5 locations within Arizona that can help you to find the perfect community for you or a loved one that will provide you with compassionate, highly trained, and welcoming staff and personnel.

Need help picking the type of care?

Whenever a senior or a family member is starting to consider retirement communities then there may be confusion and doubt over what type of care will be needed. We have a highly trained team to help you to decide what type of care is best out of memory care, assisted living and independent living.

Do you need assistance with planning a budget?

Most seniors will be on a fixed income and budgeting will be a huge part of ensuring that seniors will be cared for correctly. Our team will help to find the right type of community to fit every situation so that you can have a wise and balanced budget.

Do you need support while transitioning to a community?

It can be hard for some seniors to move from their home to a retirement community. Our compassionate and talented staff will focus on providing tailored care for your senior that will make them feel welcome and help to make the transition much easier.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Written by webtechs

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home | What’s The Difference

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home

If you are searching for the phrase “differences between assisted living vs a nursing home“, this post should help. Whether you or a loved one needs to find the difference between the two please read on.

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home | What’s the difference

Have you had recent holiday visits with an aging loved one let you wonder about their living alone and their safety? It is usually throughout the holiday seasons when the family gets together that they begin thinking more about their aged one’s safety because they are living by themselves, and they begin considering a change in their living arrangements. However, with so many different options in senior care today, so with all the confusion already, why make it difficult as well? Hopefully, by giving some of the similarities and differences in communities of assisted living and nursing care centers it will be beneficial to you by taking some of the presser off.

Understanding the options for senior living styles and choices

Both the assisted living communities and the nursing care centers focuses on their senior residents and help in making their place their home, keeping them healthy, happy, and safe. They both also provide and support the (ADL) Activities of Daily Living, which include helping them to get dressed, bathed, and with their personal care.

Here are some more similarities of the two different types of communities:

These two communities have differences between them. However, they do have some things that are very similar also. Each community offers both medication management and life enrichment, as well as supportive services. Below you can read about the benefits of both of them.

Medication management:

The leading cause of seniors landing in an emergency room is because of making mistakes with their medications. Managing medications is difficult and more so for some seniors, especially those who have to take several different kinds on a daily basis. Both, the communities for assisted living and the nursing care center have the ability to help their residents with medication management.

Life enrichment:

It is a known fact that loneliness and being isolated puts seniors at a far greater risk for having health issues, like depression, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. There is numerous life enrichment activities offered by nursing care centers and assisted living communities which meet the emotional spiritual, and physical needs of their residents.

Supportive services

Many seniors choose to move into communities for older adults because they realize that they will be in need of their supportive services, such as laundry, housekeeping, and transportation. We offer a variety of services designed to meet your loved ones needs and to help them maintain the utmost level of independence.

The assisted living communities, as well as nursing care centers both offer these services.

Both communities offer a secure environment, as well as meals that are nutritionally well balanced. Although these services are offered at both communities, they will differ between the nursing care center and the assisted living community.

A secure environment

Although the physical attributions of both communities are somewhat different from one another, they have both been designed with the security of the residents in mind. Both of these communities help in making sure their residents are safe in more ways than just having grab bars and hand rails, and emergency call systems.

Meals that are well-balanced

Both communities stay focused on the nutrition of their residents, as they are provided three balanced nutritional meals daily, along with healthy snacks. This is perfect for those who have been struggling at home to prepare their own healthy meals.

The differences in assisted living communities and a nursing care center

The main difference you are going to find between these two communities for seniors is going to be within the medical services provided and the actual physical contribution of each one.

Senior housing provides care and the needed services of seniors

Those who will need cared for 24/7 will usually have arrangements made for this type of living situation. These types of residents are generally in need of health care that consists of much more complex health care and require some assistance of skilled nursing and/or speech and/or physical therapist. There are also some residents who are in need of respiratory care services.

By contrast, those who are living in an assisted living community will usually needing custodial care. This could be someone having memory loss or just a senior that should not be left alone. It may be an adult that has mobility problems who requires some help when being transferred into their bed or into their favorite chair.

The way that senior housing communities are different in the physical sense

One of the most obvious differences of the two will be in their appearance when touring their communities. Due to the type of care a nursing care center gives it will look more like a medical institution, whereas, your assisted living community is going to look more like an apartment community.

Also, seniors may be sharing a room when they are in a nursing care center. However, those in an assisted living community will have their own private apartment or suite.

Assisted Living and Nursing Home In Surprise by Chaparral Winds

Chaparral Winds is an assisted living facility in Surprise, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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How Much Taxes Will I Pay On Social Security Benefits 2016

Income Taxes On Social Security Benefits 2015-2016

*This information is compiled from a Disability and Retirement Report created by a Social Security Office about Social Security Income Taxation. Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is not a tax professional-consult with your tax preparer or other professional before making decisions based upon this issue.

First of all, if you are a retiree who lives in Arizona you are in luck. Arizonian’s don’t have to pay taxes on Social Security Benefits.

Many of our retirees who receive Social Security Benefits either:

  1. Don’t know they have to pay taxes on Social Security Benefits or, they do know they have to pay taxes on Benefits from Social Security, but

  1. Not sure how much taxes they need to pay on their Social Security Benefits

This post is all about how much taxes you will need to pay on your Social Security Benefits in 2015-2016.

Depending on the how much Social Security benefits you receive will gauge the amount of taxes you will pay on them. Since 1984, Beneficiaries above certain income thresholds are required to claim only “part” of their benefits when filing taxes. These income thresholds have not changed since they were first established by Congress. Although, wages have increased and the amount of beneficiaries who have to pay income tax on benefits has risen. Back in 1984, only 10% of people receiving benefits had to pay income taxes on their Social Security Benefits. In 2015-2016 tax season, you can go ahead and raise that number up and multiply it by 5. More than 52% of beneficiaries will have to pay taxes on their benefits in 2015-206, according to the Micro-simulation Model presented by the SSA(Social Security Administration).

12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits

  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • Colorado
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Connecticut
  • Vermont

For 2015-2016, family beneficiaries will only owe 1% or less taxes on their benefits, however, 1/4 of these families will owe 11% or higher taxes on their Social Security benefits.

The Micro-simulation model also projected that taxes on benefits will rise to 5%. And, The 52% of families in the 2015 model will surely rise to 12% by the year 2050.

How much federal taxes do you have to pay on your Social Security Benefits?

The way they calculate the taxable income is quite difficult to explain. The link below provides an easy chart from the Social Security report that explains how they calculate taxable Social Security Income.

Here is a quick overview of the tax on Social Security Benefits formula:

Take a look at the Benefits Planner.pdf on SSA.Gov. Here’s a quick break down of their formula below.

*Single Filer Benefits Formula:

Single Filer: Below $25,000 (AGI) Modified Adjusted Gross Income, pay  no tax

Single Filer: Between $25,000 – $34,000 pays 50% taxes on benefit income or AGI above 25k.

Single Filer: Above $34,000 pays 85% taxes on Social Security benefits

*Married Jointly Filing Benefits Formula:

Married Jointly Filing: Below $32,000 (AGI) Modified Adjusted Gross Income, pay  no tax

Married Jointly Filing: Between $32,000 – $44,000 pays 50% taxes on benefit income or AGI above 32k.

Married Jointly Filing: Above $44,000 pays 85% taxes on Social Security benefits

Estimating Taxes paid on Social Security Benefits Once You’re Retired

If you or your tax preparer can estimate your modified Adjusted Gross Income for when you are retired, you will be able to estimate how much taxes you have to pay on your Social Security benefits.

Definition of Adjusted Gross Income:

“Adjusted gross income (AGI) is an individual’s total gross income minus specific deductions” – Wikipedia.

To be able to come up with a realistic estimate you will also have to know how much Social Security benefits you will be receiving. To figure that out, jump over to the Social Security Administration’s Benefit Estimator. If you can’t figure it out, ask your tax preparer to help estimate it for you.

Conclusion:

If you live on Social Security benefits alone, you may not have to pay taxes on your benefits as long as you are either, in a state that doesn’t make you pay taxes on benefits, single filer whose income is less than $25,000 or if your are married filing jointly with income less than $32,000.

Leave a comment below: Many retirees think Congress needs to modify the taxation thresholds on benefits. Some believe that taxation progression is ok and should happen. What are your thoughts? Do you pay federal income taxes on Social Security benefits? Are you surprised that beneficiaries have to pay so much taxes on their income? Please  leave a comment below.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Written by webtechs

Assisted Living Blog

How Much Taxes Will I Pay On Social Security Benefits 2016

This post is all about how much taxes you will need to pay on your social security benefits in 2015-2016. Depending on the how much Social Security benefits you receive will gauge the amount of taxes you will pay on them. Read More…

Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes To Write In A Retirement Card

Looking for retirement wishes, quotes or sayings or what to write in a retirement card? Awesome, we have pulled together all of the retirement wishes from all over the internet. Here are the top 100 retirement wishes, quotes and sayings for what to write in a retirement card. Read More…

Written by webtechs

Do Seniors On Social Security Benefits Have To Pay Taxes?

Do Seniors On Social Security Benefits Have To Pay Taxes?

Depending on your situation, you may or may not have to pay taxes if you are receiving Social Security Benefits.

When Seniors do have to file taxes on Social Security?

The IRS will only require tax returns to be filed for any individual whose gross income amount is more than the standard deduction for their specific filing status, plus 1 exemption amount. These rules also apply to seniors who receive Social Security Benefits.

Do Social Security Benefits count towards your gross income?

No, seniors do not count Social Security Benefits towards gross income.

If I am a senior and Social Security Benefits is my only source of income, do I need to file a tax return?

No, Seniors who receive Social Security benefits as their only source of income do not need to file a tax return.

When Seniors don’t have to file taxes on Social Security?

If you are 65 years of age, single and have a gross income of $11,850 or higher you must file a income tax return or if your combined income including Social Security is $25,000. Although,  as previously mentioned, if you only receive Social Security Benefits as your sole source of income, then your gross income amount = 0, and you do not need to file in this case.

If you’re a senior live mostly on social security but still receive other non tax-exempt income, as long as you stay under $11,850 you do not need to file a return. If any other income, (self-employment, wages, dividends, interest, etc.) other than Social Security Benefits is higher than $11,850, you will need to file an income tax return.

What If I’m a senior who is married and filling jointly, do my Social Security Benefits count as taxable income?

Married seniors above the age of 65 filing joint returns must file taxes if their combined income is $23,100 or higher. On the other hand, if you or your spouse in under 65 years of age, then the combined limit of gross income drops to $21,850 or higher before you need to pay taxes.

What percentage of my Social Security Benefits are taxable?

Depending on how much combined income you have, you will either be taxed  %50 or 85% on your Social Security Benefits. See below for details on each situation.

Benefits Planner Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefits

How much of my Social Security Benefits are taxed if I am filing as an individual?

  • 50% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed for individuals whose combined income is between 25k and 34k.
  • 85% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed for individuals whose combined gross income higher than 34k.

How much of my Social Security benefits are taxed if I am filing jointly?

  • 50% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxable for joint filers whose combined income is between 32k and 44k.
  • 85% of your Social Security Benefits will be taxable for individuals whose combined gross income higher than 44k.

*Quick Social Security Tax Calculation For Combined Income:

Your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
+ Non-taxable interest
50% of your Social Security benefits
= Your “combined income

Senior Tax Credits For Elderly Or Disabled Taxpayers

Even though you may have to file a income tax return, there are a couple ways you can lower the amount of tax you have to pay. Are you 65 or older and have other income than just Social Security? It’s quite possible that the Senior tax credit for the elderly or disabled could reduce the amount of tax your have to pay on your combined income. Although, you cannot use this credit if you don’t owe any money to the IRS. Its only useful when you owe money.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Written by webtechs

Hillary Clinton To Raise Retirement Age How Are You Affected?

Hillary Clinton To Raise Retirement Age How Are You Affected?

At the New Hampshire Forum on October 30th, 2014, Hillary Clinton showed support for the death penalty, but her statements about social security should of been the main focus on that day.

She was basically saying the same thing as many democrats have been heard saying all this time, “we need to take a look at how the poorest Social Security recipients are doing and find ways to get more payments there”. She left the door open to potentially raising retirement ages if we could find a way to exclude those who are not fully endorsing raising the tax cap or working labor-intensive jobs, which would make sure the system is funded fully moving forward.

Question: Hillary, tell us how you would strengthen Social Security?

Hillary: There are three parts for what we need to do with Social Security. The first one is that we have to defend Social Security from being privatized. Which Hillary Clinton states she’s been against for a long time because she states that the numbers don’t work out. Hillary was actually one of the leaders that fought against privatizing Social Security during the Bush Administration.

Secondly, she says she is concerned about divorced, single, or widowed women who are most venerable according to what their monthly payout is. She is worried about the people who live on their earnings only or depend on their spouse who is a low wage worker. She says these will be the first things she looks at.

Finally, she says we need to consider ways to make sure that Social Security is continually being funded. She thinks there are a number of options to look at but says she is not in favor of raising the retirement age. She says she doesn’t favor it because most of the people working difficult jobs would have a challenge ahead of them. She says that if there were a way to raise it without penalizing punish laborers, long-distance truck drivers, and factory workers she would do.

Although, she is looking into raising the cap. She thinks it something we should look into soon because she doesn’t to put an extra burden on middle-class families.

To be more specific, Hillary Clinton is not endorsing raising the retirement age like other Republicans. But she does seem open to raising the cap on taxes, no specific plans or figures yet but she is making suggestions to raising payroll taxes on certain types of families that bring in $100,000 or more.

According to the polls, allowing any increase in retirement age or eliminating the tax will not get her in good graces with most Americans.

How Does Hillary Raising The Retirement Age Affect Your Retirement in Surprise, AZ?

    • Cannot start collecting Social Security until age 69 instead of 67
    • Decrease the amount of years you get to enjoy your golden years
    • You will have to work more years of your life than before

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Written by webtechs

Assisted Living Checklist

Assisted Living Checklist

If you are searching for an assisted living checklist to help you know what to look out for in an assisted living facility, this post should help! 

Anytime you are going to be touring an assisted living facility, it is crucial that you be prepared ahead of time. No two assisted living centers are going to be alike, each community will be unique within itself.

In order to stay on top and organized, we have compiled a checklist below that can be downloaded. Always compare the different communities, asking all the correct questions, the questions that are going to help in your decision making, as you will want to be certain it is the community you want your loved one to be located in.

Assisted Living Checklist 

Here is the assisted living checklist for whenever you are ready to make that call or visit. Download the Assisted Living Checklist. Ask the assisted living facility these questions:

  1. Are staff members able to administer medication?
  2. Does your staff have experience with diagnosis or issues with (care of recipient)?
  3. How much staff is on night shift?
  4. What is the ratio of staff to residents?
  5. Is there a staffed nurse 24/7?
  6. What type of training and experience do the staff members have?
  7. What apartments types are available?
  8. Is an assessment conducted before admission?
  9. What is the cost per month for various apartment types?
  10. Can you describe some of your residents?
  11. What are your billing and payment policies?
  12. How does your discharge process work?
  13. Is there a wait list? If so, how long is it, and what is your policy?
  14. Does the monthly fee include all services? What are the additional costs of services, if not?
  15. In the event residents needs change, what services are available?

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Here is an assisted living tour checklist to help you know what to look out for while out on tours of different facilities you are interested in. 

  1. Observe cleanliness levels
  2. Witness a community event
  3. Do the staff seem friendly?
  4. Visit the courtyard or outdoor area
  5. Eat one of their meals
  6. Ask staff and security questions
  7. Ask personal care questions
  8. Talk to some of the residents
  9. Learn about move-in and out criteria
  10. Go with your instincts

About Chaparral Winds Assisted Living 

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is more than just another retirement community. At Chaparral Winds Retirement Community we offer Assisted LivingIndependent Living & Memory Care. We are located on the border of Surprise & Sun City Arizona. Our Community offers several options to meet all of your needs. We are conveniently located by everything you need, including terrific restaurants, great shopping, numerous golf courses, cultural centers, sports arenas, and medical offices all within a few miles.

Chaparral Winds boasts to be the best retirement location in the West Valley. Our retirement community is built for today’s seniors who are looking for a lifestyle that are not only active and stimulating, but also interesting and flexible.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

 

Written by webtechs

Independent Living Checklist: What To Ask & What To Look For

Independent Living Checklist

If you are searching for an Independent Living Checklist to help you figure out what to ask and what to look for in an independent living facility this post should help! Picking the right independent living community could be really stressful, so how do you know in advance which community is right for you? What may seem great for your friends may be too stuffy or too lively for you and vice versa. If you ask the enough questions and spend plenty of time visiting the communities, then you will know what feels right for you. To get started, below is a checklist of what you should research, ask on the phone, and what to look for when you visit.

Independent Living Checklist

We put together a very thorough independent living checklist for you to know the right questions to ask and what to look for. Download the Independent Living Checklist PDF so you can print it out and take it with you.

  1. Narrow the search by community and region:

    • Is the facility within a community or town that you like and have heard good things about?
    • How far to the nearest airport, and is it an airport that has reasonably priced flights?
    • Is it convenient for friends and family to visit?
    • Is it an open or gated community?
    • Is it locally operated or part of a national or regional chain?
    • If part of a chain, is it well respected name to trust?
    • Is the area a safe area with a low crime rate? (use sites like Trulia, Neighborhood Scout, and Crime Reports to check safety and crime records.)
    • What is the cost, and is there a buy in fee?
    • Are there age restrictions at the community?
    • Is it close to restaurants, medical centers, shopping, and other services?
    • Is there a meal plan and is it flexible? If so, what are the dining facilities like?
    • Is it a continuum of care community? (Are there other care levels available like assisted living, if needed?)
    • What are the housing options and how will they suit your needs?
    • Check reviews: What comments and reviews are from the BBB, Area Agency on Aging, and Caring.com?
  2. Ask when you call?

    • Are you accepting new residents?
      • If not, is there a waiting list? How long is the typical waiting time? (Remember, most people will join the wait list on several communities, so it may be shorter than it seems.)
    • What are the services available for additional fees?
    • What services are included in the price?
    • Do you have transition process programs?
    • What type of payments do you accept?
  3. Ask when you visit:

    • About the Community:
      • Is the neighborhood pleasant and quiet?
      • Is it easily accessed to public transportation?
      • Is there covered parking? Is it free or an additional charge?
      • Are the common spaces appealing and pleasant?
      • Are the grounds and buildings clean, well maintained and spacious?
      • How extensive are the outdoor areas for visiting, recreation, and exercise?
      • How many rooms are available where you can visit with family and other residents?
    • About living arrangements?
      • Are the accommodations including a variety of housing options, including studios and smaller apartments if you want to downsize?
      • Are there handicapped equipped apartments, if you need it at some point?
      • How are the views – do the windows face a green space or garden?
      • Were you invited to look at the different units available?
      • Is there plenty of storage space or is additional storage provided?
      • Are pets allowed, if so are there limits on size or type?
      • Are there homeowner’s association membership fees?
      • Are you allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight or is there a curfew and rules?
      • Which maintenance issues will you be responsible for and which are included in the apartment?
      • Are housekeeping services available and what is the cost?
      • Are you required to have renter’s insurance?
      • Are there homeowner rules about decorating and upkeep?
    • About cooking food:
      • Do the residents like the food?
      • Are you visiting family allowed to join you for meals?
    • About social life and activities:
      • Is there a beauty salon or barber shop in the community or nearby?
      • Are there religious services nearby or in the community?
      • Is there a community center and how well equipped and large is it?
      • Is there a fitness center or gym?
      • What types of additional recreation facilities are offered?
      • If you enjoy a sport, like tennis, golf, or swimming, are they offered?
      • Are there evening events like movie nights, dances, or performances by music groups?
      • Is there private dining or community room available for family or large events?
      • Is there an extensive but varied schedule of activities and classes, including ones that interest you?
      • Is there computer and media rooms available?
    • About the staff:
      • Does the communities work with an agency that provides in-home care companions if you need assistance in the future?
      • How much training does the staff have?
      • Are background checks done before hiring staff? If so, when and how?
      • What is the staff turnover rate?
      • Is there an activity director or staff member in charge of leading and organizing activities?
    • About Medical Care:
      • Is there a CNA, RN, or LVN on staff?
      • Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
      • Does the community work with an agency that provides nursing and medical assistance if needed in the future?
      • Is there a medical unit or clinic within the community?
      • If so, what services are available from nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc.?
  1. Forms to ask for:

    • A copy of the most recent survey results from state inspectors
    • A copy of the resident bill of rights
    • A recent weekly menu of snacks and meals
    • A recent list of weekly events and activities
    • Copies of the contracts, lease, etc.

Write down the answers to the questions as you go and keep a checklist for each community that you visit. If your visit was scheduled, it is a good idea to just drop in to see if the experience is just as nice. It is a bad sign if you are not allowed an unscheduled visit. Once you have narrowed the choices to a few, schedule in-depth visits and dig much deeper.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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